What's a decent shooter lever action 22LR rifle?

[micmoslof]

My teenage son and I are wanting to buy ( to shoot ) an older style lever action 22LR rifle and I am overwhelmed with the choices I see at the gun shows. Most important I would like it to be an accurate and reliable shooter that we can take to the range and generally just plink around with. We take good care of our stuff but I don't want to be stressed out every time we take it out that a museum piece is going to be damaged. I am not afraid to spend decent money but what I see at the gun shows can be a a lot of money and I'm not sure it will be what I am looking for here. Any suggestions on what I should look for and what it's likely to cost? Thanks!

[Steve H]

My two favorites..................Winchester Model 9422 (bit pricey) or a Henry, they have a few different models to choose from. Henry is 100% American made is the USA.

Henry Repeating Arms | Fine Rifles Made in America and Priced Right

[Blademan]

I have an older Winchester 9422, and when my son was young he loved shooting the rifle. It is a great little .22. Granted it is a bit pricey, but the fit and feel of the rifle is superior.

[GUNKWAZY]

The Marlin 39 & 39A are great little 22 lever action rifles as well.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[ar15ed]

you are getting great advice, here! the win 9422 is the dad, and they are becoming very collectible. for a shooter (that might get damaged out in the real world!) you cannot go wrong with the henry. a good american company, that actually advertises on t.v., and a great quality gun, at a very reasonable price. you can't beat it!!!

[ralph7]

i have a marlin 39 made in the mid fifties.
maybe the nicest rifle i have ever owned, bar none.

[okcorral1881]

Winchester 9422!

[load748]

buy a Henry and dont look back. have fun shooting with your son.....

[smkummer]

Agree with gunkwazy, a Marlin 39A with a pistol grip is the smoothest most accurate lever 22 I have fired. Sometimes one can find one of these used for $250. One of the big chain outlets had these for $389 new a couple of years ago but I don't know what is coming from Marlin these days with the Remington combination. Another nice gun was the Erma/Ithaca 22 made in W.Germany. I thought is was as good as the Winchester. Winchesters have shot up in price lately also. I have never tried the new Henry.

[Colt75]

The great Marlin 39s are true American Classics. I own a couple of Winchester (pre-USRA) 9422s so I am biased. They are getting sort of collectible. A friend of mine just bought a Browning BL22 and it is one really slick little lever action .22. I have no experience with the Henry but they seem to be a great quality reliable rifle. How about asking your son which he prefers. Good luck.