Which .22lr Lever

Which 22lr Lever Action

  • Browning BL-22

    Votes: 30 21.9%

  • Winchester 9422

    Votes: 36 26.3%

  • Other

    Votes: 71 51.8%
  • Total voters
    137
  • Poll closed .
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S

Scrumbag

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Location
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Hello folks,

Am wondering about a .22lr Lever Action rifle and have whittled it down to:

Browning BL-22
Winchester 9422

Or am open to other suggestions?

So, please let me know what you think and why.

ATB,

Scrummy
 
^^^^ Agree

Those Henry Lever action 22's are hard to beat. I have the Hoo1 that I bought a couple months back,and it such a blast to shoot. It is also very accurate. I wish I would have bought one years ago. (Kicking self in arse)
 
I don't know what is available in Switzerland, but one of the Marlin 39's or the Winchester would be the classic preference. The Winchester is no longer made and prices here have gone up considerably. Most people consider the Marlin to be the iconic American lever 22. Both are all steel and walnut with no shortcuts in materials. Both are very accurate and reliable. I have 2 older Marlins from the 1960's and a 1970's era Winchester. The Winchester is the better gun.

The Browning is too. It just never has reached the cult like status of the other 2. Being made in Japan vs USA is part of the reason.

If you just want something to shoot the Henry's are good enough for the money. But they are not even close to the same quality. A good gun for plinking at the range, but not a good long term value and not something you'll be proud to pass along to your grand kids one day.
 
A friends dad has had a Marlin 39 since before we were born (early 80s) and its still an awesome little gun.

My uncle has a Browning lever 22 that he uses as his all around hunting 22. He loves the thing and I think its really nice myself but I don't have a whole lot of time with it.

Never shot a Winchester 22 that I can remember.
 
Do a quick search. Many threads on 22 lever guns. But those two and the Marlin are superb guns. Opinions differ on the Henry.
 
First rifle I saved for and purchased with my own money was a 9422. I may be biased, but it is still my favorite .22, although I like my 39a also.
 
Just recently came into possession of a BL-22. Very nice, quality-built rifle that seemed quite accurate on it's one and only outing thus far. I also have a few Winchester 9422's and I would personally choose them over the Browning for several reasons. The 9422's are take-down rifles and are easy to disassemble and work on, whereas the Browning is a bear to disassemble/reassemble from what I hear. While I like both rifles, I also prefer the 9422 due to the more traditional style lever operation. On the Browning the trigger is part of the lever, unlike most all other lever action rifles. However, the Browning is a beautiful rifle and I do love the design of the magazine tube latch mechanism. Either one of those two would make a great rifle. Most important of all since you're the one that'll be shooting it, shoulder them both and choose the one that feels best to you.
(My BL-22 on the bottom)
Browning_Duo_zpsd216bb3f.jpg
 
Last edited:
Have owned both plus the marlin shot a couple of Henry's. I now own 3 Marlins and none of the others. I like them better in every way except finish. Browning then winy then marlin as for finish. But I mostly have guns so I can shoot them, that's where the marlin shines.
 
I voted Henry. I have two in .22lr. One is a golden boy (it is heavier). The actions are unbelievable smooth and mine are both accurate.
 
I guess i've owned/used all the poplar lever model 22's too, and i now own 3 Henry lever 22's... My Henrys have worked perfectly right out of the box

I just don't like heavy lever 22's, If i wanted that much weight, i'd carry one of my target guns around...

Of the two rifles you have chosen, i'd take the Browning, the ones i've used have been verry nice and shot well...

DM
 
I own a Marlin 39A, a Winchester 9422 Trapper, and a Browning.

I have shot them all extensively. All of them with the factory iron sights. For me, hands down I liked the Browning the best. I like the fit and finish, I like the short lever throw, I like the accuracy, and I like the factory iron sights. It seemed to be the right size and weight.

The biggest issue I had with the other two mainly centered around the factory iron sights. They have big round sights that I didn't feel were ideal for precision accuracy. This is obviously an individual preference and one that can be changed fairly easily (I think). The Marlin is also much larger and heavier than the other two FWIW.
 
The Winchester is a better gun followed by the Browning. My truck gun for 20 years was a 9422 magnum and it never failed me.
 
I have a BL-22 and my brother has a 9422.
I prefer the short throw and enclosed trigger on the Browning but like the heft of the 9422.
Overall I'll stay with the Browning. Bought it new for $100 right after dinosaurs went extinct.
 
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