BL-22 vs 39a

foxtrapper · Post by **foxtrapper** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 2:20 pm

Which is the better gun

I'm talking about new models. The Marlin has a rebounding hammer, does the BL-22. This will be my first lever .22 .

cubrock · Post by **cubrock** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:34 pm

foxtrapper wrote:Which is the better gun I'm talking about new models. The Marlin has a rebounding hammer, does the BL-22. This will be my first lever .22 .

This is a Ford/Chevy question. You can't go wrong with either. The BL22 has a shorter stroke and is a lighter gun. The 39A is a take-down and is high quality all the way. Buy whichever you prefer after handling them.

Boge Quinn · Post by **Boge Quinn** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:36 pm

I've got both, and I'd have a tough time picking between the two. I like a straight-grip stock, so between my 39A and my BL-22, I'd take the BL-22. Between my Mountie and my BL-22, I don't think I could make the choice. That's why they print money.

86er · Post by **86er** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:08 pm

You can stop by here and try both. I like the full sized Marlin for mimicing practice with my full sized guns. I have the sights set up exactly the same and the distance between sights is identical - so I get my the same exact sight picture as my centerfire. The BL is small and light. To me, if I shoot it with a scope it feels similar to my Sav99 in trigger pull and sight picture, but lighter. Either one is a winner. I know of 2 excellent BL's I can point you to if you don't have one spotted already.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:34 pm

I, too, have had both - and found I was overpowering the light weight of the BL-22, causing unsteadiness in sighting, leading me to prefer the Marlin.

Since YMMV, indeed, be sure to try before you buy.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:46 pm

I find the Marlin very steady - have not shot the other.

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:00 pm

I'd rather provide jobs for Americans by buying a Marlin. The Japanese seem do be doing well enough without our support.

The BL-22 seems small and toy like IMO. It's too small. The 39A is very much like shooting your centerfire hunting rifle.

The BL-22 is $50.00 cheaper though.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:40 pm

I have both a BL22 and a Mounty, and I used to have a pistol gripped 39A. I like them all for different reasons. In some ways I like the little light BL22 with factory open irons the best for plinking and it just handles like a wane, and for some funny reason that particular conbination of sight radius and the sights on that gun, really work for me, and I shoot it really well for open sights. I can't say that that about a lot of guns.

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:13 pm

I have a 39 A and It's on the short list of rifles I wont sell .

The extra weight makes it hang better for me.

I own a Rem speedmaster and Ruger 77/22, too..I can outshoot either with the Marlin offhand

Those Brownings and Winchesters have a nice look...
~Jeff

JeffG · Post by **JeffG** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:32 pm

well, I'll throw my two cents in. I went on a binge and bought both this past month. The 39A was dirt-cheap and I tried to shoot it for the first time this past week, turns out the firring pin is broken. $18 plus shipping got me a new one, and (I'm NO gunsmith) it looks like a snap to drop it in. This gun is just the right weight and length for me, it comes up beautifully, and it's built for ruff service. I wouldn't hesitate to toss it behind the seat of the truck (on a blanket, of course) and just leave it there all the time. I'll let you know how it shoots next week. The BL-22 does seem a little prissy, all little and shiney, with all those curley-Q's on the receiver. I'm afraid I'll scatch it just taking it out of the cabinet. I thought I'd keep it pristine for the grand kids...NOT!! I took it out (...and scratched it). MAN!! what shooter!! The action was effortless, smooth as a swiss watch, and effortless to sight with the open sights. It feels small but I will certainly take it to the next "everybody welcome" match at the gun club, just for the fun of winning with a little light weight lever. After the next scatch it will probably be my permanent squirrel gun.

gon2shoot · Post by **gon2shoot** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:56 pm

Both mine are 40+ yrs old but the Browning shoots better.

Dakota7 · Post by **Dakota7** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:23 am

Bought my first Marlin 39a in 1968 and would NEVER part with it.

bobbyjack · Post by **bobbyjack** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:12 am

gon2shoot wrote:Both mine are 40+ yrs old but the Browning shoots better.

My Marlin is a 1948 model(old like yours)thats before Micro-Groove barrels,maybe thats why yours is under snuff.

Bob

BL-22 vs 39a

BL-22 vs 39a

Re: BL-22 vs 39a

39 a