Lever action rimfire rifle?

[Timberstalker]

Does anyone have any suggestions? I?m thinking about buying one to pack around while scouting for pesky predators like coyotes. More than one occasion Ive ran across them and not had a rifle on me because I don?t like packing my hunting rifles all the time. I?ve always wanted a lever action but never really needed one, this idea gives me a justification in my mind to own one. I?m thinking.22 mag or .17hmr. Your thoughts on which caliber would be appreciated, I’ve never had either.

 

[JimP]

I'd go with the .22 mag just for the heaver bullet if you are thinking coyotes but even that would not really be a good one for them.

The 17 is great on small varmints like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and such.

I think that the only company that is offering one anymore is Henry Repeating Arms. They are a little bit costly but they are a good rifle. If you are looking for a used one check Gun Broker but most of them get real expensive since most of them are out of production.

I am still thinking of finding a Ruger 10/22 magnum but those are getting real scarce.

 

[Fink]

Browning BL-22.. I realllllllllly want one bad. I might have to break down, and buy one for my kid.. Then get a matching one for me, of course.
If I wasn't set on the Browning, I'd buy a Henry.

 

[JimP]

Sadly they don't make the BL-22 in 22 magnum..

 

[BAKPAKR]

I don?t think the 22 magnum or the 17 HMR would be a good choice if you really wanted to retrieve the coyote you shoot at. If you want a lever gun for chance encounters with coyotes, I think one chambered in 357, 44 or 45 would be better.

I always wanted a rimfire lever action just for plinking. In the last few years, I picked up a 1960s Marlin 39A and a 1980s Winchester 9422 (both just plain old 22s). They are a blast to shoot. Between the two, I favor the shorter and lighter 9422.

 

[Timberstalker]

The coyotes I see in the situations I’m talking about are typically within 50 yards. I shot a cougar A few weeks ago with my 25-06 at about 50 yards, what a mess it made of that cat. I could have poked it with a rimfire just fine. I’m sure either 22 mag or .17 would do the trick at that range but leaning towards the 22. I’m not too concerned about retrieving them either.

I want a light weight no scope rig.

 

[AKaviator]

I have a Winchester 9422-M and really like it. I've killed a couple coyotes with it and it did just fine!

 

[Tim McCoy]

I have a Marlin 1894C. Short, light and with 357 mag loads hits fairly hard. I’d rather not have to use a .17 HMR on coyotes or a 22 mag on cougars (unless they are treed). If I had to use a 17HMR for coyotes, I’d avoid the 17 gr. varmint pills and use the tougher 20 gr. small game bullets. I’d not want to try cougar with the 17HMR. But between the 17 and 22, the 22 mag seems better suited to coyotes.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have a Marlin 1894C. Short, light and with 357 mag loads hits fairly hard. I?d rather not have to use a .17 HMR on coyotes or a 22 mag on cougars (unless they are treed). If I had to use a 17HMR for coyotes, I?d avoid the 17 gr. varmint pills and use the tougher 20 gr. small game bullets. I?d not want to try cougar with the 17HMR. But between the 17 and 22, the 22 mag seems better suited to coyotes.

One of my buddies has an 1894C in 357. With light loads, it is almost like shooting a 22 but it makes bigger holes.

 

[87TT]

I have a Henry .22 old timer. I have thought of a .22 mag also. The Henry's are solid guns. Love them but not the lightest. I carry my mini 14 for coyotes when out walking the dog.

 

[JimP]

I think if I really wanted a lever action for a little bit of plinking and perhaps a coyote or two I look at the Marlin 1894c in .38/.357mag, and then shoot .38's out of it. It is a couple of pounds lighter and cost a little bit less.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Expensive,but I've always wanted a Henry.Ex-Brother in law was a "Henry"
I should have hit him up for multiple weapons before my sister ran him off!

 

[Timberstalker]

Good feedback on the .38 and 357 options. Thanks guys

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

As mentioned, Henry's are really great, but a little pricy. I am looking for a .22 rimfire my self and Henry is a pretty good option. But I am going to look at used stuff too. Marlin, Browning and Winchester are good choices too.

If you limit you range and really place your shot, I'd go with a .22 Mag. They will do a number on a coyote for sure. I have a .17HMR and I wouldn't use it for anything bigger that a rabbit, squirrel or prairie dog. The bullet is just too light and it explodes when it hits anything. Really doesn't penetrate.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Try finding a used Henry I bet Craigs list has a few.

 

[mallardsx2]

I have a Henry Golden Boy .22

Its really nice. It feels like what a lever action in my opinion should feel like when cycling and pulling the trigger. Expensive? Yes.
Dont know if they make them in something that will kill coyotes though.


But honestly if I was trying to kill a coyote I would just get a DPMS Oracle AR-15 in .223/5.56 Its dang nice for the money and the ammo if way cheaper than pistol rounds...just saying.

 

[Timberstalker]

I appreciate all the feedback, I get what yours saying about the AR mallard but I’m just not into those rifles. I’m kinda old school I guess. The coyotes are not the main reason I want one, just a reason. If I really want to go kill a coyote I have my 25-06 that does a number on them. It’s not real likely I will be running into another cougar anytime soon either, the one I shot was the first one I’ve ever had a shot at in nearly 45 years of poking around in the woods.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

E-Mail Henry and they will send you a free catalog.

 

[Timberstalker]

E-Mail Henry and they will send you a free catalog.

The local sporting goods has some Henry’s in stock. I handled a .17 and .22 mag yesterday, the .22 mag may come home with me this evening. They are neat little rifles.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Good Choice!