best lever action 22lr - The Firearms Forum

pea shooter · 03-13-2010, 04:47 PM

who makes the best lever action 22lr

old semperfi · 03-13-2010, 05:23 PM

depends on your idea of best.best shooting re accuracy,best handleing,what?i think as far as retaining value and looks it would be a marlin 39a,i have had a number of them and they are accurate and smooth rifles although pricey.now as far as value for dollar and all around shooting you can not find a better one than the 22 henry.you can find them used for around 175-200 dollars and buy them new for less than 300.they will shoot shorts,longs,and long rifle.i have shot thousands of rounds thru one of mine with no problems old semperfi

Win73 · 03-13-2010, 09:25 PM

I don't know much about the Henry because I have never had one. However I do have a Marlin Golden 39A Mountie of 1967 vintage. It has had thousands and thousands of rounds through it and is still in excellent condition. The only thing I have had to do to it is replace the spring that holds the lever shut. It cost me like $4.

The receiver on a 39A is machined from a solid block of steel. If taken decent care of, a 39A should last at least several lifetimes. I have looked at Henry's in the gun shop. I can't believe they would be as durable as a 39A. They just don't seem nearly as solid.

Farmerjon · 03-13-2010, 09:33 PM

The only lever 22 we had when I was growing up was an Ithica. Don't know model or numbers, dad and I would go out of town and go down a strip of dirt road where an old wino drank, one Saturday a month we would shoot bottles and just have a ball. Dad pulled out this lever action, man I thought I was Little Joe off of Bonanza!!! The next time we went out I asked about it, he traded it off!!!! I now have 2 Golden boys, 22lr and 22mag, consecutive numbers never fired, and two blued Henry's that I have shot the heck out of. Like said earlier, you can load shorts, lr and longs and it doesn't care if all three types are mixed and matched in the tube, it'll sort 'em through, shoot 'em, and spit 'em out!

bntyhntr6975 · 03-13-2010, 10:54 PM

My first .22lr was a Win 9422. Still have it, still works just as good as the day it was brought home. I got it used, but could hardly tell it. Had it 16 yrs now, I'd hate to guess how many rounds have been through it, 0 problems.

Win73 · 03-14-2010, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bntyhntr6975

My first .22lr was a Win 9422.

The 9422 was a good one too. To bad it isn't still made.

mr.t7024 · 03-14-2010, 10:29 PM

In order Marlin 39 A, Winchester 9422, and the Henry, nuff said LOL

accident · 03-15-2010, 12:58 AM

My vote would be the BL-22.Mine has seen more abuse than any firearm should have to go through.It's even been driven over.it's 33years old and after all that it still shoots like it did when new.I especially like the short lever throw.However, it was made in Japan not USA made. Just my .02 worth. Joe

Tom · 03-15-2010, 08:41 AM

My first gun was a Marlin 39A that I got in 1963. Shortly after I retired 5 years ago I found a very nice ’69 vintage 39A Mountie. Both are great guns. My most recent gun is a ’72 vintage Winchester 9422. I haven’t had the chance to shoot it much yet, but it seems to be pretty good as well. I don’t have the little Browning .22 lever gun or a Henry, so I don’t know about them.

Photo of 39A Mountie and 9422

pinecone70 · 03-15-2010, 08:47 AM

My 39A is smooth, lever-wise, but it has not been chambering (any brand of) shells. Bought it new less than a year ago. They're not all perfect, apparently.

todd51 · 03-15-2010, 09:00 AM

This could easily be like the question which is best a Ford or a Chevy. If the Winchester was still in production it would get my vote. The Marlin is hard to beat. One feature with the Browning that moves it high on the list is the fact that the trigger comes down with the lever when cocking. I really like that. Have no experience with the Henry.

MemphisJim1 · 03-16-2010, 03:23 PM

I have a Henry H001T that is as smooth and accurate as anyone could ask. I also have a Win 9422M -- and it's the gold standard in my book. In fact, I intend to acquire another 9422 when finances permit.

Big Shrek · 03-17-2010, 01:03 PM

Marlin 39a whoops everything on the market...it's hard to find anything else THAT precise in a lever-action.

But as a close second, I'd look at a Mossberg 464.

If I couldn't get either of those, a Henry GoldenBoy.

I am partial to the older Marlin 39's, before they put in the crossbolt safety.

illinoisjimmy · 03-27-2010, 03:07 PM

I just came into a Marlin golden 39A mountie. I am looking at taking the piece apart to give it a good cleaning. The previous owner never cleaned it. Looking for a in depth instruction manual or a video? Can anyone help?

Win73 · 03-27-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinoisjimmy

I just came into a Marlin golden 39A mountie. I am looking at taking the piece apart to give it a good cleaning. The previous owner never cleaned it. Looking for a in depth instruction manual or a video? Can anyone help?

Taking it apart is a snap. Just cock the hammer and unscrew the big screw head on the right side. It holds the two halves of the receiver together. You don't have to remove it completely, just get it out of the left half of the receiver. Then put the right side of the receiver against your leg with one hand around the barrel and the other around the stock and push. It will separate into two pieces. Then you can slide the bolt out of the left side of the receiver. That's all the disassembly you need to do.

It probably took me longer to write it than it will take you to do it.

GunHugger · 03-27-2010, 06:32 PM

Marlin 39A, the pre-crossbolt safety ones. But the new ones aren't all that bad, I just like the older ones better. No other lever action comes close.

If you like a pistol grip. This one's a 1982 with a Century Limited stock set. I still have the originals. I'm not crazy about scopes on them but it shoots so good it deserves one...and I can't see like I used to.

Or if you like a straight grip, a 39A Mountie. This is a 1957.

RJay · 03-27-2010, 07:40 PM

Can't judge the Golden Boy , never had one, but between the Winchester 9422 and the Marlin 39A, well, I have to stick up for my first love, the Marlin 39A,1949 Manufacture, it is accurate as sin and almost as much fun to shoot. I have a old Williams peep sight on it and no small furry mammal within an 100 yards is safe when when it starts barking. It also took a whitetail that was having lunch in our cornfield but that's a different story.

bamashooter · 03-27-2010, 08:31 PM

my opinion its the henry. smoothest action ive ever seen, very accurate, shoots S,L,LR. mine has 1000's of rounds through it and its never had any problems. bluing is still very good, wood is awesome. i dont have any of the others but im sure they are all good rifles.

Danwin22 · 03-27-2010, 08:45 PM

I feel fortunate to own an early Winchester 9422 and would not trade it for any other lever action ever made.

Another .22 lever action I'd like to have is a Marlin Mountie.

Not in production now is the Taurus slim & trim lever action from their copy of the Winchester 62A pump and it sure looked nice but they stopped making them. They were available in blue or stainless steel. Here's a picture.

Agentwil · 03-27-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamashooter

my opinion its the henry. smoothest action ive ever seen, very accurate, shoots S,L,LR. mine has 1000's of rounds through it and its never had any problems. bluing is still very good, wood is awesome. i dont have any of the others but im sure they are all good rifles.

I have to agree with you. I have a Henry and it has to be one of my most fun rifles. I'm thinking of getting rid of my 10/22 because I much rather shoot my Henry. Ammo quality doesn't matter it seems to feed and shoot anything I put in it, can't say that about the 10/22. I'm sure I will be giving my henry to my son when he is old enough, I know I won't be selling it.

gazzmann · 03-27-2010, 09:17 PM

I enjoy my 39a. Lots of fun to shoot.

OldPilgrim · 03-28-2010, 01:15 PM

I have a 1954 Marlin 39a and a 2006 Henry blued lever model (H001).

I'm impressed by both.

The Marlin is the standard, well made and slick action.

The Henry is surprisingly close to the same quality. The wood is perfect, the action is as smooth and it's just as accurate. The only 'lesser' part is the cast receiver of the Henry, but the bluing is perfect and beautiful.

Foe less than $300 new, the Henry is a bargain.

runswithscissors · 03-28-2010, 08:35 PM

the old Browning BL22's are worth a look and stil;l being produced. These are excellent lever rimfires starting @ about $559 msrp. See the link below...

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...24&type_id=100

Marlin · 03-29-2010, 09:13 AM

I have been shooting a Marlin 39 since the early forties and wouldn't have any other.

I have never had a jam or failure and have bagged a heap of rabbit, squirrel, rats and crows. That doesn't count the plinking done. Thousands and thousands of rounds since 1941 !!!!!!

fleetwood1976 · 03-29-2010, 04:07 PM

All I can vouch for is my Marlin 39a golden mountie. Straight grip. I would not Trade it for anything.

03-13-2010, 04:47 PM	#1
pea shooter Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 45	best lever action 22lr who makes the best lever action 22lr -->

03-13-2010, 05:23 PM	#2
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: best lever action 22lr depends on your idea of best.best shooting re accuracy,best handleing,what?i think as far as retaining value and looks it would be a marlin 39a,i have had a number of them and they are accurate and smooth rifles although pricey.now as far as value for dollar and all around shooting you can not find a better one than the 22 henry.you can find them used for around 175-200 dollars and buy them new for less than 300.they will shoot shorts,longs,and long rifle.i have shot thousands of rounds thru one of mine with no problems old semperfi

03-13-2010, 09:25 PM	#3
Win73 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 127	Re: best lever action 22lr I don't know much about the Henry because I have never had one. However I do have a Marlin Golden 39A Mountie of 1967 vintage. It has had thousands and thousands of rounds through it and is still in excellent condition. The only thing I have had to do to it is replace the spring that holds the lever shut. It cost me like $4. The receiver on a 39A is machined from a solid block of steel. If taken decent care of, a 39A should last at least several lifetimes. I have looked at Henry's in the gun shop. I can't believe they would be as durable as a 39A. They just don't seem nearly as solid. __________________ (Luke 11:21 KJV) When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: (Luke 22:36 KJV) Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

03-13-2010, 09:33 PM	#4
Farmerjon V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 83	Re: best lever action 22lr The only lever 22 we had when I was growing up was an Ithica. Don't know model or numbers, dad and I would go out of town and go down a strip of dirt road where an old wino drank, one Saturday a month we would shoot bottles and just have a ball. Dad pulled out this lever action, man I thought I was Little Joe off of Bonanza!!! The next time we went out I asked about it, he traded it off!!!! I now have 2 Golden boys, 22lr and 22mag, consecutive numbers never fired, and two blued Henry's that I have shot the heck out of. Like said earlier, you can load shorts, lr and longs and it doesn't care if all three types are mixed and matched in the tube, it'll sort 'em through, shoot 'em, and spit 'em out! __________________ God and family, the rest is icing on the cake. FJ

03-13-2010, 10:54 PM	#5
bntyhntr6975 V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 259	Re: best lever action 22lr My first .22lr was a Win 9422. Still have it, still works just as good as the day it was brought home. I got it used, but could hardly tell it. Had it 16 yrs now, I'd hate to guess how many rounds have been through it, 0 problems. __________________ There is a fine line between paranoid and prepared.

03-14-2010, 10:29 PM	#7
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 734	Re: best lever action 22lr In order Marlin 39 A, Winchester 9422, and the Henry, nuff said LOL

03-15-2010, 12:58 AM	#8
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: best lever action 22lr My vote would be the BL-22.Mine has seen more abuse than any firearm should have to go through.It's even been driven over.it's 33years old and after all that it still shoots like it did when new.I especially like the short lever throw.However, it was made in Japan not USA made. Just my .02 worth. Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-15-2010, 08:41 AM	#9
Tom V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 197	Re: best lever action 22lr My first gun was a Marlin 39A that I got in 1963. Shortly after I retired 5 years ago I found a very nice ’69 vintage 39A Mountie. Both are great guns. My most recent gun is a ’72 vintage Winchester 9422. I haven’t had the chance to shoot it much yet, but it seems to be pretty good as well. I don’t have the little Browning .22 lever gun or a Henry, so I don’t know about them. Photo of 39A Mountie and 9422 Attached Images

03-15-2010, 08:47 AM	#10
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: best lever action 22lr My 39A is smooth, lever-wise, but it has not been chambering (any brand of) shells. Bought it new less than a year ago. They're not all perfect, apparently. __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

03-15-2010, 09:00 AM	#11
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,572	Re: best lever action 22lr This could easily be like the question which is best a Ford or a Chevy. If the Winchester was still in production it would get my vote. The Marlin is hard to beat. One feature with the Browning that moves it high on the list is the fact that the trigger comes down with the lever when cocking. I really like that. Have no experience with the Henry. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

03-16-2010, 03:23 PM	#12
MemphisJim1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Suburban Memphis (Mississippi side) Posts: 58	Re: best lever action 22lr I have a Henry H001T that is as smooth and accurate as anyone could ask. I also have a Win 9422M -- and it's the gold standard in my book. In fact, I intend to acquire another 9422 when finances permit.

03-17-2010, 01:03 PM	#13
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 923	Re: best lever action 22lr Marlin 39a whoops everything on the market...it's hard to find anything else THAT precise in a lever-action. But as a close second, I'd look at a Mossberg 464. If I couldn't get either of those, a Henry GoldenBoy. I am partial to the older Marlin 39's, before they put in the crossbolt safety. __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

03-27-2010, 03:07 PM	#14
illinoisjimmy Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1	Re: best lever action 22lr I just came into a Marlin golden 39A mountie. I am looking at taking the piece apart to give it a good cleaning. The previous owner never cleaned it. Looking for a in depth instruction manual or a video? Can anyone help?

03-27-2010, 06:32 PM	#16
GunHugger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SW PA Posts: 1,161	Re: best lever action 22lr Marlin 39A, the pre-crossbolt safety ones. But the new ones aren't all that bad, I just like the older ones better. No other lever action comes close. If you like a pistol grip. This one's a 1982 with a Century Limited stock set. I still have the originals. I'm not crazy about scopes on them but it shoots so good it deserves one...and I can't see like I used to. Or if you like a straight grip, a 39A Mountie. This is a 1957. __________________ . “There will be a revolution in this country!” “I don’t believe people should to be able to own guns.” ~Barack Obama "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war let it begin here." ~Captain John Parker, to his Minute Men on Lexington Green, April 19, 1775.

03-27-2010, 07:40 PM	#17
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: best lever action 22lr Can't judge the Golden Boy , never had one, but between the Winchester 9422 and the Marlin 39A, well, I have to stick up for my first love, the Marlin 39A,1949 Manufacture, it is accurate as sin and almost as much fun to shoot. I have a old Williams peep sight on it and no small furry mammal within an 100 yards is safe when when it starts barking. It also took a whitetail that was having lunch in our cornfield but that's a different story. __________________ RonJames

03-27-2010, 08:31 PM	#18
bamashooter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: north alabama Posts: 55	Re: best lever action 22lr my opinion its the henry. smoothest action ive ever seen, very accurate, shoots S,L,LR. mine has 1000's of rounds through it and its never had any problems. bluing is still very good, wood is awesome. i dont have any of the others but im sure they are all good rifles.

03-27-2010, 08:45 PM	#19
Danwin22 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 223	Re: best lever action 22lr I feel fortunate to own an early Winchester 9422 and would not trade it for any other lever action ever made. Another .22 lever action I'd like to have is a Marlin Mountie. Not in production now is the Taurus slim & trim lever action from their copy of the Winchester 62A pump and it sure looked nice but they stopped making them. They were available in blue or stainless steel. Here's a picture. Last edited by Danwin22; 04-22-2013 at 07:30 PM..

03-27-2010, 09:17 PM	#21
gazzmann V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: So. Fla. Posts: 146	Re: best lever action 22lr I enjoy my 39a. Lots of fun to shoot.

03-28-2010, 01:15 PM	#22
OldPilgrim V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Southeastern Massachusetts Posts: 53	Re: best lever action 22lr I have a 1954 Marlin 39a and a 2006 Henry blued lever model (H001). I'm impressed by both. The Marlin is the standard, well made and slick action. The Henry is surprisingly close to the same quality. The wood is perfect, the action is as smooth and it's just as accurate. The only 'lesser' part is the cast receiver of the Henry, but the bluing is perfect and beautiful. Foe less than $300 new, the Henry is a bargain. __________________ US Army Security Agency 1967-71 Lifemember of: NRA, American Legion, DAV, AF&AM

03-28-2010, 08:35 PM	#23
runswithscissors V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS Posts: 59	Re: best lever action 22lr the old Browning BL22's are worth a look and stil;l being produced. These are excellent lever rimfires starting @ about $559 msrp. See the link below... http://www.browning.com/products/cat...24&type_id=100

03-29-2010, 09:13 AM	#24
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: best lever action 22lr I have been shooting a Marlin 39 since the early forties and wouldn't have any other. I have never had a jam or failure and have bagged a heap of rabbit, squirrel, rats and crows. That doesn't count the plinking done. Thousands and thousands of rounds since 1941 !!!!!! __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

03-29-2010, 04:07 PM	#25
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Re: best lever action 22lr All I can vouch for is my Marlin 39a golden mountie. Straight grip. I would not Trade it for anything.