My first lever-action 22LR should be ...

[GentleBen]

I'm not a stranger to target shooting, hunting (Vietnam Marine grunt) or rimfires (Sako and CZ) or ARs, etc.

But I am naive when it comes to lever-action 22LR rifles. I've been wanting to add one to my gang but hear so much negative all around. From Henrys on to Browning, Winchester, Remington, please give me a hint as to reliability and accuracy. Yes, cost is a factor. Would like to keep in under $500.

Thanks for any help offered.

 

[B23]

I've had three different Win 9422's, still have two of the three, and two Marlin 39A's. The Marlin 39A is a great 22LR lever gun. They have a great feel to them and are very accurate, but they're a little on the heavy side. I've put thousands and thousands of rounds through all of my Win 9422's and Marlin 39A's but I've always been a little more partial to the Win 9422's, maybe that's why I still have a couple of those and no Marlins.

 

[Knotwild]

I've owned a couple of Marlin Model 39A's. One was a Mountie, one was the full rifle. I loved the milled steel and take down action in those rifles. They don't make them anymore, so one would also be a good investment.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/778774548

 

[Mark M.]

If you want something special, the Browning BL22 is what you long for, first of all it's light, 5 3/4lbs. It shoots shorts, longs and long rifles, second, the cocking lever operates with only 33 degrees of movement, and it's accurate

 

[swd]

Another vote for the Winchester 9422 or Marlin 39a. Both are great, classic rifles. A great collection would have at least one of each!

 

[SSL]

If the above excellent suggestions don't fill the bill, take a look at Henry rifles. Generally priced less than the old standbys and the few I have tried were accurate (within plinking standards) and reliable. Try to find a dealer with several on hand and try cycling the actions (with the dealer's permission of course) and choose the smoothest one. Not impressed with their Big Bore line though.

 

[Mozella]

I'm not a stranger to target shooting, hunting (Vietnam Marine grunt) or rimfires (Sako and CZ) or ARs, etc.

But I am naive when it comes to lever-action 22LR rifles. I've been wanting to add one to my gang but hear so much negative all around. From Henrys on to Browning, Winchester, Remington, please give me a hint as to reliability and accuracy. Yes, cost is a factor. Would like to keep in under $500.

Thanks for any help offered.

Marlin 39A if you can find one. If not, Browning BL22 FLD Grade II if you can afford one. It's REALLY nice. Or, if you're looking for something cheap, get a Henry.

 

[rkittine]

I love my Browning BL22 and my Henry Golden Boy

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I love my Browning BL22 and my Hnery Golden Boy

Yup I have a Browning that I bought in the early 80's. i have yet to touch the iron sight. It was dead on from the factory

 

[6and7mm]

Best = Marlin 39A....it also typically costs a bit more than $500.

However, if you are willing to spend $500, then put a bit more with it and thoroughly enjoy the 39A. Your investment will be safe! The Browning lever rifles have some plastic in the tang area, which is disappointing. The 39A will keep a smile on your face every time you use it. Good luck!

 

[bichettereds]

Pre safety 39A would be my pick hands down. $500 might be enough but should be able to get a nice one for $600-650.

 

[hpshooter]

Pre Remington, pre safety Marlin 39 or a 9422.

 

[Puzzaz01]

Another vote for the Marlin 39A. You need to hold one to really appreciate the first class workmanship. You'll never look back, they are the epitome of 22 Lever action's !!!

 

[Snaketail]

I shoot Lever Action Silhouette and see all sorts of rifles at matches. The Marlin 39A was the choice of many, but they are no longer made and the ones out there are aging...if Marlin goes away (possible) the parts you need may go too.

Browning BL22 is a fine rifle, but the trigger is not. And finding someone to lighten the trigger is a real challenge. Do it yourself - yea, be sure you know what you are doing.

The most common this summer are Henry rifles. Good prices, good accuracy, and friendly factory service.

Winchester - expensive and difficult to find. May be a good rifles, but I seldom see one.

I switched from Marlin to Henry and I ain't going back.

 

[swede69]

if you buy a browning try it on first, it does not have enough drop for a good shouldering for me kinda like the sa-22. that being said it is smooth and pretty if you like the maple stock version. I didn't try mine on but don't want to get rid of it either.

 

[Tommie]

For your price range the Henry is about the only viable option. The Winchester, Browning and Marlin lever actions are bringing steep prices (unless in rough condition).

 

[Mark W]

One of the most accurate .22s that I’ve ever owned was an old Winchester Model 250 Lever Action. I traded it in on a Ruger 10-22 Target Model and ended up sorely disappointed with the outcome.

 

[jackson1]

The Marlin 39a, was the gun that started my addiction. At six my interest in shooting was non existent. At seven my favorite uncle showed me his. At ten he gave it to me. Now over 55 plus years later, I still love it. Will be passed on to my favorite grand daughter. Not much of a recommendation, but it shoots well and all the other lever action 22's never had the same appeal for me.

 

[Snaketail]

You will be happy with a Henry, and its in your price range. Go for the octagon barrel model.

 

[Rsadams]

My only advice is buy an older Marlin if you go that route... Since the buy out I have heard horror stories and seen a few with major problems.... I bought a model 60 ( they have been making that automatic forever ) just because I had gift cards after Christmas and it cost me $7 out of pocket... Didn't need it at all... It fell apart on the first outing , one box of bullets and every c clip was laying in the receiver and stock when I got home... I called to send it back and Remington answered...

They said they would mail a return ticket and I was like ok but knew it was not going back , what a cluster , no thanks.... I fixed it myself , it loves my wife she can shoot it all day now , hates me because I made it run and jams every second shot so I gave it to her and said if it breaks again chunk it in a garbage barrel at the range... Still haven't gotten that return ticket and it's been at least 2 years...