Decision time: Henry or Browning Lever .22?
- Thread starter Bull's-Eye
- Start date
I have used my father's Browning (no longer in his possesion) and I have handled a Henry, they are both amzingly smooth actions, i don't think you will go wrong with either one.
The Browning does have a much shorter throw and is faster.
The Browning does have a much shorter throw and is faster.
Which Henry are you looking at? It will be easier to make a proper comparrison if we know which 2 rifles we are comparing. There are some significant differences between Henry models. But that being said, all Henry rimfires do share the same action. It's mostly barrel length and type, sights and finish that are the big differences.
Also, is price a big factor for you? The cheaper Henrys go for under $300, but you're looking at $500+ for a Browning.
Also, is price a big factor for you? The cheaper Henrys go for under $300, but you're looking at $500+ for a Browning.
The browning's the more modern choice, in design and function. It has a shorter, faster throw and is 'scope friendly.'
The Golden Boy has a more traditional look to it, with the brass receiver and octagon heavy barrel. It's very difficult to get a scope mounted on a Henry - but why would you want to on such a traditional-styled gun. The Henry I had was exceptionally accurate and the action was very VERY smooth; though had a longer throw than the browning
The Golden Boy has a more traditional look to it, with the brass receiver and octagon heavy barrel. It's very difficult to get a scope mounted on a Henry - but why would you want to on such a traditional-styled gun. The Henry I had was exceptionally accurate and the action was very VERY smooth; though had a longer throw than the browning
John Spartan
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Just a little more to the right...
Can't choose between the two. I have a Marlin 39A Mountie that I am very satisfied with.
You will be well served by either. A few things I've noticed:
The Henery standard .22's have plastic barrel bands. It means nothing and you probably will never break them, but it just seems wrong. The Henry is built in the USA with no outsourcing. That's becoming more important to me. The Henry usually seems to have nice wood, and both the butt stock and fore end are matched at the factory.
The Browning is a very solid little rifle. I never muched liked the trigger group seperating and riding with the lever. In theory you can fire almost as fast as a semi, but that's not what a lever action is about. I find the rifle to be smaller framed for my liking. It just feels tiny.
Have you considered Marlins excellent model 39? I think it's still the same price range as a Browning, but it is an awesome rifle. It has genunie weight behind it and feels very solid. I have put alot of rounds through the Marlin and it is deadly accurate. Plus it feels like a full sized, real hunting rifle. It has a beautiful, cut checkerd stock and for end of walnut and is a really nice rifle. Just somthing to think about.
The Henery standard .22's have plastic barrel bands. It means nothing and you probably will never break them, but it just seems wrong. The Henry is built in the USA with no outsourcing. That's becoming more important to me. The Henry usually seems to have nice wood, and both the butt stock and fore end are matched at the factory.
The Browning is a very solid little rifle. I never muched liked the trigger group seperating and riding with the lever. In theory you can fire almost as fast as a semi, but that's not what a lever action is about. I find the rifle to be smaller framed for my liking. It just feels tiny.
Have you considered Marlins excellent model 39? I think it's still the same price range as a Browning, but it is an awesome rifle. It has genunie weight behind it and feels very solid. I have put alot of rounds through the Marlin and it is deadly accurate. Plus it feels like a full sized, real hunting rifle. It has a beautiful, cut checkerd stock and for end of walnut and is a really nice rifle. Just somthing to think about.
I'm looking right now too. I think I'm going to pick up a standard henry lever for under $300.
the marlin 39 looks really nice with the pistol grip stock + take down but a 24" barrel is ridiculous!!! and I think the older shorter marlins were all straight stocks?
the marlin 39 looks really nice with the pistol grip stock + take down but a 24" barrel is ridiculous!!! and I think the older shorter marlins were all straight stocks?
+1 Marlins are awesome.
Damn you guys! With all your talk about Marlin Golden 39A's I thought I should head down to Wholesale Sports and take a closer look at one.... Long story short, I guess tomorrow I'll find out if it shoots as good as everyone says they do!
Congradulations. I recommend Remington's Cyclone bullet for thar rifle. That little bugger just plain shoots out of Marlins barrels.
I have the browning and like it but there's a few things..
pros - short lever throw - compact frame (too compact?) - solid build
cons - awful stock sights (cheap rear flip up sight is imho tacky on such a lever gun) - compact frame -
pros - short lever throw - compact frame (too compact?) - solid build
cons - awful stock sights (cheap rear flip up sight is imho tacky on such a lever gun) - compact frame -
