Browning BL-22 or Winchester 9422

[Mazz]

Bit of a dilemma. Looking at a new Browning BL-22 Grade II Walnut for under $600, and a used Winchester 9422 with checkered stock and fore end (mfg 1980) for $850.

The Browning has checkered stock and fore end, engraved receiver, and gold plated trigger.

The Winchester is like new. No wear marks, bluing is 100%, and the wood is pristine. Bore is bright and shiny.

Both accept 22S, 22L, and 22LR.

Would appreciate any feedback from those who own either or both. My brain says Browning, while my gut says Winchester.

 

[021]

I've had both. The Browning is nice and shiny, but the 9422 is the way to go.

 

[Drm50]

I to have had both. For shooting purposes there is no difference.
I tended to like the Browning a little better, don't ask me why.
Haven't been following prices on the two, Winchester name
brings the Bucks.The lever 22 I kept in the rack was a Marlin 39
the most successful 22 lever action design.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

Of the two, I prefer the 9422. But I suggest looking into a Marlin 39 first.

John

 

[021]

I agree with the above posters. I had a Browning bl22 and 2 9422 Winchesters and sold them all and kept a Marlin Mountie.

 

[huntsman22]

I have the Browning and the Winchester and the Marlin Mountie and the Marlin 1994M. And won't be stupid enuff to get rid of any of 'em......

 

[MAJPATT]

I really like the Browning. For the intended use of these rifles (classy plinking) the light weight and super short throw lever rule the day.

Winchester may be a nicer rifle, but you do give up the handiness of the Browning.

 

[steamloco76]

I've owned a BL-22, 9422, Marlin 39A and a Henry. Hands down best shooter was the 39A, then the Henry. Best looking was the 9422. If you want accuracy, ease of maintenance and durability, seek out a JM stamped 39A or the very hard to find Mountie version.

PS, the lever action 22 which will never leave my collection is a Marlin Model 57 Levermatic with the house brand of Ted Williams. Not worth big money, however it has a blisteringly fast rate of fire and shoots every brand of ammo fairly well.

 

[SLT223]

I've been going through the same consideration lately. I concluded that the winchester 9422 is quickly becoming a valuable collectors item, and the Browning with its short throw and current production is likely a better gun for regular use. So in my typical fashion I decided I should get both

Apologies for being of zero help. If you ever need encouragement to spend money on guns, you can always count on me!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I bought the 9422 the year they came out.....Then added a Marlin 1897T(39 with 16" octagon bbl)......Then later added a Browning Bl--22 grade II octagon.......All are great rifles.....The 9422 & the 39 are no longer made......Personally if I were in your shoes I'd by the Browning......All three of the above rifles are steel & walnut......NOT zamack & plastic.

 

[shouldazagged]

Of the two, I prefer the 9422. But I suggest looking into a Marlin 39 first.

John

Be sure to look for a Marlin with the JM mark, not one made since the Remington acquisition.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Be sure to look for a Marlin with the JM mark, not one made since the Remington acquisition.

Remington hasn't made any 39's and don't plan to.

 

[Goblin]

I'd only pick the Browning if you like the short lever throw. As much as I love the 9422, I love the Marlin 39m better, even though the 9422 is prettier.

 

[68sixspeed]

I own both, the bl22 is to me more fun to shoot, no pinched fingers since the trigger moves with the lever, short throw, great quality.

The 9422 is arguably better looking, more traditional, and a better investment but feels clunky compared to the buttery smooth browning action. Answer, buy both!

 

[Hairtrigger]

Here is my two cents
For free
I like the Winchester the best for fit, don't own one now
I have two Brownings, love the smooth action but the rifle seems small for me
I have a Marlin that is from the 1990s and do not much care for it, fits better than the Browning but not near as smooth

 

[alwslate]

An apples to oranges comparison. The Browning is made in Japan and
is light with a short lever throw and is also known to be a difficult
disassembly and reassemble for an owner. The Winchester is a
machined steel rifle made in the US that was intended to restore the
idea of quality to the Winchester name. I currently have two Marlin
Mounties and a Winchester 9422 from first year of production,1972.
My suggestion is to pass on both of the rifles you are looking at and
look for and older Winchester with the smooth wood or a pre crossbolt
safety Marlin. The Winchester you are looking at is overpriced in my
opinion. The "engraved receiver and gold colored, yes colored, trigger"
is worth about as much as a fast food cup of coffee. True story, a co-
worker bought a new Browning BL-22 at a gun show some years ago
now. Great American firearm right? Well no. He didn't realize that it
was made in Japan until he got it home. After a few days of grumbling
about it he gave it to his son in law. He bought a Marlin for himself
at the next show.

 

[M29since14]

In spite if its foreign manufacture I've always liked the little Browning. It's a nice rifle. Never had a lick of trouble with mine, and it shoots very well. The Mountie always appealed to me but for some reason I never saw one in a shop in a condition I wanted and never bothered to order one. I don't think you would be unhappy with any of the three mentioned but the price of the Winchester does seem a bit salty.

 

[44wheelman]

Just being obvious, but if you're going to shoot it....you don't need a pristine grade, and $250 will buy a few boxes of .22.

 

[Grayfox]

Get the Winchester. You'll love it.

 

[lrb1200]

I have acquired many 22 rifles over the decades, but a lever was my first. 1966 and thirteen years old.

A Marlin Golden 39A, it just SHOOTS!, that rifle did more to
boost my confidence of shooting ability on my learning journey
than any other that comes to mind.

Still have it, and will till I tip over, and still shoots as well today as it did in 1966

Image of 1966 rabbit hunting with my trusty Malamute pup, hey, I'm 13, what do I know about
rabbit dogs? It was a great time.

Just can't go wrong with an old 39.