giggitygiggity
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What is the best lever action .22 in your opinion? I am concerned with accuracy, reliability, durability, and smoothness of action. Thanks.
Best Lever Action .22
- Thread starter giggitygiggity
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dubbleA
Member
I dont know about being the best, since it's all relative to shooter but I have been shooting a little Browning BL-22 for about 34 years and it's never had a hic up. I like the short 33 degree lever, it's very quick and easy to chamber another round without losing your grip. Browning still is producing them.
Deus Machina
Member
I'm in love with my Henry. More accurate than I am.
That said, Marlins have barrels that seem to point at the bullseye even when you're not.
That said, Marlins have barrels that seem to point at the bullseye even when you're not.
10-Ring
Member
I like the Henry, the Marlin and the Browning each for slightly diffferent reasons. If I were to do it again, I'd still get the 39a 
In overall quality with no regards for price it is easily the Marlin. Winchesters are not bad nor is the Browning, but the Marlin has stood the test of time and proven itself.
A lot of people get mad at the thought of the Henry just because it does not measure up to the other guns. I don't. I actually like them. They are simply not in the same class as the others with their painted receivers and plastic sights and barrel bands.
Does not mean they won't shoot and I think they are an excellent value for the money. While they are not in the same league as the others they are just as good as or better than most any other 22. If you want a 22 to shoot and are not worried about its value when passing it down to your grandkids then buy one and be happy with it.
A lot of people get mad at the thought of the Henry just because it does not measure up to the other guns. I don't. I actually like them. They are simply not in the same class as the others with their painted receivers and plastic sights and barrel bands.
Does not mean they won't shoot and I think they are an excellent value for the money. While they are not in the same league as the others they are just as good as or better than most any other 22. If you want a 22 to shoot and are not worried about its value when passing it down to your grandkids then buy one and be happy with it.
76shuvlinoff
Member
Exactly. Mine's a 79 39A, old (er) but not OLD and my much less expensive Marlin 60 shoots just as well. - Yeah I know that one's not a lever!
Dad has a 52 39A that is nicked, dinged, and pitted ...however I probably trade him my flawless 79 if he was interested but at 87 years young he still treasures it.
CajunBass
Member
I'm pretty fond of my 39A, but I'll admit I've never fired the others.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
Marlin is usually more accurate with Henry close behind and Win on the Henry's tail.
krs
Member
The Henry rifles -
I didn't know this, and I'm somehow very sad to hear it. Those pretty brass receivers are painted??
I didn't know this, and I'm somehow very sad to hear it. Those pretty brass receivers are painted??
I was refering to the ones with "blued" receivers. As far as I know the brass ones are real brass. The Painted receivers are not as bad as most people make of it. The Ruger 10-22 and Marlin 60 are highly thought of and are painted to look blue as well.
az_imuth
Member
I own several lever 22's and have cast my vote for the Winchester. In the areas of accuracy and reliability, I feel they are all pretty equal. For durability I give the nod to the Winchester over the Marlin simply due to the Marlin's fragile ejector. Seems to me that they could have come up with something a little better. The Henry is definately the king of smoothness, especially with the GB model. My Winchester is quite a bit smoother than my '53 Marlin. The Winchesters are also "take-down" models, they just doesn't have the convenient thumb screw that comes on the Marlin.
In my opinion, they are each great rifles and you would probably be happy with any one of them. However, if I were to buy a Henry today, I'd get the Frontier model with the octogon barrel and metal sights over the standard model.
I don't own a Browning (yet), so I'll reserve comment on their fine looking lever rifle.
usp9
Member
The Marlin 39 gets my vote for best overall. The little Browning BL22 is a fine rifle that may, at the least, be the best value for the dollar.
fireman 9731
Member
Hmmm tough decision... The Marlin 39A is the king of all lever 22s. Highest quality without a doubt. However, the action of my Henry is silky smooth, but the sights suck. My Henry has a great fit and finish, and I have never seen one wear out.
If that is what you are looking for, then I would go for the Henry.
If that is what you are looking for, then I would go for the Henry.
Harve Curry
Member
Interesting topic. In the replies could some of you include what kind of accuracy you get and at what distance(s)??
JohnBT
Member
Remington Nylon 76. The lever operated a rack-and-pinion and the throw was smooooth. Yes, I've owned one, but I gave it to an uncle.
Okay, seriously, I vote for the Marlin 39a Mountie.
John
Okay, seriously, I vote for the Marlin 39a Mountie.
John
seuss
Member
My 39D gets my vote. Although I really do love my single shot winchester also.
DMK
Member
I love my Marlin 39A It's accurate and built like a tank. I never been impressed by the Henry lever actions. Handle one and a marlin next to each other and you'll quickly make up your own mind. I haven't tried a Winnie though.
SwampWolf
Member
Not for me. This is the easiest poll choice I've ever voted on: Marlin 39, hands down! (Not that the other candidates are chopped liver mind you)
Claude Clay
Member
upon receipt of the three i shall test and post results.
if not pre-paid, it will be understood that you do not want them back.
thank you,
CC
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out of the box the goldenboy has the smoothest action. i stumbled upon it 1st and the other two are still on my wish list.
if not pre-paid, it will be understood that you do not want them back.
thank you,
CC
--------------------------
out of the box the goldenboy has the smoothest action. i stumbled upon it 1st and the other two are still on my wish list.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I have a matching pair of Winchester 9422 & 9422M carbines.
Both are the most accurate & finest finished .22 lever-actions I have ever laid hands on.
But they both have first year serial numbers of less then 6,000.
On toward the end of the run the machinery at Winchester was getting worn out, and they didn't have any money to replace it, so your milage may vary on the later ones.
Overall, I don't think there has been a better or higher quality lever-action .22 made then the early 9422's.
Marlin 39's are most certainly very fine rifles, but the level of fit & finish is nowhere near that of the older Winchester 9422's, even back then.
rc
Both are the most accurate & finest finished .22 lever-actions I have ever laid hands on.
But they both have first year serial numbers of less then 6,000.
On toward the end of the run the machinery at Winchester was getting worn out, and they didn't have any money to replace it, so your milage may vary on the later ones.
Overall, I don't think there has been a better or higher quality lever-action .22 made then the early 9422's.
Marlin 39's are most certainly very fine rifles, but the level of fit & finish is nowhere near that of the older Winchester 9422's, even back then.
rc
krs
Member
There are lever actions and then there are lever actioned niceties...
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krs
Member
Oh, you mean the REPEATING kind?
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351 WINCHESTER
Member
The Winchester is by far smoother, but they are no longer made. The Marlin is a great gun too. For the money the Henry is smooth and works just fine. Take your pick.
Furncliff
Member
I gave my wife a Browning lever for Valentines day a few years back. It's accurate, my daughter is deadly with it, it's light and handy a great rifle for someone of small stature. My Marlin Mountie is new to me. I'm having jam problems and I have not found it to be all that accurate. I hope I get the issues squared away because I like the gun. It has a larger diameter, heavier barrel than other .22's, it gives the feeling of a well made and sturdy gun. The Marlin 39 design has been in production longer than any other rifle in the world.
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