Which 22lr lever gun - Marlin or Winchester?

burneyr

burneyr

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Looking to pick up a classic 22lr lever gun.

Pretty much narrowed my choices to the Marlin Mountie or the Winchester 9422 as I prefer a straight stock on my other centerfire lever rifles.

Any compelling reasons to choose one over the other? Since both have been out of production for a good while (thinking parts availability) is one considered more durable or reliable? Features of one more desirable than the other?

I'm 100% a Marlin guy when it comes to centerfire, but the 9422 is really a great looking piece. Just looking for a nudge in one direction or another from folks with experience with either.

Thanks for your constructive opinions-
 
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I like Marlin better but the Winchester is certainly no slouch. But which is actually better is subjective. Condition can make the difference.

I don’t believe you’ll be unhappy whichever you choose.
 
Both fine weapons. I always thought the Winchesters were prettier and it didn't hurt that Louis L'Amour never wrote," He could see the indians moving up slowly, taking advantage of the rocks. He loaded his Marlin full up and waited for an opportunity."
 
I have both a Mountie and 2 9422s--the Winchesters are much smoother than the Marlin and the blued finish on both Winchesters are superior. If I had to keep just one, it would be the 9422 XTR (checkered walnut stock).

None of them are for sale.
 
There’s usually big love for the Marlin on this forum, I’ve got both, and IMO the Winchester is the “nicer” gun. The action, and fit and finish is really, really nice with the 9422, and the XTR versions are beautiful guns. The action on the Winchester is excellent. I also prefer the straight stock. The Marlin is also very solid, you really can’t go wrong with either, and hopefully you’ll end up with both.

That said, if you haven’t done so already, you should check out the Browning BL-22. I love mine, and it’s my favorite.22 lever to shoot. It has great accuracy, very nice fit and finish, and it has a short lever throw that makes it really, really fun/convenient to shoot. It also has the straight stock.

Good luck with your decision.
 
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Flip a Coin

My suggestion to you is buy the first reasonable
priced, best condition Marlin or Winchester that
comes along.

Unfortunately I will be no help to you. I own
a circa early 1990s Marlin Trapper and a
circa late 1990s Winchester Trapper. Both
bought brand spanking new by me.

I like both very much. I will say this much the
the finishing of both are nice, but the Winchester
is better.

Both are treated as if they are the last on Earth,
and would be price prohibitive for someone to
buy them from me.

The best to you and your endeavors.
 
There is absolutely nothing wrong with either of the two choices you have mentioned. However I do not own either one personally

In 22 LR I have two different Henry's, a standard model and one of the Golden Boys

I also have one of the Rossi Ranch Hands which is a very cool piece. Always wanted a Mare's leg

But the one that I truly enjoy is my Browning BL22

bl22%20r.jpg


bl22%20closeds.jpg

​


My particular example has had the receiver refinished in color case hardened by Turnbull Restoration

The Browning is very accurate as well as exceptionally smooth with the great big bonus of having a fantastic nostalgic look to it
 
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I have owned several of both, with a 9422m being the remaining .22 lever gun in my safe. Smooth, accurate, and good looking - what's not to like? You really can't go wrong with either, its more personal taste.

The Browning BL-22 is another very nice piece, but mine had a terrible trigger, to the point it was hard to shoot accurately.

Larry
 
If it makes any difference to you realize that the Marlin and Winchester were both made in the US and the Brownings were made in Japan. Many years ago a coworker bought a Browning BL-22 at a gun show. When he got it home he noticed it was made in Japan. He was so disgusted that he gave it to his son and bought a Marlin at the next gun show.
 
I picked up a henry frontier octagon 24" barrel in 22mag 2 years ago and like it far better than a nice older winny 9422mag I had for 30 years and sold the winny as the henrys is a better looking rifle and simply a better shooter but like 22lrs they can be very ammo dependent but 1.25' 100 yard groups are practical.
 
I have owned both, the 9422 XTR was nicer looking but the 39M was the better shooter. Sold the 9422 but still have the 39M.
 
I have a Henry 22RF which I really like. I also have a Winchester 93ae in 45 colt with Williams front and rear sights. The rear sight is mounted on the receiver for longer sight radius.
 
Two questions. 1) Are Winchester 22 LR lever actions still made in the USA? 2) Are the Marlin 39 A still in production?

Or are we talking about buying only used rifles?

Ivan
 
The 94/22 and Browning are both nice rifles but the Marlin 39 is
“The Lever Action 22”. From its roots was in production almost 100yrs. The Henry’s have nothing in common with these 3.
Maybe Ruger will put the 39 back into production. It was the only traditional design 22 lever. Not counting rare Win 1873s. Ruger has the technical ability to make the 39. I don’t know if profit margin will allow it. The market is there for levers, that’s what put Henry in business, along with excellent CS.
 
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