Used Ithaca 72 Saddlegun -vs- New Henry

[LightningLink]

I've been looking for a 22 lever gun for a while. Something that would be fun for me to plink with and something my son will like when he graduates from the "Chipmunk". While I would like a Win 9422 or Marlin 39A, these rarely get below $300 and I am just looking for a plinker.

A local pawnshop has a used Ithaca 72 Saddlegun in .22 LR for $175 (probably firm since that is down from $200). I could also get a new Henry from Wal-Mart for about $200~. The Ithaca is in VG-Exc condition with the only obvious flaws being a very small chip in the receiver paint and the fore stock is a little loose but could probably be shimmed. Otherwise the rifle is easily 95% condition with a mirror bore and smooth action.

My limited research says the Henry is basically the current evolution of the Ithaca 72 and about the same. Some posts suggested the Ithacas were better made, others used the term "potmetal".

Any advice on which is the better value? I have no problems buying used guns as long as they are in good condition and priced accordingly.

Thanks in advance,
LL

 

[Flatfender]

I have both and I'd get the Henry. You'll get warrenty service and you can buy parts if you need to from the manufacturer far easier than finding parts for a 30+ year old gun.

The Ithaca/Erma 72 is a good gun, but the Henrys are built better.

Stay away from the Ithaca 49R (repeater) Jam-O-Matic.

 

[moewadle]

Added information of Ithaca .22

Just trivia maybe, three years later but the thing about the Ithaca 49R repeater is, for one thing, it apparently had a PLASTIC magazine tube. A review of the gun when it was new by a gun magazine mentioned this a being troublesome. The 49R was only made for three years and then Ithaca had Erma Worke make the gun for the Ithaca 72 and put the wood on in the USA.

 

[travis301]

My brother has a 72.Very accurate and problem free gun.A great example of the German manufacturing process.Wouldn't bother me to own one.