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Thread: Best 22 lever action?

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Best 22 lever action?

    Had a Henry H001T. Loved the looks, hated the painted receiver. Looking for an all metal (steel) and wood stocked 22 lever gun. Looking at the 9422, BL22, 39a. Am I missing any? Which would you pick and why? Purpose is mostly plinking. Some hunting, but traditionally use a scoped 10/22 for that. Would like to be able to use S, L, LR. Would like it to be robust enough to pass down to my youngest, hopefully 40-50+ years from now.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master wrench man's Avatar
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    Do you like Marlins or Winchesters better?
    The Browning isn't any better than a Henry?, if it's that good?
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  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy CanoeRoller's Avatar
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    Does it have to be a repeater? I have a BSA Martini. It is a fantastic lever action 22.
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  4. #4
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    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    Having had all the ones you mention, here are my thoughts:

    I didn't like the Henry due to all the plastic parts. I had one of the Ithaca's (previous version of this design) whe I was a kid just out of high school and it was a lot better gun.

    BL22 grade II was alright, but awful shiny.

    94-22 Mine was the XTR version, it was also okay, way better than the Henry; but it didn't feel quite right to me. It was accurate, it just didn't agree with me.

    M39A I wish I still had it. Good trigger and very shootable.

    If you want one to feel like a rifle, get the Marlin. If you would rather have a carbine, the 94-22 gets the nod. I have never shot any of the shorter barreled Marlins though.

    Just my opinion,

    Robert

  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy oldgeezershooter's Avatar
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    Marlin 39A, put a regular 4X scope and shoot the eyes out of gnats!

  6. #6
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    I believe it would be a toss up between the Winchester and the Marlin depending on what feels right for you. I personally like the Winchester but that is just me. And yes I have shot both the Browning and the Marlin.

    gmsharps

  7. #7
    Banned Bullshop Junior's Avatar
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    Marlin. I personaly cant stand any of the winchester lever guns.

  8. #8
    In Remembrance
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    I have and like a marlin, however a winchester it isn't. I would like to find a winchester at an affordable price.

  9. #9
    Banned Bullshop Junior's Avatar
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    If you find a winny and wanna sell the marlin let me know. Ive been looking for one.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master Airman Basic's Avatar
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    Just for a pot stirrer, have you considered a Mossberg Palomino? Had one since the 60s, sold it, then bought it back 20 years later. Wonderful plinker. Trained my wife and kids on it. See them for sale occasionally.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master Lead Fred's Avatar
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    Dang no mention of the only 100% made in America lever.....

    Henry!

    Dang smooth action, shoots good too.

    http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-lever-action.cfm
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  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master

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    I regretted passing up a pristine 39a about 1 year ago. I just didn't have the coin available at the time. The only "bad" thing is that the marlin and winchester have only been going up in price. With the Marlins seeing a premium for a JM stamped Marlin.

    Lead Fred, I had a Henry. I was a little disappointed with the small things. As a whole, it shot nicely. But the peeling and chipping painted receiver, all the plastic bits, smooth action but felt "plasticky" and not solid if that makes any sense.

  13. #13
    L Ross
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    Well, get a 9422 and a 39a, then mount Marbles tang sights on them and enjoy them both for the next 40 to 50 years. Then you'll have a carbine and a rifle. I only wish there was a 9422 made just like a Model 64, short magazine tube, pistol grip, rifle length barrel and the quality of 50+ years ago.

    Duke

  14. #14
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    My 39 was the Golden Mountie carbine. The best of both worlds. But, I was all set to buy a matching 9422/22mag set when Winchester stopped making them. IMO both brands are nice. These days it's pretty much Marlin or Henry and I just can't get used to the Henry.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master


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    The Marlin 39A is spectacular.

    But mine is 50 years old.

    I don't know about the new ones.
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  16. #16
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    Marlin..hands down !

  17. #17
    Boolit Grand Master in Remembrance


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    Had a Marlin way back in the 50's, purchased new, one of the worst guns I've ever owned and one of only 2 I've ever sold. Never owned a Winchester 9422 or a Browning for that matter. I do currently own a Henry and for the bucks spent its one fine rifle.

    To those who keep claiming plastic parts on a Henry, please elaborate.

    Mine has 2, that's two, parts that are plastic, one is the butt plate and the other is the part that pushes the cartridges towards the action, in most 22's these 2 parts are plastic with out much exception.

    You might also want to read the reviews regarding the current Marlin 39A's.
    Last edited by jcwit; 11-04-2013 at 12:07 PM.
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  18. #18
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    There's a reason the 39A is the #1 lever rifle in smallbore lever rifle silhouette competitions - it just flat out shoots straight.

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  19. #19
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lead Fred View Post
    Dang no mention of the only 100% made in America lever.....

    Henry!

    Dang smooth action, shoots good too.

    http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-lever-action.cfm
    May be true for new guns but not so for the large numbers in the used market. I've had two Win 9422s (made in 1972 and 1975), currently have one (made in 1972), both for sure and for certain made in New Haven Conn. USA. Very fine, accurate 22rf levers.

  20. #20
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    I have to add one more to the Marlin 39A votes. These guns are nearly $700 now and nothing really comes close. I would recommend finding a good older one with out the safety. My gun is actually a 39AS made in the 90's. It is very accurate but has a rebounding hammer which I don't like.

    You will pay $300 to 400 for a good used one, but you can always get that money back when you sell it.

    Randy
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