Most accurate lever-action rimfire?

[Jason]

I'm planning to shoot my first-ever cowboy lever action silhouette match on Saturday, and if it's half as much fun as the standard smallbore silhouette match (using scoped rimfires) was last month, I'm sure I'll be hooked on it, too. That means that I'll be needing a lever action tube-fed rimfire gun. I'll be shooting at little silhouette targets as far away as 100m (right at 110yds), so I'll want the most accurate gun that I can get my hands on. Which lever gun, in your experience, would that be? I've heard a lot of good things about the Marlin 39a's with the micro-groove barrels. My dad has a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that will be mine soon, too. (I will talk him out of that gun somehow, as it shoots 1" groups at 100yds and is what I got a deer this past year with! ) I like the looks of the Winchester 9422s, too, though. Hmmm......

[Jason]

Quick update to this question...

The two rifles that I am considering are the Marlin 39A and the Winchester 9422 Legacy (instead of hte Traditional, as the semi-pistol grip of the Legacy is better for offhand shooting). Based on barrel length (longer sighting radius) and overall weight alone (heavier=steadier offhand), it would seem that the Marlin has the advantage but not enough to offset bad accuracy from the rifle or sights that aren't good for accurate offhand shooting. Here are pictures of the two guns and their relevant stats.


Marlin 39A
 
 

• Caliber: 22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
  
• Capacity: Tubular magazine, with patented closure system, holds 26 Short, 21 Long or 19 Long Rifle Cartridges.
  
• Action: Lever action; side ejection; solid top receiver; rebounding hammer; hammer block safety; one-step takedown; deeply blued metal surfaces;gold plated steel trigger.
  
• Stock: Genuine American black walnut with fluted comb; cut checkering; full pistol grip and fore-end; blued steel fore-end cap; swivel studs; grip cap; rubber rifle butt pad; tough Mar-Shield® finish.
  
• Barrel: 24" with Micro-Groove® rifling (16 grooves).
  
• Twist Rate:  1:16" r.h.
  
• Sights: Adjustable semi-buckhorn folding rear, ramp front sight with brass bead and Wide-Scan™ hood. Solid top receiver tapped for scope mount; scope adaptor base; offset hammer spur (right or left hand) for scope use.
  
• Overall Length: 40"
  
• Weight: 6.5 lbs.  [/list:u]
   
  Winchester 9422 Legacy
   
  
  • Caliber / Gauge: 22 Rimfire
    
  • Magazine Capacity: 15 LR
    
  • Barrel Length: 22 1/2"  
    
  • Nominal Overall Length: 39 1/8"  
    
  • Nominal Length of Pull: 13 1/2"  
    
  • Nominal Drop at Comb: 1 1/8"  
    
  • Nominal Drop at Heel: 1 7/8"  
    
  • Nominal Weight: 6 lbs.  
    
  • Rate of Twist: 1 turn in 16" [/list:u]

[John Traveler]

Jason,

I have both the Marlin 39A Mounty and an older traditional Winchester 9422.

As far as "most accurate", that is a toss up when telescope sights and ammunition are concerned.  Precision optics make a big difference in repeatability of settings and stability.  

I've shot dozens of marlins and winchester rifles, and find that when properly mated up with .22 LR ammo that they like, any of them are more accurate out of the bo than most shooters can shoot.  You will find that for any combination of sights and ammo, you can get one rifle to outshoot another regardless of the brand.

FWIW, Cowboy action shooters overwhlmingly prefer to shoot Marlins.

HTH
John

[B_Koes]

I had the same "problem" about a year ago myself.  I wanted to shoot some cowboy silhouettes at our local range, but I didn't have a rifle to shoot.  I ended up selecting the Marlin 39a and I've NEVER been sorry that I did.  The Winchester seemed pretty nice, but the Marlin just felt soooo nice.  I've since turned that into some pretty decent scores (top score of 36x40).  I shoot high velocity stuff for targets under 50 yds and target ammo for anything over 50 yds.  I've never scoped it up to see just how accurate it is.  I'm using stock sights so I figure that is more of a limitation to accuracy.

[TNrifleman]

I have a early 70's vintage Marlin 39A that is still going strong. The Winchester is a great .22, but you won't go wrong with the Marlin.

[Jason]

Thanks for all of the replies, folks. All of the replies over multiple web forums and the ability to hold each of the models in question in my hands today at the match have made my decision for me. I'm going to get a Marlin 39a and am looking for one that's tapped on the side of the receiver for a receiver sight, checkered forearm and pistol grip, and has the micro-groove barrel. If you know of anyone that might have one for sale, let me know. I'll consider those without the drilled and tapped receiver, but won't be able to pay as much for it since I'll have to have it done myself.

Thanks again for all of the replies.

[44 Man]

Wow, tough one.  I personally like the 9422.  I have the trapper model with the 16" barrel.  I want to also pick up one with a 20" barrel.  The Winchester seems to balance better for me.  The Marlin is a little more barrel heavy.  Some will like this but balance is a subjective thing.  Get whichever one "feels" the best to you.  Both are very accurate.  Good shooting.  44 Man

[Jason]

Thanks for all of the replies, folks. I'm sending out the money order for a Marlin 39A tomorrow and I just ordered the Williams receiver peep (FP-39A w/ target knobs) and Lyman hooded front sight just now, along with enough different rimfire ammo to stock a gun store so I'll have plenty of "testing" to do.

[dmcentee]

HI,

I'm trying to make a similar decision on rifle selection. Marlin 39A, Winchester 9422 or Browning BL-22.  I looked at each in a gun shop and the action on the Marlin seemed very stiff wherease the Winchester and Browning were both very smooth.

Any comments on the stiff action or general comments on the Browning would be appreciated

[rednekhuntr]

You won't be sorry if you go with the bl-22.  I've got a grade 2, that is one of my favorite guns to shoot.  The action is butter smooth, it is VERY accurate, and the short lever throw makes it extremely fast.  I like the looks of the 9422 a little more, but when I was shot the Browning, it was love at first squeeze.  The trigger is just perfect for me, no creep, crisp, and clean.

[jh45gun]

I probably going to tick every one of the Win,mar,Br group here but I would put my Henry against any of the others and make a good showing if not take it all! My 22 mag Henry has glass but it will shoot under.5 groups all day long when I do my part at 50 yards. I have no doubt that the 22 long rifle versions shoot just as good after seeing targets and hearing praise from satisfied owners at the Henry Web sight.  Now a stock Henry would need a peepsight and a better front sight to compete with open sights  or at least a finer front sight with the supplied open rear sight but I have no doubt that such a Henry set up would take some trophys or how ever the prizes are awarded. I am sure peep sights are allowed and that is how I would set up a rifle.  If I was going to participate in such a match unfortunately there are non in my area I would set up such a gun! Jim

[oso45-70]

Jason,
Let this old man jump in here and add my two cents worth to your question. All the rifles mentioned above are great and i can see you are going to have a hard time making up your mind, So what it boils down to is which one fits you the best, And witch one would you feel the most comfortable with, My self,, I like thhe marlin 39 better than the rest and in my mind it is the most accurate one of the bunch but that could be debated i guess. In all truthfulness they are all good rifles, So we are rite back where we started from, im sure you will make the right choice.
Good luck Jason and stay safe...................Joe......................................