Quality lever action 22 rifle, Suggestions?

[undeg01]

When each of my daughters reached 5 years old, they received a youth 22 rifle for their 5th Christmas. I have an old single shot that was my grandpa's rifle, and a 10/22, but now i am thinking of getting a quality lever action 22 to spend more time. I'm thinking a Browning would be great. I like the Henry Goldenboy but understand it is just brass plated and scratches/wears off so I think I would end up going with a blued gun.

Now, please share your experiences and knowledge with me. I'm even open to other makers for the right reasons. I just want a rifle that is accurate, functions well and looks good, though used would be okay as it will be going to a home where it will be carried and used often.

Thanks!

[flatwins]

Quality? Heirloom quality? Marlin 39A.

And welcome to OSA!

[ldp4570]

There's the Marlin 39A, and everything else.

[steelhorse]

I agree with the above. The Marlin 39A takedown is my favorite.

[ripnbst]

Do you have a price range?

[Hobbes]

Doesn't Browning make a nice lever .22 still or is that history now?

[Calamity Jake]

The Henry but not the golden boy. My granddaughter has the blued henry she has put 500 rounds thru it with no problems.

[Coonskinner]

Doesn't Browning make a nice lever .22 still or is that history now?

I have one that I have used and carried for 30 odd years and it is still a dandy.

The Marlin 39 A is quite a bit heavier.

The Browning also has what i believe to be the shortest lever throw of any lever action .22.

That and its light weight and compact size make it ideal for kids.

[caojyn]

I've got the Goldenboy, the action is smooth as glass. I kinda like the fact that the Brass wears gives it character.

[orangpowr]

I bought my son a Henry Goldenboy had it ingraved for Christmas a few years ago, one of our favorite guns to shoot. I like the look of the Browning also. But just something about the look of the Henry...

[J.S.]

Henry's can be good or bad. One son has a golden boy that will shoot anything, never jams. I bought a new blue hex barrel Henry, and it jammed most every time. It would break the lead off of the round. The factory did rework it quickly and free of charge, even paid ups postage both ways. Now, both work excellent. They are heavy, but that is a plus for us.

[coyotehunter]

the browning lever actions are hard to beat

[SABOT]

I have a Winchester 94 and love it. Action is smooth as butter and very accurate. I had the chance, a few years ago, to buy one in 22 Mag. I've been kicking myself ever since for passing on the opportunity.

My brother has a Browning BL-22 which he likes very much as well. Both of these fine weapons have served us well Squirrel/Rabbit hunting and plinking for over 20 years.

[flatwins]

Though I am quite fond of the 39A, my ex-FIL has an Ithaca lever that is a great little rifle. I can't really think of a "bad" .22 lever at the moment. They all seem to eat about anything they are fed and keep coming back for more.

[pktrkt]

We've had great results with a Henry large lever carbine. S-L-LR all feed and function fine. Word to metal fit is superb, accuracy is very good. The Marlin is good also just hard to find, Browning is good also but again also hard to find. So loving the Henry as it was available.