Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Lever action 22 question

I have always wanted a vintage 22 lr for my personal collection something that I can take out a plink with every now and then and then clean and put back into the safe. My problem is that I am torn between the Winchester 9422 and the marlin model 39. In a perfect world I would get both but my budget allows for just one. I was wondering if I could get some feedback and opinions from people here.

I've had both, traded the Winchester and kept the Marlin.

Can I ask why? And what model of the 39 do you have?

How about a browning BL-22? They are sweet little levers

I gave my 9422mag to my nephew,,the Marlin 39 with a Leupold 2.5X is a superb yard gun!!!

it would be hard to go wrong with either the 9422 or the Marlin 39/39A... I have a Win 9422 and it is just about as much fun as you can have with a 22 IMO. The Marlin 39 is also a bunch of fun but a heavier rifle by a bit and feels more like a full size hunting rifle to me. Both are very accurate, reliable, and just plain easy to use and shoot quickly if that is what you are after... to me, I would take either one but prefer the 9422 because they are just better finished- wood and metal

I'm a Marlin guy.
I'd go with the 39A due to the side eject and solid receiver top.
The BLR mentioned above is also a very nice 22LR levergun.

Buy either one right now. Save up for the other one later. I'd start with the Winchester.

Like both very much for looking at. Prefer the 39a for shooting. Not necessarily because it’s inherently more accurate, just a better fit for me. Remember it being tough getting my cheek on the comb of the Winchester’s to get a comfortable sight picture. It’s been many years since I shot one, just my recollection. As an aside, I recall having the same issue with a Remington 572.

I think that the Marlin 39 is the best lever action rimfire rifle that has been offered during my lifetime, but I prefer pistol grip stocks to straight grip stocks, and only a few Winchesters were made with pistol grip stocks.

I have an Erma 971, but only because it was one of those too cheap not to buy things.

This, and by examples I had, by a good bit. Better trigger too.

How about a Henry, have a 9422, 39A and a Henry, the Henry is far more accurate than the other two

I bought the first M9422 I saw in 1976, great gun that I should have kept.

Having said that, I like the 39A better. It feels better in my hands, is a classic in its own right for longevity in production, for good reasons.

Well thanks for all of the great feedback I appreciate it.

Nobody can decide for you. There are three excellent choices, Marlin, Winchester, and Browning. Go handle them all and buy the one that you fall for.

They are both very good rifles see which one fits you better and go with that one and you cant go wrong. I have had booth and still have the 9422.Also have the 9422M.

Don't forget about the BL22, action like glass, a little lighter and faster to plink with.

Can't imagine anybody being disappointed with either choice. I have a couple of the Marlins and would have a couple more if I ever came across an M and/or a D model. Lots of love out there for the 9422 and I wish I'd acquired one when they were everywhere.

Marlin 39 production lasted over 100 years, Winchester 9422 just over 30

I've had both, still have the 39. IMO best 22 lever action ever. Bought new in 1969 and it's a mountie.