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09-04-2021, 11:38 AM
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Shooting some lever action .22s
I had heard good things about the Henry lever actions so I thought I'd try one. I found a used one on Gunbroker set up the way I wanted it, 24" octagonal barrel with a Skinner peep sight set at the rear of the action for the longest sight radius. The action worked smoothly as advertised, and I don't mind that it's a casting with a cover on it.
What does irk me is that the cover looks like it's been spray painted with Krylon enamel. That's not peculiar to my gun, they are all like that, it just seems like Henry could come up with some kind of better finish that looks more like smooth blue steel. And the stock wood is pretty bland.
I took it and my other lever action .22s out for a little range session the other day. I only had 20 yards to work with but as a plinker, that's about as far as I care to shoot these days anyway. From left to right are my Winchester 9422M in .22 WMR, Winchester 9422XTR in .22LR, Marlin 1897, and the Henry. I really liked the peep sight on the Henry, even though I had to adjust it way to the left. As mentioned the action was nice and smooth, almost as good as the 9422XTR. But the Winchester's real steel was just so nice, and the checkered stock added to the pleasing shooting experience. Maybe I'll mount a peep on it....
The 9422M trigger was not quite as nice as the 9422XTR or the Henry, but the added pop of the .22 magnum cartridge was fun. The Marlin was kind of cranky to shoot even though it was pretty accurate. Its barrel has been relined so it does retain its original markings.
Last edited by Tom K; 09-04-2021 at 11:42 AM.
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09-04-2021, 11:44 AM
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Here are the targets. (I mislabeled the Marlin target, it says 1892 instead of 1897).
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09-04-2021, 11:49 AM
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Shooting some lever action .22s
Nothing against Henrys (I own a couple) but putting it with a 9422 just ain’t fair.
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Last edited by KalamazooKid; 09-05-2021 at 02:11 PM.
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09-04-2021, 11:54 AM
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Shooting some lever action .22s
I really like my golden boy in 22 magnum and I sprang for the engraved cover
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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09-04-2021, 12:03 PM
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Marlin 39A. I believe the longest .22 rifle run ever. Says something.
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09-04-2021, 12:05 PM
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Sorry about the crummy pics. This is my Marlin 39A, born in 1947. It needs to go out and get a few .22s run through it. Last time out it was pretty darn good, but I only was out 50 yards.
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09-04-2021, 12:14 PM
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I only have one 22 lever gun. Had a Marlin 39 micro groove. Didn't like any ammo. Got this Browning BL22 grade III with a 24 inch octagon barrel. Drills'em right in. Sold the Marlin.
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09-04-2021, 01:02 PM
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I looked at the oct. barrel Henry last year, lot of lever gun for the price, but having a 9422XTR. did not need it..
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09-04-2021, 05:17 PM
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I’d really like to see a New Winchester / Miroku 9422…
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09-04-2021, 08:29 PM
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I’ve really, really tried to like the Henry’s. Seems every time I go to a gun show I swing by a table of Henry’s and handle them, but I always lay them back down because they’re so dad-gum ugly.
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09-04-2021, 09:08 PM
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My bud has a .22 Henry. It's very accurate and the action is slick. If I needed a .22 lever action and I was looking for a less expensive rifle, the Henry would do it.
I've got two lever .22s, a Marlin 39A from 1961 and a Winchester 250, which I bought in 1964 or so, the first firearm I ever bought. It's cheap but shoots good. Good enough, that is.
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09-04-2021, 09:09 PM
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Recently acquired a used, Rossi 22 LR with buckhorn sights has been a real joy to shoot.
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09-04-2021, 09:20 PM
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My old clunky model 39 rebarreled to an octagon 1897 by Marlin and the wood reshaped by me. Probably my first rifle rebuild. My other 22 rifles are pumps and a T-bolt.
Last edited by Baltimoreed11754; 09-04-2021 at 09:23 PM.
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09-04-2021, 09:40 PM
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Nice collection, Tom. The basic Henry frontiersman is a nice 22 in its own right, but after all the praise that I read on this forum, I had to track down an old Marlin 39A. I now understand the praise.
Last edited by HOUSTON RICK; 09-04-2021 at 09:42 PM.
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09-04-2021, 10:37 PM
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Tom. nice .22 levers you have. Enjoy!
I have a couple that I like too. Not shown is marlin 1894M, 22 mag.
Browning BL22 octagon/Winchester 9422/Marlin 1897T(Texan) still a 39.
I've always wanted a .22 pump with exposed hammer. No Rossi's or Winchester 62's to be found. I bought the Henry .22 pump. So far it's been a good rifle.
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09-05-2021, 02:52 AM
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I have two Winchester 9422 rifles. A standard and a Legacy. I don't need any other lever action .22 rifles.
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09-05-2021, 09:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Puller
I’ve really, really tried to like the Henry’s. Seems every time I go to a gun show I swing by a table of Henry’s and handle them, but I always lay them back down because they’re so dad-gum ugly.
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^^^ I too have tried to warm up to the Henry lever guns and have just not been able to. It could be because I have a Browning BL-22 I bought new about 35 years ago and it's really hard to top one of those.
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09-05-2021, 11:43 AM
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I had a Winchester 9422. Like a fool, I sold it. Years later, I found a Marlin Centennial 1870-1970 .22 LR. I had lusted after one when they first came out, but didn't have the coin.
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09-05-2021, 12:44 PM
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the 9422 is STILL the best.
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09-05-2021, 01:00 PM
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I’m not a fan of the Henry rifles, but the 9422’s, 39A’s, and BL-22’s are all great.
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09-05-2021, 03:02 PM
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Plus one on the 9422’s and the Marlins.
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09-05-2021, 05:39 PM
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I am a real 9422 fan myself. My 9422m would be one of the last to go. My .22 BLR is nice as well, but the trigger is a beast for real accuracy, given the trigger pull is about twice the weight of the rifle.
One thing I have noticed about Henry's is the wood. Most are plain, but every once in a while, you see some really pretty wood on one, even the cheaper models.
Larry
Last edited by Fishinfool; 09-05-2021 at 05:43 PM.
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09-05-2021, 08:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jag312
I have two Winchester 9422 rifles. A standard and a Legacy. I don't need any other lever action .22 rifles.
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True. One good one is enough.............BUT WHAT FUN IS THAT?????
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09-05-2021, 08:30 PM
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Have 4 Marlins: 45-70 SDT, 30-30 Waffle top, .22 Texan & 39A.
45/70 is my favorite & has put down a few hogs& 1 deer.
Just feels good hunting with a lever gun or plinking.
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09-05-2021, 09:26 PM
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I had a Henry Golden Boy a few years ago. I have 3 Marlin 39a's and they are just better built rifles. Henry is a great company and makes good rifles but none as good as the Marlin 39a's.
Last edited by Golphin; 09-05-2021 at 09:34 PM.
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10-07-2021, 05:59 PM
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I don't care too much for the Henry lever action rifles . The Winchester 94/22's and the Marlin lever actions of which I own three are of much better quality . Not a bad gun for the money but I'd rather spend the extra $$ and enjoy the better quality of the Winchester & the Marlin.
Last edited by Empe; 10-07-2021 at 06:00 PM.
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10-07-2021, 07:07 PM
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VERY NICE!!!
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10-07-2021, 08:21 PM
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I’ve had Winchesters and both were great guns. Had a Henry Golden Boy (NRA Engraved) and recently sold it to buy a Henry Frontiersman. It is as accurate out of the box as anything I have owned. Never had to adjust the sights at all. Since my lever guns tend to ride in scabbards on horses and UTV’s money spent on “pretty” is wasted. Mine has GREAT wood.
For my use the Henry is perfect. Also a great company to deal with. Only called them one time and who anwered??? Anthony Imperato. I wanted to buy a youth stock for the Golden Boy. He asked my address and said it was on the way... no charge.
Dan
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10-07-2021, 09:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK
Nice collection, Tom. The basic Henry frontiersman is a nice 22 in its own right, but after all the praise that I read on this forum, I had to track down an old Marlin 39A. I now understand the praise.
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The Marlin Model 39A is THE classic lever-action .22.
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10-08-2021, 10:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smoothshooter
The Marlin Model 39A is THE classic lever-action .22.
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THE classic indeed !
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10-09-2021, 02:17 AM
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Well, interesting that you guys should be singing the praises of the Marlin 39A because I bought one via GunBroker a couple of weeks ago. I believe it was manufactured in 1998. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet and it will probably be several more weeks before I do have a chance. In the meantime, here's a pic from the auction.
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10-09-2021, 10:32 AM
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I like lever guns, but the only .22 I have is an 1978 Winchester 9422 XTR made before they started checkering the stocks. I absolutely love this rifle!
I've always heard very good things about Henry. They make a 16" Trapper model that I've been very tempted by. Maybe?
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10-09-2021, 10:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KalamazooKid
Nothing against Henrys (I own a couple) but putting it with a 9422 just ain’t fair.
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Anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to spend a day at the range with a 9422 is really missing out. They are just ridiculously pleasing guns.
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10-09-2021, 11:43 AM
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Being a fan of lever-actions, I own more then a few Winchesters, and many more Marlins.
I do however admit to owing one (and only one) Henry, a .22LR.
I have enjoyed introducing many people to the rifles I so enjoy, using the said Henry.
The advantage of using the Henry for introductions, is that if something happens (dents/scratches/etc), it simply is not a big deal for/to me.
The Henry can be easily replaced, as it has NO (sentimental/etc) value to me, other then being used as a way to "spread" my enjoyment of lever-actions to others.
Pictured are my two "beater" lever-actions, my Rossi .357 and the Henry .22LR
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10-09-2021, 11:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffrefrig
Sorry about the crummy pics. This is my Marlin 39A, born in 1947. It needs to go out and get a few .22s run through it. Last time out it was pretty darn good, but I only was out 50 yards.
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Mine is about 5 years newer than yours. First gun I ever shot. Last one I will ever part with.
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10-09-2021, 12:17 PM
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I have these 3 Winchester 9422s. In my opinion, these represent the absolute epitome of quality in .22 lever actions. Disassemble any of these rifles, and knock the receiver with a wooden or plastic screwdriver handle. It will ring like a tuning fork. Solid machined steel; perfect in every way. Winchester spared no expense in making these rifles to be the best.
Having said that, I could not resist this custom-modified Marlin 39 when I found it at a gun show years ago. Whether the modifications were done at the factory or otherwise, I don't know. It left the factory in 1951, and it's accurate, smooth and beautiful. Second place winner, and a close one.
John
(Click for larger view)
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Last edited by PALADIN85020; 10-09-2021 at 12:18 PM.
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10-09-2021, 05:02 PM
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I bought a Marlin Model 39A back in the 1970s from a buddy who was out of work. I put a 4X Bushnell scope on it. I was just blown away when I could shoot a group at 100 yards with Mini-Mags that could be covered with the bottom of a coffee cup.
Last edited by Golddollar; 10-17-2021 at 12:03 PM.
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10-09-2021, 07:46 PM
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while scrolling down on this page I didn't notice anyone mention the Win. mod250. bought one in 1963 or 64 and just passed it down to my Great grand son . a model 290 to my other great grandson.
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10-09-2021, 07:52 PM
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No offense meant to those that like the Henry rifles, yes, they are functional, accurate, and a good value for the cost. But I have a 39a born in the same month and year as me, May, 1959, and a 1972 vintage 9422 that I bought new after a hard summer of hoeing beans and detasseling corn at 13 years old. The Henry can't hold a candle to the fit and finish of these two fine firearms. And I just can't get past the out of proportion, somewhat ugly form of the Henrys. The Quasimodo of lever guns.
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10-09-2021, 09:12 PM
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Big fan of 22 cal lever guns. I am a bit partial to my Marlins. Sold my Henry but have a couple 9422's that I wont part with
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10-16-2021, 11:53 PM
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Currently I have a BL-22 (with Skinner peep) and a 1953 Mountie.
Someone shortened the Marlin to 18.5" and added the Maple diamonds to the wood, but they did a very nice job of it.
I like them both equally.
I've had a couple 9422s, one an M and one a LR. They are nice, but getting out of my price range. Both of mine were the checkered wood versions, I really like the smooth wood ones pictured in this thread better.
I actually sold a very nice Browning Grade II BL-22 and then bought the Plain Jane Grade I that is pictured here.
I just like the uncheckered stocks better on lever guns.
Most lever .22s out there are good and loads of fun to shoot.
One I wouldn't recommend is the Chiappa. The one I got to try had poor fit of wood to metal, the plainest stock I've ever seen (Gumwood), and the bluing, if you can call it that, looks only a tad better than black paint.
It cycles slick when empty like a 9422 or Henry, much better than my 70 Year old Marlin.
But when trying to chamber rounds on the one I shot, they would hit the top of the chamber so bad you couldn't close the lever.
Well you could but it would bend the bullet in the case and flatten one side of the tip.
Sights are wonky too, a very deep buck horn sits loosely in it's dovetail, secured only by small slotted set screw in the sight.
So the rear sight can get moved side to side slightly. All the set screw does is keep the rear sight from falling out or moving sideways, but it can still pivot on the screw, the dovetail is that sloppy.
Front sight is a short, square, too fat nub on a ramp that is notched atop the front barrel band. No drifting for windage like a dovetail sight and no elevation unless it is filing a bit off to make it shorter. And it is already too short as it is.
One thing that isn't too objectionable on that Chiappa is the receiver finish, it looks like case coloring but is just a coating of some sort that is applied. How durable it is is questionable.
The Chiappa receiver looks like a Marlin 39 externally, and it takes down the same way, but the insides are very different than a Marlin.
There is a two piece "box" that they call left and right slider, that guide the cartridge out of the mag, and lift it up where it can be picked up by the bolt. For some reason, on this Chiappa, the round is tipping up too much, and/or being released too soon by the feed box.
I know the Italians can do better, their centerfire levers are great, but priced nearly triple what this budget .22 sells for.
It does have a nice trigger though ! That's all I can say that's good about it. Here it is next to my Marlin.
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