22 Magnum Launching Pads

[Idiot]

The 22 Magnum has worked its way to the top of my buy list (the 45/70 Government is still a couple points down). I can no longer afford one in the old Winchester XTR model so I've narrowed my choices to either the Ruger 96/22M or the Henry Goldern Boy.

I have both of the above in 22LR and they both shoot fine. However, the 22 Magnum is a much more powerful cartridge than the 22 long rifle and warrants long range accuracy. The magnum is also a longer cartridge than it long rifle sister and uses more grown up bullets. Do any of you guys have a preference between these two rifles? If so, please let me know and give the details. Thanks.

[mescalero1]

I want a Henry Golden Boy, with the long octagon barrel and a full length brass 4x scope like Tasco used to make.
Just for the "look "

[Hobie]

I would pick the Ruger. Ok, so I have two .22 WMRFs. One is my Single-Six and the other is a Contender carbine barrel.

[GoatGuy]

Certainly NOT a lever, but the semi-auto Remington 597M is a well made arm, mounts to the shoulder like an adult's gun and is well liked by those I know who have one. Same price range as the 96/22M.

[gamekeeper]

I like the look of the Ruger more than the Golden Boy but I have had two Winchester 9422M's and I would look for another before considering buying anything else.
The Ruger does look cool though.

[AndyM]

I like the 22 mag. I use it in the single-six and I also own an el cheapo Marlin 25MN bolt in it. I bought it for under $100 bucks a few years back and killed quite a few groundhogs with it. With a medium priced Simmons scope on it, almost can shoot 1 hole at 50 yards. Then my father claimed it as his fall squirrel gun and has killed about a truckload of squirrels with it not to mention a fall turkey or 2 - head shots from a sitting position. I had to buy him his own to get mine back and both of these Marlins shoot good. I really like the 22 mag as a hunting round.

If only looking at those 2 - I think I would go with the Ruger -

[mescalero1]

I have the 597, shoots well; it's uglier than a mud fence.

[Twinsfan]

My truck gun is a Henry H001M . Nice lightweight easy to shoot rifle. I bought it used in like new condition for $230 so I don't lose any sleep if I get a scratch on it. I've never shot a Golden Boy but I would think it's about the same. Ruger also makes a fine rimfire. I shot a 10/22 for years (and still have one) before becoming addicted to the levers. I'd be happy with either one.

[Pete44ru]

I don't personally care for the 96/22, and won't own another GB, either.

I own & like my Henry H001 .22 - Have you considered the Henry H001TM, which is a blued .22 mag w/20" octagon barrel & normal (dovetail) rifle sights ?

Henry calls it the "Frontier Model":

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h001t_leveroctagon.cfm

It's quite easy to peep or scope.



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[2ndovc]

Not a lever gun but my Mann. stocked CZ 452 is one tack drivin' son of a gun.
With the heavier 40 grain bullets it will punch one hole 1/2" groups at 100 yds.

jb