Posted: 6/15/2025 11:31:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: comma][Edited]
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Need a .22 for squirrels and would like a model made in the USA with as much history as possible. Ideally the oldest continually made .22 model. Ideally needs to also be a good shooter. Lever action and/or octagon barrel are a plus. Needs to be something I can buy new. Any suggestions? New to both .22s and small game |
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Browning Low Wall .22, you’re in luck as it has a lever and is usually an octagon barrel. Some years they alter the offering. I think it’s been an octagon barrel instead of round for a decade now. Edit, pretty sure it’s a Miroku(Japan) made Browning as are nearly all of them now. There are plenty of used old classic american made .22s out there if you look at used guns. An older Marlin 39a will likely run you $600-900 and won’t be new but have character. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Marlin 39a used would be my first choice. I tend to use a pellet gun to shoot squirrels because they are up in trees and bullets that go up will eventually come down. If there is a solid branch behind them you know where the .22 bullet will stop if not it may come down a mile away. Pellets are less likely to cause that same problem. Lots of people use a 410 shotgun for squirrels to limit the chance of it causing a problem. Birdshot at 100 yds isn’t lethal . |
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Consider used guns and your search is much more possible . A marlin 39A can be pricey even for a used gun but is a wonderful gun and has a great history . The OP should consider if he wants a optic on this rifle , some of the lever 22s out there are not really set up for glass . |
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Originally Posted By Urimaginaryfrnd: Marlin 39a used would be my first choice. I tend to use a pellet gun to shoot squirrels because they are up in trees and bullets that go up will eventually come down. If there is a solid branch behind them you know where the .22 bullet will stop if not it may come down a mile away. Pellets are less likely to cause that same problem. Lots of people use a 410 shotgun for squirrels to limit the chance of it causing a problem. Birdshot at 100 yds isn’t lethal . Exactly. Only assholes shoot squirrels in trees without a backstop OP, I got nothing. Browning BL-22 is supposedly the longest currently made production rifle, with the ruger 10/22 right behind it. |
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Originally Posted By NotIssued: Exactly. Only assholes shoot squirrels in trees without a backstop OP, I got nothing. Browning BL-22 is supposedly the longest currently made production rifle, with the ruger 10/22 right behind it. The BL-22 is unfortunately made in Japan |
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| With Ruger owning Marlin the 22 options are limited for American .22's without playing in the used gun rack. If you want to go offshore CZ and Bergara have nice options |
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