My younger brother recently got married and asked for a new lever action 22. My older brother and I have been shopping around and I'd like a little input from some of you.

Two of our uncles had a pair of old Winchester's that we all liked shooting when we were kids. Searching the web for todays manufacturers, it looks like Browning makes the old line of Winchester rifles now??? I also found some made by Henry and Marlin. Anyone have any input about today's line of lever action 22's? What do you like/dislike about any of them.

Thanks!

I am not up on much new stuff but it is darned hard to beat the Marlin 39-A, 39-M, etc. All of the 39's are functionally the same with different length, weight, etc. barrels. I found them to be the most consistantly accurate and reliable lever actions. They can also be "taken down" if storage/transportation length is an issue. I don't even know if they are still made but it is well worth digging around for a good old one.

Thanks for the input trapper.

That's one we're looking at. Attached is the link to the Marlin Golden 39A. That's the only 22 model they had listed. I also attached links to the Browning and Henry websites for everyone. Anyone know what the difference in the Browning Grade I and Grade II are other than checkering on the stock?

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/22R.../Golden39A.aspx
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/f....asp?value=005B
http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifles.cfm

Years ago the difference was the Grade II had checkering on the stock and engraving on the receiver whereas the Grade I didn't have either one. Mechanically they were identical.

IMHO the Browning BL22, although pricey, is the single best shooting 22 ever made.