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I want a 22 lever in the worst way. 9422, 39A or BL-22? I would appreciate some input.

I know the 9422 is no longer made, although I seem to occasionally hear rumors of it being re-introduced. Prices for the 9422's and 39A Mounties are simply crazy ($700-800). I've read and heard great things about the 39A's. I've held one but the barrel is just too long for my liking. I also prefer the looks and feel of a straight stock. Any thoughts on the Browning? Any comments on any of the three rifles?
Posted By: petr Re: Decisions, decisions, ... - 07/01/09
I purchased a 9422 in 2000 and was very disappointed in accuracy. It barely put 'em in a pie plate at 50. It was not good enough to shoot rabbits with, which was my goal.

Maybe all 9422's are not this poor, but mine was.
Posted By: dsducati Re: Decisions, decisions, ... - 07/01/09
Most 9422's shoot better than that pie plate sized group. Not sure what they are bringing today. Later Marlin Golden 39M rifles with micro groove rifling can be had for 450 to 500 dollars if you look around. They are nice rifles. Never shot a Browning, so I can't comment.
dan
The Browning BL-22 is a great little rifle. My brother has one and he has always liked it. I have a 39A (24" barrel) that I like a lot. It is one of my newer acquisitions.
I have a couple of the 39a's with the 24" barrel and a 39a Mountie with the 20" barrel and a 39M with the 20" barrel. The 39M is just like the Mountie with the exception of the lever having a square back instead of a rounded back. I have a Lyman 66MC receiver sight on it. This past Sunday I was making shots from 30 to 150 yard on gophers with it on a consistant bases. Hope that answers your question.
Tim
Posted By: MOGC Re: Decisions, decisions, ... - 07/03/09
The Browning BLR .22 is a very petite little rifle. It is high quality and shoots well, however, it is small in size and may not fit a large feller too well. My dad has had one for years and while I appreciate the rifles quality, I cannot shoot it well because of the lightweight, zero barrel balance feel it has. To me it is sorta like a stock Ruger 10/22, just too barrel light and whippy for accurate offhand field shooting. Dad likes it though, so that is very subjective.

The little Marlin 39M is in the same boat. I have a 39M and rarely shoot it. The 39A on the other hand is a wonderful field gun. That heavy barrel adds the balance to hang steady on target while shooting offhand. I also have a 39A and it is a great hunting .22 rifle IMHO. I've used my 39A to pile a lot of small game up over the years. I have a Williams FP receiver sight on mine.

I had a Winchester M94/22LR and liked it quite a bit. Mine was very accurate and I hear that a lot when the M9422 gets talked about. I can only imagine the poster above had a lemon, I surely do not think that is common accuracy for the M9422.

Of them all, hands down my favorite is the 39A.
Posted By: Tuco Re: Decisions, decisions, ... - 07/06/09
Although I'm certain to get dumped on, why not consider a Henry? Cheaper, by far, than any of the three rifles you named, and the one I have shoots circles around my buddy's Mod. 39.

If you want something that shoots, for a fair price, buy a Henry. If you want to impress your friends, buy something else.

Okay, I'm now prepared for an onslaught of abuse.
Looks like I paid too little for my estate sale/like-new 9422M XTR last week, so I will not embarass myself by saying how much.
It is scoped and seems plenty accurate. My old Win M61 will still punch out dime sized holes in a target at 50 yards, so the 9422 M will have some tough competition for squirrels, but not for varmints.

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That is a very nice looking rifle.
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