rimfire lever

Winchester, Marlin or Browning


you know..the high dollar lever rifles

[BattleRifleG3]

I'd go ruger on that one.

I don't like a box mag on a lever rifle

I voted for the Browning

[NRAEric]

I've got a BL-22 and all I can say is I'm highly satisfied with it. It has supperb accuracy at 40 meters and is light-weight for hunting purposes.

[BattleRifleG3]

Originally Posted by Logansdad

I don't like a box mag on a lever rifle

I do.

But I would probably go for one in 17 HMR.

[Big Dog]

I'd go with the new Henry H001T with the heavy octagon barrel. Smoother, just as or mor accurate than a Winny or Marlin.
Or the Goldenboy, if I want more glitz.

And NOBODY beats Henry's customer service. Mr. Anthony Imperato, the president, is a standup, all American guy, standing behind his product. He WILL make the customer happy.

I knew someone would bring up Henry

[CV32]

I've got my eye on a Henry Varmint Express in .17HMR. I know that Henry has a long history with lever action firearms. Is their reputation still standing up today ? And does anyone else have a levergun in .17HMR ? Comments ?

Benjamin Tyler Henry

In every field of human endeavor there is a select group of individuals who are given credit for making such major contributions that they become synonymous with their achievements. In the area of firearms development, one name that must be included on that honored roster is Benjamin Tyler Henry. His invention: The Henry Rifle.

President Lincoln's Henry rifleIt was Mr. Henry who conceived the first practical, lever action repeating rifle. Patented in 1860, the Henry gave a single man the firepower of a dozen marksmen armed with muzzle-loading muskets.

America was engulfed in the searing flames of the Civil War, and the first Henry rifles were in the hands of Union soldiers by mid 1862. Due to its revolutionary design and rapid rate of fire, the Henry quickly found popularity both with the military and civilian purchasers. Early sales were especially brisk in Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Indiana.

Happy Henry Repeating customersWith its reliable .44 caliber rimfire metallic cartridge, the Henry produced a rapid and highly accurate fire. Reports of the successful use of Henry rifles in the Civil War were numerous. The incredible firepower unleashed by the Henry is evident in Major William Ludlow's account of the Battle of Altoona Pass. "What saved us that day was the fact that we had a number of Henry rifles,The original Henry factory" wrote Major Ludlow. "This company of 16 shooters sprang to the parapet and poured out such a multiplied, rapid and deadly fire, that no men could stand in front of it and no serious effort was made thereafter to take the fort by assault."

After an encounter with the 7th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which had the good fortune to be armed with Henrys, one Confederate officer is credited with the phrase, "It's a rifle that you could load on Sunday and shoot all week long."

The Henry rifle would go on to play a significant, if not dominant role in the frontier days of the American West. It would soon become one of the most legendary, respected and sought after rifles in the history of firearms. A contemporary rifle collection isn't complete without one.

[Big Dog]

From what I've read, there is no connection between the old original Henry company and today's "Henry Repeating Arms" company. Mr. Imperato's father was a gun designer, and designed a neat little .22 lever gun decades ago. It was built in then West Germany by Erma, then imported to the US, sold by Ithaca as the Model 72 Saddlegun, replacing their problem-plagued Model 49R repeater. Other companies also marketed this rifle, as well as a .22 WMR version.
Later, Anthony and his brother started the current company, reviving their father's rifle for their first product. Comparing the old Ithaca 72 nad the Henry H001, there is little if any difference.
The little rifle is American-made, and a smooth and very accurate gun, despite being an 'economy' model. Some are put off by a few plastic parts and the alloy receiver cover, but these same people tout their Ruger 10-22's quality - it too uses alloy and plastic!
I haven't shot the .17 Henry yet, as I'm a traditionalist - .17HMR just doesn't strike me as a lever-gun round. I don't care for it in a handgun for much the same reason. No reason it can't work well for someone else though!
The .17HMR Henry has a raised comb on the stock, and lacks iron sights. It has the cantilever scope rail already installed.

But, getting back to the thread topic, I do have a 1952-dated Marlin M39A, and it's a good rifle. I installed the Marbles Tang Peep Sight, and find it works very well on the Marlin!
But, I tend to shoot the Henry much more. Can't beat it for sheer fun! I was popping soda cans on our 50 yard berm Saturday with it. I can keep 'em dancing as fast as I can work that smooth-as-butter lever. :nod:

[rebel727]

I think Marlin is better than the Winchester even tho I like the looks of the Winchester more. The Browning is nice but I can't get used to the short throw of the lever. That would probably be a plus for most people, just not for me. It doesn't feel right.

Originally Posted by Big Dog

From what I've read, there is no connection between the old original Henry company and today's "Henry Repeating Arms" company.

I had read that too somewhere a long time ago...along the same lines as the historical Springfield Armory and the company that named itself after it


The Springfield Armory, now a National Historic Site, was the design and manufacturing site for numerous small arms, including muskets, the M-1 Garand rifle, and machine guns. It is a 55-acre historic industrial complex operated by the park service, as the armory closed in 1968.

[Big Dog]

As a truly classic western-style gun, I would prefer the Winchester. The Marlin 39 just doesn't have the true 'cowboy' look, though it's a very nice rifle.
The Browning has a problem with it's proportion - the trigger seems out of place, too far back. Just don't look quite right.

Other levers:
Marlin Model 56 and 57
Remington Model 77 (I think . . .) a lever version of the Nylon 66.
Mossberg Palomino Model 402
Ithaca M49 single-shot (actually a martini-type action)
Ithaca 49R repeater
Ithaca 72 Saddlegun (became the Henry)
Norinco JW-21

There are probably others I'm missing.

[rebel727]

Originally Posted by Big Dog

As a truly classic western-style gun, I would prefer the Winchester. The Marlin 39 just doesn't have the true 'cowboy' look, though it's a very nice rifle.
The Browning has a problem with it's proportion - the trigger seems out of place, too far back. Just don't look quite right.

Other levers:
Marlin Model 56 and 57
Remington Model 77 (I think . . .) a lever version of the Nylon 66.
Mossberg Palomino Model 402
Ithaca M49 single-shot (actually a martini-type action)
Ithaca 49R repeater
Ithaca 72 Saddlegun (became the Henry)
Norinco JW-21

There are probably others I'm missing.

The Ithaca Model 49 is a great little gun. Extremely accurate for a short barreled .22. I had one I could cut cards with but I gave it to my daughter for her first rifle. They only made then for a few years (3 I think) So if you ever find one get it you won't be disappointed.

[Big Dog]

Yep, my M49 is the .22 Magnum version. Very accurate little shooter.

I'm doing just under an inch at 50 yards, open sighted. Can't scoff at that!

I've been wanting the Browning BL-22

[ALR]

I'll go with the Marlin,because thats what I've got. Seems to be pretty accurate out past what I would consider killing range.

killing range ?

[rebel727]

I used to bust 2 liter coke bottles at 200 yds with an iron sighted Marlin 39A.