My new little plinker... - The Firearms Forum

Nolaphoto1 · 01-30-2012, 08:52 PM

Ok on what started as a quest to help a friend research a .22 lever action, things took a little twist. When it comes to firearms, I don't necessarily want or have to have the coolest, baddest, or most intimidating firearm. I tend to make my gun purchases based on firearms I feel represent a place in history or those that I found myself fascinated by as a youngster. Well for the past couple of years I've been debating the merits of getting a little handy lever action rifle. As a child of the 70's and 80's I missed the whole western era of TV programming, so I never fancied a firearm from the era represented by those TV shows. But later as an adult more interested in history, I began to understand the significance of the contributions of J.M. Browning and his work with Winchester. Then an understanding of the role of carbines came to me. All of this led me to really begin wanting a lever action gun. While I would love to own an 1873, 1886, 1892, or 1894 Winchester, I wanted a gun that was affordable to purchase and ultimately shoot. So rather than spend a fortune on buying ammunition for a .45 Long Colt or other similarly expensive caliber, I thought this was a good opportunity to merge my new found desire for a lever action gun with the fun and economy of the .22LR. So, I bought the compact Browning BL-22.

I haven't shot it yet so I can't comment yet on accuracy or function. I can however tell you that the finish on this gun is amazing. The wood is so pretty, you don't want to even touch it because you know the fingerprints will show on the high-gloss finish. Both the bluing and wood are flawless. Depending on the weather, I may go to the range this weekend to put a few rounds through it. I want this to be a fun, little plinker, so I have no intention of putting a scope on it.

BETH · 01-30-2012, 08:54 PM

very nice let us know what happens at the range

jack404 · 01-30-2012, 08:59 PM

nice pic !

mranum · 01-30-2012, 10:16 PM

I've always had a thing for lever actions, in particular .22's. Sadly I had a very hard time justifying their costs. In the early '90's I finally decided that I was going to buy a new one. The Marlin was the most expensive thing out there at the time and was ruled out. It came down to the Browning or the Winchester 9422. I agonized over the choice but opted for the Winchester instead. Loved the look and feel of the Browning but the short throw action just never felt right for me. Heard nothing but good things about them though, I'm sure your gonna love it.

Albtraum · 01-30-2012, 11:00 PM

Looks great and that is one AMAZING photograph you took.

Nolaphoto1 · 01-31-2012, 09:46 PM

Thanks. Photography is something I dabble in on the side.

I too made my way down the list of available lever action rimfires. Henry, Marlin, Browing...each had their advantage and sometimes a disadvantage. For the Henry, the painted receiver of unidentified material was an issue. While I know it has an outstanding reputation and following, I tend to want to know exactly what I am buying. In regards to the Marlin 39A, I loved how it felt in my hands...like a full size rifle. In fact I thought the gentleman behind the counter at the gun shop handed me a 30-30. However, I was put off by the numerous complaints about ejection issues. I own a Marlin model 60 and have enjoyed it for several years. I just didn't want to risk a bad experience it. So, since Winchester no longer makes the 9422, that left me with the little BL-22 from Browning. I say little because, well, it is a very compact firearm. In fact, I believe some will be put off by it's size. But, as a plinker, that is exactly what I was looking for... quick handling, easy to shoulder, compact, fun.

Albtraum · 01-31-2012, 11:20 PM

Let us know how it shoots. The problems with the Marlins seem to be negligence of the owners. My uncle has a Henry Golden Boy, the nicest brass I've ever seen. Just wondering, how many .22s does it hold in the tube?

Nolaphoto1 · 02-01-2012, 08:23 AM

It'll hold 15 long rifle or 22 shorts.

Zane71464 · 02-01-2012, 08:58 AM

AWESOME picture!
And to say it's a "plinker"....Im not sure about that. More maybe on the side of a tack driver!

3/2 STA SS · 02-02-2012, 09:54 AM

I had the same rifle 20 years ago and it is awesome!! Very accurate. Good find and a keeper for sure...I wish I had.

AAofLot19 · 02-02-2012, 10:48 AM

I got one in a trade a couple years ago and absolutely love it. I shoot it more than any .22 that I own.

Hawg · 02-02-2012, 02:48 PM

A buddy of mine had one that belonged to his grandfather. Very nice and accurate little gun. I shot it quite a bit but I never liked the short lever throw.

3/2 STA SS · 02-02-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawg

A buddy of mine had one that belonged to his grandfather. Very nice and accurate little gun. I shot it quite a bit but I never liked the short lever throw.

Thats what sold me on it was the short throw...great rifle.

pmwizard · 02-02-2012, 10:11 PM

I bought my Henry H001 used from Cabella's. SHot great from the first round fired. I would consider buying another Henry lever gun brcause I can't say anything bad about the rifle. I shoot the cheap, bulk ammo so every now and then I get an FTF. I then put it in my S&W 22 revolver to see if it will fire the round, and 9 out of 10 times it does not fire.

Zane71464 · 02-02-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmwizard

I bought my Henry H001 used from Cabella's. SHot great from the first round fired. I would consider buying another Henry lever gun brcause I can't say anything bad about the rifle. I shoot the cheap, bulk ammo so every now and then I get an FTF. I then put it in my S&W 22 revolver to see if it will fire the round, and 9 out of 10 times it does not fire.

...mine LOVES the CCI Blazer's....puts'em down range nice and quick and spot- on!

fordtrucksforever · 02-03-2012, 12:55 AM

The Browning is a nice gun. I too dont care for the very short throw. Otherwise I have no complaints except fear of getting that first scratch. I really like the Marlins. They have a great feel and shoot extremely well. Since the first model in 1891, the design is basically unchanged. I would like to find an early 1891 that loads thru the right side of receiver like the larger Winchester and Marlin lever actions. If the value of these old models wasnt so high, I would have already modified an 1892 or 1897 to feed thru the receiver. That is a great looking background for your rifle. You should have no complaints with your new toy.

GunNut89 · 02-03-2012, 05:40 AM

very nice rifle! i'm sure you're going to love it

olafhardt · 02-04-2012, 04:50 AM

Marlin made a little lever the 39D for just a few years. I traded a Winchester model 70 for one and always thought I got the best of the trade. It has a 15 round magazine as does yours. It has always been one of my favorites-the perfect size for a 22. Congratulations!

fuzebox40 · 02-04-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albtraum

Looks great and that is one AMAZING photograph you took.

Yes but can you reshoot with a bottle of Jack sittin atop the barrel!

bobkk · 02-06-2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olafhardt

Marlin made a little lever the 39D for just a few years. I traded a Winchester model 70 for one and always thought I got the best of the trade. It has a 15 round magazine as does yours. It has always been one of my favorites-the perfect size for a 22. Congratulations!

I bought a 39D last year and like it. It's handier than my 39A. Put a old Redfield 22 rimfire 3/4- 4 power scope on it. Scope is as clear as when I Bought it in the 70's.

01-30-2012, 08:52 PM	#1
Nolaphoto1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 109	My new little plinker... Ok on what started as a quest to help a friend research a .22 lever action, things took a little twist. When it comes to firearms, I don't necessarily want or have to have the coolest, baddest, or most intimidating firearm. I tend to make my gun purchases based on firearms I feel represent a place in history or those that I found myself fascinated by as a youngster. Well for the past couple of years I've been debating the merits of getting a little handy lever action rifle. As a child of the 70's and 80's I missed the whole western era of TV programming, so I never fancied a firearm from the era represented by those TV shows. But later as an adult more interested in history, I began to understand the significance of the contributions of J.M. Browning and his work with Winchester. Then an understanding of the role of carbines came to me. All of this led me to really begin wanting a lever action gun. While I would love to own an 1873, 1886, 1892, or 1894 Winchester, I wanted a gun that was affordable to purchase and ultimately shoot. So rather than spend a fortune on buying ammunition for a .45 Long Colt or other similarly expensive caliber, I thought this was a good opportunity to merge my new found desire for a lever action gun with the fun and economy of the .22LR. So, I bought the compact Browning BL-22. I haven't shot it yet so I can't comment yet on accuracy or function. I can however tell you that the finish on this gun is amazing. The wood is so pretty, you don't want to even touch it because you know the fingerprints will show on the high-gloss finish. Both the bluing and wood are flawless. Depending on the weather, I may go to the range this weekend to put a few rounds through it. I want this to be a fun, little plinker, so I have no intention of putting a scope on it. Attached Images __________________ Jeff Gun List: Beretta A300 12ga., Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1, Savage 10FP heavy barrel .308 w/ 4-12x 50mm Ballistic range finding scope and Harris bipod, Bushmaster AR-15 M4-A2, Springfield Armory XD Tactical 9mm, Marlin Model 60 .22, Browning Buck Mark .22, and Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Stainless Steel "Loaded," Browning BL-22. I also "shoot" with Canon cameras. Does that count? Wish list: H&K USP, Beretta 92-FS, CZ-75B, Anschutz 64MPR, FN-FAL,& an M-1 Garand -->

01-30-2012, 08:54 PM	#2
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,676	Re: My new little plinker... very nice let us know what happens at the range

01-30-2012, 08:59 PM	#3
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: My new little plinker... nice pic !

01-30-2012, 10:16 PM	#4
mranum V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Central WI Posts: 463	Re: My new little plinker... I've always had a thing for lever actions, in particular .22's. Sadly I had a very hard time justifying their costs. In the early '90's I finally decided that I was going to buy a new one. The Marlin was the most expensive thing out there at the time and was ruled out. It came down to the Browning or the Winchester 9422. I agonized over the choice but opted for the Winchester instead. Loved the look and feel of the Browning but the short throw action just never felt right for me. Heard nothing but good things about them though, I'm sure your gonna love it.

01-30-2012, 11:00 PM	#5
Albtraum Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 635	Re: My new little plinker... Looks great and that is one AMAZING photograph you took.

01-31-2012, 09:46 PM	#6
Nolaphoto1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 109	Re: My new little plinker... Thanks. Photography is something I dabble in on the side. I too made my way down the list of available lever action rimfires. Henry, Marlin, Browing...each had their advantage and sometimes a disadvantage. For the Henry, the painted receiver of unidentified material was an issue. While I know it has an outstanding reputation and following, I tend to want to know exactly what I am buying. In regards to the Marlin 39A, I loved how it felt in my hands...like a full size rifle. In fact I thought the gentleman behind the counter at the gun shop handed me a 30-30. However, I was put off by the numerous complaints about ejection issues. I own a Marlin model 60 and have enjoyed it for several years. I just didn't want to risk a bad experience it. So, since Winchester no longer makes the 9422, that left me with the little BL-22 from Browning. I say little because, well, it is a very compact firearm. In fact, I believe some will be put off by it's size. But, as a plinker, that is exactly what I was looking for... quick handling, easy to shoulder, compact, fun. __________________ Jeff Gun List: Beretta A300 12ga., Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1, Savage 10FP heavy barrel .308 w/ 4-12x 50mm Ballistic range finding scope and Harris bipod, Bushmaster AR-15 M4-A2, Springfield Armory XD Tactical 9mm, Marlin Model 60 .22, Browning Buck Mark .22, and Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Stainless Steel "Loaded," Browning BL-22. I also "shoot" with Canon cameras. Does that count? Wish list: H&K USP, Beretta 92-FS, CZ-75B, Anschutz 64MPR, FN-FAL,& an M-1 Garand

01-31-2012, 11:20 PM	#7
Albtraum Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 635	Re: My new little plinker... Let us know how it shoots. The problems with the Marlins seem to be negligence of the owners. My uncle has a Henry Golden Boy, the nicest brass I've ever seen. Just wondering, how many .22s does it hold in the tube?

02-01-2012, 08:23 AM	#8
Nolaphoto1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 109	Re: My new little plinker... It'll hold 15 long rifle or 22 shorts. __________________ Jeff Gun List: Beretta A300 12ga., Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1, Savage 10FP heavy barrel .308 w/ 4-12x 50mm Ballistic range finding scope and Harris bipod, Bushmaster AR-15 M4-A2, Springfield Armory XD Tactical 9mm, Marlin Model 60 .22, Browning Buck Mark .22, and Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Stainless Steel "Loaded," Browning BL-22. I also "shoot" with Canon cameras. Does that count? Wish list: H&K USP, Beretta 92-FS, CZ-75B, Anschutz 64MPR, FN-FAL,& an M-1 Garand

02-01-2012, 08:58 AM	#9
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,362	Re: My new little plinker... AWESOME picture! And to say it's a "plinker"....Im not sure about that. More maybe on the side of a tack driver! __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

02-02-2012, 09:54 AM	#10
3/2 STA SS Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Area, FL Posts: 1,437	Re: My new little plinker... I had the same rifle 20 years ago and it is awesome!! Very accurate. Good find and a keeper for sure...I wish I had. __________________ MORS DE CONTACTUS-DEATH ON CONTACT

02-02-2012, 10:48 AM	#11
AAofLot19 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 61	Re: My new little plinker... I got one in a trade a couple years ago and absolutely love it. I shoot it more than any .22 that I own. __________________ I think there is only one quality worse than hardness of heart and that is softness of head. Theodore Roosevelt

02-02-2012, 02:48 PM	#12
Hawg Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,558	Re: My new little plinker... A buddy of mine had one that belonged to his grandfather. Very nice and accurate little gun. I shot it quite a bit but I never liked the short lever throw.

02-02-2012, 10:11 PM	#14
pmwizard Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 27	Re: My new little plinker... I bought my Henry H001 used from Cabella's. SHot great from the first round fired. I would consider buying another Henry lever gun brcause I can't say anything bad about the rifle. I shoot the cheap, bulk ammo so every now and then I get an FTF. I then put it in my S&W 22 revolver to see if it will fire the round, and 9 out of 10 times it does not fire.

02-03-2012, 12:55 AM	#16
fordtrucksforever V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East of DFW Posts: 230	Re: My new little plinker... The Browning is a nice gun. I too dont care for the very short throw. Otherwise I have no complaints except fear of getting that first scratch. I really like the Marlins. They have a great feel and shoot extremely well. Since the first model in 1891, the design is basically unchanged. I would like to find an early 1891 that loads thru the right side of receiver like the larger Winchester and Marlin lever actions. If the value of these old models wasnt so high, I would have already modified an 1892 or 1897 to feed thru the receiver. That is a great looking background for your rifle. You should have no complaints with your new toy.

02-03-2012, 05:40 AM	#17
GunNut89 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 339	Re: My new little plinker... very nice rifle! i'm sure you're going to love it

02-04-2012, 04:50 AM	#18
olafhardt V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 52	Re: My new little plinker... Marlin made a little lever the 39D for just a few years. I traded a Winchester model 70 for one and always thought I got the best of the trade. It has a 15 round magazine as does yours. It has always been one of my favorites-the perfect size for a 22. Congratulations!