Cowgirl Corner: Vintage scope on the 9422

[North Country Gal]

Bill and I continue to have fun with our 1976 vintage Winchester 9422 in 22R. Been bouncing around a bit on what sights to use with this Winchester. So far, we've shot it with the factory open sights, a Skinner barrel mount peep, a red dot and a Leupold 2.5x compact scope. All these sights worked fine, but I didn't feel they were quite what I wanted. Have shot the gun enough to know that it is accurate, but how accurate? Sure, I could add a modern rimfire scope on the 9422 long enough to find out, but scopes these days, even rimfire scopes, just tend to be too darn big on these neat little guns. Turns the way they feel into a different gun.

Think I found the answer, though. Here's our Winchester 9422 with a vintage Bushnell Custom 4x 22 scope.


The Bushnell Custom series 22 scopes were popular, back in the 70s, so a good choice for this 70s vintage 9422. The optics are pretty darn good, definitely a cut above other 3/4" tube rimfire scopes of that vintage. Best of all, the scope is nice and compact, so doesn't change the balance and handling of the gun.

So, how does the 942 shoot with a touch more magnification? Pretty darn good for only 4x, I'd say. Think I'll stick with this little Bushnell, for now.

[tractortad]

Nice looking rig with that vintage scope. Winchester really did a nice job on the 9422 - it is a nifty 22lr lever gun - we really like ours, too. I think we are going to try a Skinner receiver peep/Lyman Globe setup for ours before we go down the scope route. How does your 9422 compare to a Marlin 39a?

[North Country Gal]

... How does your 9422 compare to a Marlin 39a?

Good question. Both great guns in their own right, for sure.

Build quality on both is superb, but the actions are quite different. The 39A is basically a scaled down 1984 Marlin for the sake shooting 22 LR. Has very much the feel of of an 1894 or other Marlin big game rifles. Very reassuring and unique in a 22 rifle. I will never be without a Marlin 39A.

The 9422 is an action all its own. It has no counterpart with any Winchester big game rifle. You know you are shooting a 22 rifle with the 9422, but in a good way. Ours is butter smooth in the action and that's one of the reasons we love to shoot it. Just a joy to shoot.

As for accuracy, both excellent. Take your pick. We own both and have never had any complaints in the accuracy department. Never.

As for price, these days? Ouch! Now that the 39A is not in Marlin's current lineup, prices have been going through the roof. Saw a 39A at a gun show, over the weekend, of the same vintage as one we recently bought and in the same shape going for over $800. (We paid $525 for our last one.) As for the 9422, if you see one under $650, better grab it. (We did on ours. )

[BrokenolMarine]

NCG,

My hat is off once again, as you are shooting like a champ. I certainly enjoy your posts. Cool guns, tight groups, and can't wait for the next post.

[tractortad]

... How does your 9422 compare to a Marlin 39a?

The 9422 is an action all its own. It has no counterpart with any Winchester big game rifle. You know you are shooting a 22 rifle with the 9422, but in a good way. Ours is butter smooth in the action and that's one of the reasons we love to shoot it. Just a joy to shoot.

Thanks for insight, NCG - your opinions go a long way. We've got a 9422 XTR built around 1982 and I concur with your assessment - great 22LR rifle. I can also say it feels a lot like our Henry SGC in its weight, balance and smooth action. Fit and finish on the Winchester is better, though, due to the painted receiver on the Henry.

We definitely have to find a nice Marlin 39a - a 22LR collection just isn't complete without one.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, folks. Glad you enjoyed the post.

td, you are exactly right about the 39A. I've been shooting them since the early 80s. Just nothing else like them. Even if you shoot and collect Henrys, makes for a nice addition to any collection. Just have to find one at a decent price, now.

[Sir Henry]

I really like the looks of that vintage straight tube scope but it looks like its a 7/8" tube not a 3/4". Its hard to tell in the picture.

[North Country Gal]

I think you're right. Should check. Anyway, neat little scope. It's a rail mount scope with its own dedicated 22 grooved receiver mount.

[NoFlyZone]

Your 9422 looks fantastic! I've been keeping my eyes open for one.
I already have a 57 Marlin 39a and a few Henry's, but I need a Winchester 9422 too.
Very nice!

[North Country Gal]

Thanks. Ours is no mint specimen. Has some dings and, yeah, it's been shot some, but it still shoots so nice, hard to put it down.

[Sir Henry]

Here is my 9422 in .22WMR wearing a vintage 7/8" tube J.C. Higgins 4X made by Weaver and a Henry Classic wearing a vintage 3/4" Weaver V22-A.

DSCN4544.JPG (3.35 MiB) Viewed 882 times

[North Country Gal]

Those are a couple of beauties, for sure. Just seeing them makes we want to pack up the car and head to the range.