Well been playing with the 9422 I got, really like it, in great shape and very hefty.
Functions well, I really like this one, will be interesting comparing it to my Browning BL-22

Had a few .22 semi-autos out today a lot of fun.

I like my 9422 best followed by the Browning And last the Marlin, I do have a 96/22 but do not like it

Hairtrigger: I have never owned a Ruger 96/22 but I have shot a couple of them - I kinda liked them - I guess mostly for the convenience of the rotary magazines on my friends Rifles while Varminting afield.
I have owned and shot the other three lever Rifles you mentioned (BL-22, Winchester 94/22 and the Marlin 39's) and I am surprised you rate the Marlin 39 that low?
To each there own I guess.
As I REALLY like my various Marlin models 39 (for their accuracy, smoothness, looks, trigger, reliability, long sighting radius, good sights and holding their values so well) - I mean whats NOT to like?
Again to each their own and enjoy your lever guns.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I'm curious as to how you and others here rate the BL-22, as I've considered getting one, but wonder if I should just spend the coin and get a Win. 9422, Or not???

Jerry

Why not both?

The Browning is a little too shiny and refined for my taste. The short throw lever might be an attraction for some.

And why handicap the 9422 with the “long rifle” label? Won’t it cycle shorts also?

Love my 39M. It’s like an antique that never gets old. CB’s are fun.

I've wondered about that. IIRC the older 9422s were marked S/L/LR. Can't imagine a reason to change that mechanically.

The tooling of the 9422 wore out and Winchester decided not to replace it. The 22 magnum bolt replaced the wore out tooling of the 22 bolt. It worked on the long and long rifle but wouldn't handle the short. In other words the late rifles all used the magnum bolt. Some think the later guns were not as tight and right as the earlier guns.

Have the 9422 in both .22 and .22 magnum, great rifles

I have a 9422 and a BL22. I love the handling and accuracy of the 9422. It is a fun gun to shoot and is built like a tank. I recently acquired a BL22. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but some day soon. It too is a well made gun, but is a little "daintier" than the 9422.

I have 94-22 and bl-22 i love the bl-22 but feel like im gonna break the lever i want to open it all the way open habit i guess.

No experience with a BL-22 but I was in love with my buddies 9422 years ago. Put a lot of rounds through it. Pretty sure it would handle S, L,& LR but we only ran 22LR in it. My memory of that 9422 is one of a solid, accurate, high quality firearm. My buddy passed in 2018 and his brother handled the estate. I wanted the gun but it got sold as part of a multi-gun package deal to an FFL who resold it almost immediately. Wish I could have acquired it.

Shot the Browning, 9422 M and reg, and a few 39's.
For looks and if running iron sights.....Win 9422.

Scoped? 39.

Over the years have had centerfire versions of Winchester and Marlins too.

The only lever rimfire or centerfire I've kept........ is the 9422M.