Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Lever action 22lr's, round 2 - Marlin 39A vs Henry

39A Marlin is twice the rifle! My 39 made in 1958, was given to me in 1960, for milking the neighbors cows, while they went to Alaska for a month. My Henry was bought during a weak moment! Henry shoots ok, but it's no where near the quality rifle Marlin is. When the Henry is 59 years old I guess we will know, How well it held up!

My Golden Mountie is a 1972 edition. Very accurate, totally dependable. If restricted to a single .22 LR firearm, this would be it.

I like the Winchester best. I think it was called 9422 and could be purchased in 22mag. My buddy had one, I was always a little jealous. It was a real classy looking and accurate gun.

I never care much for the Marlin, mainly because it was 22LR only with no magnum version available. also too long a barrel. And a big bolt on the side is ugly. In spite of all that I would say the Marlin looks better than the Henry. It has a steel frame and the ugly look is now classic. The Henry has a boxy look and seem like the whole product line was beat with the ugly stick. In addition to ugly, the Henry line also seems to contain rifles with a lot of inappropriate style features for the time period firearms thy offer. Even in 45/70, if I was forced to choose between a slip shod remlin and a henry, I would gamble on the remlin.

The one thing Henry has going for it is the "Made in USA" theme and apparent genuine enthusiasm of the owner. I believe with the right attitude and listen to the customer the company should do well. It may simple be a case of the modern customer and myself are not in step.