Pulled the trigger on a 9422!!! PICS added

[Canuck Bob]

Thanks to everyone for their help in my search and education for a lever 22.

I looked into Marlin 39s but the options currently available were not to my liking in cost. The Mountie would have been my choice because of its compact size broken down for transport. I considered other options but what kinda lever gunner buys a clumsy side crank 22 when he doesn't yet own a lever 22, not this one.

A 1976 (edit first report was 1975) 9422 came available. It is advertised as clean metal in great shape for the age, 500 round count (we will see?), and a stock that is crack free but has been sanded. After research the price was acceptable indeed so I jumped on it because these things are usually hundreds more than this one. Picture to follow soon.

I understand this year is early for a 9422. Folks indicate that the early models were well built and often had nice wood. It is advertised as complete including the sight hood. NRA excellent isn't expected but if the metal is as tight and the bluing as good as advertised some Tru Oil and elbow grease may polish this gun up nicely.

So it ends up my 444 didn't get a little brother my 94 did. I'm consumed with questions so anything you might want to share about early 9422s is sure welcome. It also seems my nice steel Lyman 66 will match this rifle as they are a wider receiver than a 39 so a D&T is coming. Do I hear a faint rumbling about sacrilege with a drill press?

Again, thanks to everyone for help on my questions and much education from the search function. Lever gunners are great folks, some may be a bit peculiar, specially this one. Who else values peep sights and hundred year old cartridges while defending the 30-30 as an outstanding hunting gun in this day and age.

[Canuck Bob]

Pictures arrived and the gun is as advertised. The metal is very good for finish and bluing. The stocks are dark walnut with good figure and the surface has been sanded but not deeply or completely. The pic files are huge so I will downsize a couple and send later. If you are imagining a big smile your right on the button. The last hurdle is the postman now.

I rechecked the sn and the rifle is a 1976 not a 1975 as I was reported. Sellor misread the info and thought dates were starting numbers not ending numbers on the yearly chart I suspect.

[North Country Gal]

Congrats! Sounds like the only mods have been cosmetic, so you're good to go. Yes, the early guns are desirable, but I would never pass up a good deal on any vintage of 9422, though I might hesitate on one made in the very last years of production, given the financial woes of the company at that time.

D&T is completely your business - it is your gun. Won't help the resale value, but that's not an issue unless you plan to sell it, of course. I would shoot it a bit, first, though, to see what you think of it before doing that. Skinner, by the way, does make a peep that can slide right onto the grooves on the receiver. Here's a pic of one on my Annie Oakley 9422.

[Model 52B]

You won't regret buying it.

They had steel magazine tubes until sometime in 1978, then brass after that so your's should be steel if it's original. My only complaint with the 9422 is that the inner magazine tube sometimes likes to stay in the case, when you pull the rifle out to put it back in the safe, so you quickly learn to check for it's presence in the rifle.

I have a 1978 XTR (first year for the XTR), and they started checkering them in about 1979-80. Generally speaking the mid to late 70s were an era of lighter colored wood as on this example.

I also have a 2000 non XTR but checkered Trapper carbine.



Sight wise, if you are going to D&T the rifle, I'd recommend a Marbles Tang sight. It requires two 10-32 holes on the tang, but they are not obtrusive and don't mess with the excellent finish on the receiver. More importantly:

1) they are click adjustable for windage and elevation in 1/2 MOA increments;
2) the aperture is closer to the eye and takes greater advantage of the ability of a small aperture to increase depth of field for the shooter - something that becomes much more important as you and your eyes get older;
3) they look very good and add to the classic lines of the rifle, rather than looking like a clunky, squarish add-on; and
4) they offer a high degree of precision that complements the 9422's accuracy potential.

I added a saddle ring take down screw to each of mine to facilitate disassembly without tools and because I like the look. It's also a reversible modification as long as you keep the old screws, and it prevents the original screws from getting marred.

I have a Merit #4 hunting aperture on one of mine, and it's superb - offering 11 adjustment settings that cover the same range of sizes as the three apertures that come with the Marbles tang sight.

[Canuck Bob]

NC GAL, Wow, is that brass or gold plate? That rifle is outstanding. How much bigger front sight was needed to keep bullets on target. I spotted a Williams WGRS, NECG, Skinner, and one of those sights that look like a Williams Foolproof but lock on the scope dovetails, clumsy looking thing that one.

The drill and tap will wait until I trust the rifle and clean it up and refinish the stock. If I trust it the rifle is in its home until I'm not anymore. I appreciate the heads up about reducing the value but I have a hard time picturing a lever without a receiver sight. Actually more and more a scope seems inevitable on some rifles but that discussion is for another thread and not this rifle.

52b, those are also outstanding 9422's. I really like the saddle ring for tool-less take down. The tang sight is worth considering as well. I once considered one for my other levers but with centerfire kick I shied away. My stock is darker but someone fooled around with them so who knows what bubba did! At least he didn't butcher the stocks just messed up the finish.

[Old Savage]

Great guns, I agree.

[gamekeeper]

Congratulations.. I have just found a 9422M XTR for $311.00 or £200.00 so I think my Uberti Yellowboy .22WMR maybe on it's way back to a dealers shelves.
It will be the 3rd 9422M I have had...I promise to keep this one if I get it.

[bdhold]

thanks for the photos

[Canuck Bob]

Game Keeper,

This rifle will set me back $400 all in, about $360 Cdn after shipping is deducted.

The UK prices are excellent considering you got an XTR. I find pre-64 94s cheaper here by a bit to the USA. It is rarely that way but the 94 was used everywhere when this country had a lot more moose than people. Only the 303 was more common. The men in my family all bought a Lee Enfield when they mustered out after VE in 1945.

They sure loved the Brits and England when they stood on the wall in the early 40s before Italy, Holland and then the push over Rhine River. I must admit they were proud to serve with Tommies but weren't real fond of your officers. In all fairness I don't think your officers were real fond of Canucks until the bullets flew. Canada was a much better place from the influence of the many fine British war brides that tamed a rough bunch raised in the bush. My family was blessed with two English lasses and a Dutch milk maid, literally.

[Pete44ru]

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FWIW, I would NEVER consider D/T'ing my 9422XTR-M !

NCGal has the real deal - a clip-on receiver peep sight (Skinner, Williams WGRS, XS Sights, New England Custom Gun), all of which will require a new/higher front sight blade, which is no big deal, especially for someone who'd prefer a different front sight than the issue (Ivory/Gold/Fiber-Optic bead).


.

[North Country Gal]

NC GAL, Wow, is that brass or gold plate? That rifle is outstanding. How much bigger front sight was needed to keep bullets on target. I spotted a Williams WGRS, NECG, Skinner, and one of those sights that look like a Williams Foolproof but lock on the scope dovetails, clumsy looking thing that one.

Brass, I expect, even though it would be fun to think it was gold. I had to go with a Skinner blade front that was .450" to get the peep to work, but I went with brass, of course, to match the rest of the gun. "Rescued" this gun from a shop where it had been sitting for a long time because guys weren't getting too excited about a gun with a girl's pic and name on it, or so the owner claimed. My husband sure doesn't have a problem shooting it, though. Like all 9422s, very accurate and very smooth. Yeah, too pretty to take hunting or out in the woods, but a real sweetheart of a gun to shoot at the range. By the way, we also have a couple of mint Marlin 39s we shoot that we also love. All great guns, just with a different feel to them. Enjoy your 9422.

[Pete44ru]

.

The Annie Oakley 9422 commemorative rifles had gold-plated receivers.

http://www.doublegun.com/roth.htm



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[North Country Gal]

.

The Annie Oakley 9422 commemorative rifles had gold-plated receivers.

http://www.doublegun.com/roth.htm



.

Thanks! Wasn't sure, but now I know. Gee, maybe I better wear a pistol when shooting it to make sure no one tries to rob me.

[1886]

You won't regret buying it.

They had steel magazine tubes until sometime in 1978, then brass after that so your's should be steel if it's original. My only complaint with the 9422 is that the inner magazine tube sometimes likes to stay in the case, when you pull the rifle out to put it back in the safe, so you quickly learn to check for it's presence in the rifle.

I have a 1978 XTR (first year for the XTR), and they started checkering them in about 1979-80. Generally speaking the mid to late 70s were an era of lighter colored wood as on this example.

I also have a 2000 non XTR but checkered Trapper carbine.



Sight wise, if you are going to D&T the rifle, I'd recommend a Marbles Tang sight. It requires two 10-32 holes on the tang, but they are not obtrusive and don't mess with the excellent finish on the receiver. More importantly:

1) they are click adjustable for windage and elevation in 1/2 MOA increments;
2) the aperture is closer to the eye and takes greater advantage of the ability of a small aperture to increase depth of field for the shooter - something that becomes much more important as you and your eyes get older;
3) they look very good and add to the classic lines of the rifle, rather than looking like a clunky, squarish add-on; and
4) they offer a high degree of precision that complements the 9422's accuracy potential.

I added a saddle ring take down screw to each of mine to facilitate disassembly without tools and because I like the look. It's also a reversible modification as long as you keep the old screws, and it prevents the original screws from getting marred.

I have a Merit #4 hunting aperture on one of mine, and it's superb - offering 11 adjustment settings that cover the same range of sizes as the three apertures that come with the Marbles tang sight.

I like those saddle rings!! Please share where you purchased them. I would like one for my 9422M. Thanks in advance, 1886.

[Canuck Bob]

Pics of the new rifle. The stock scuffs are sanding marks but I've been assured they are not as bad as the pictures look. The other shots show the metal in detail and it is at least 80-90% good.

[Canuck Bob]

.

FWIW, I would NEVER consider D/T'ing my 9422XTR-M !

NCGal has the real deal - a clip-on receiver peep sight (Skinner, Williams WGRS, XS Sights, New England Custom Gun), all of which will require a new/higher front sight blade, which is no big deal, especially for someone who'd prefer a different front sight than the issue (Ivory/Gold/Fiber-Optic bead).


.

No question after some research. The WGRS and a higher front bead will work best for cost, availability, and non damage for my getting used to the rifle. I've used a WGRS on my 10-22 happily for decades.

[Model 52B]

You won't regret buying it.

They had steel magazine tubes until sometime in 1978, then brass after that so your's should be steel if it's original. My only complaint with the 9422 is that the inner magazine tube sometimes likes to stay in the case, when you pull the rifle out to put it back in the safe, so you quickly learn to check for it's presence in the rifle.

I have a 1978 XTR (first year for the XTR), and they started checkering them in about 1979-80. Generally speaking the mid to late 70s were an era of lighter colored wood as on this example.

I also have a 2000 non XTR but checkered Trapper carbine.



Sight wise, if you are going to D&T the rifle, I'd recommend a Marbles Tang sight. It requires two 10-32 holes on the tang, but they are not obtrusive and don't mess with the excellent finish on the receiver. More importantly:

1) they are click adjustable for windage and elevation in 1/2 MOA increments;
2) the aperture is closer to the eye and takes greater advantage of the ability of a small aperture to increase depth of field for the shooter - something that becomes much more important as you and your eyes get older;
3) they look very good and add to the classic lines of the rifle, rather than looking like a clunky, squarish add-on; and
4) they offer a high degree of precision that complements the 9422's accuracy potential.

I added a saddle ring take down screw to each of mine to facilitate disassembly without tools and because I like the look. It's also a reversible modification as long as you keep the old screws, and it prevents the original screws from getting marred.

I have a Merit #4 hunting aperture on one of mine, and it's superb - offering 11 adjustment settings that cover the same range of sizes as the three apertures that come with the Marbles tang sight.

I like those saddle rings!! Please share where you purchased them. I would like one for my 9422M. Thanks in advance, 1886.

They seem to be decent to work with - prompt shipping, etc:
http://beartoothmercantile-2.myshopify. ... -down-ring

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As for D&T...I may have thought differently if I bought them as investment, but the stuff in my gun cabinets is there to get shot, and the 9422s are among the last carbines I'd ever sell, so a hit in resale value to a collector is a small issue, and one that will be offset by the increased resale value with the sight to a shooter.

Also, mounting things in the grooves on the top of the receiver will leave marks as well, so to a degree, it's six of one and a half dozen of the other in terms of resale impact.

I really love having a very accurate sight that I can quickly and repeatedly adjust for windage as well as elevation. For example when zeroed for 50 yards, 5 clicks down zeros it for 25 yards, two full turns up (16 clicks) brings me up to 100 yards, and a total of 28 clicks brings me up to 125 yards. It's hard to do that quickly, easily and repeatably with any other receiver sight currently available for the 9422.

[GoatGuy]

Reads like you're on track for having a real good one for your needs. Really like those 9422 levers. Only complaint I have is the magazine tube on mine seems not to want to stay where it belongs. A previous one I owned, and sold to a good buddy for his boy, had the same problem. It decided to abandon ship while they were out on the eastern NM plains scaring the jackrabbit population. Got back to the truck and it was missing! Rick backtracked on his 4 wheeler and found it laying in the dirt about a mile or so from where they had parked the truck. Both were really relieved. So, make sure the tube stays where it belongs when you go out.

The first one I ever saw belonged to another good friend of mine in the late 1970's. He used it to good effect to feed his family one winter when things were tough for them. Told me it would make a fat doe DRT when a 40 grain slug entered an ear hole.

Glad to read you're gonna go with the the WGRS and a higher front bead. I never could get too excited about a tang sight.

[Model 52B]

Reads like you're on track for having a real good one for your needs. Really like those 9422 levers. Only complaint I have is the magazine tube on mine seems not to want to stay where it belongs. A previous one I owned, and sold to a good buddy for his boy, had the same problem. It decided to abandon ship while they were out on the eastern NM plains scaring the jackrabbit population. Got back to the truck and it was missing!

It's a problem when the carbine is empty, but when it has some rounds in it, the spring pressure keeps it from rotating out of the detent. You just never want to carry it with an empty magazine.

[Pete44ru]

Only complaint I have is the magazine tube on mine seems not to want to stay where it belongs.
It decided to abandon ship while they were out on the eastern NM plains scaring the jackrabbit population. Got back to the truck and it was missing!

It's a problem when the carbine is empty, but when it has some rounds in it, the spring pressure keeps it from rotating out of the detent. You just never want to carry it with an empty magazine.

It would be against the law in my state to carry any firearm in/on a motor vehicle with a loaded integral magazine, and several other states I'm aware of, if not every state.


Many vehicles, especially 4-wheelers, are very vibration prone - which effects are doubled when a gun is carried in those forked gun holders.
I think I would remove the inner magazine tube during that sort of transport, and stow it.


.

[Canuck Bob]

In my googling 9422 the magazine tube issue is quite common. There were a number of fixes like a VERY SLIGHT BEND in the inner tube, not me, dimpling slightly out of round in a spot, not me, and a small o-ring to keep pressure between the inner tubes cap and outer magazine tube, initial fix for me if needed.

It was noted that the early steel tubes needed monitoring for rust and prompted Winchester to change to brass later.

[Model 52B]

Only complaint I have is the magazine tube on mine seems not to want to stay where it belongs.
It decided to abandon ship while they were out on the eastern NM plains scaring the jackrabbit population. Got back to the truck and it was missing!

It's a problem when the carbine is empty, but when it has some rounds in it, the spring pressure keeps it from rotating out of the detent. You just never want to carry it with an empty magazine.

It would be against the law in my state to carry any firearm in/on a motor vehicle with a loaded integral magazine, and several other states I'm aware of, if not every state.


Many vehicles, especially 4-wheelers, are very vibration prone - which effects are doubled when a gun is carried in those forked gun holders.
I think I would remove the inner magazine tube during that sort of transport, and stow it.

<smacks forehead>

Ok, fair enough...let me rephrase my suggestion to include some additional information I mistakenly assumed was obvious:

*** I would not carry it with the magazine empty while out walking around where the tube could fall out unnoticed. ***

If it falls out in a vehicle, then it's no big deal as it will still be there in your vehicle rather than laying out in a field somewhere potentially lost. If you lose it in your vehicle, you'll discover it's gone when you go to load it, or hopefully when you put the rifle back in the gun safe.

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Now, with that said, one of the many advantage of a concealed carry permit in many states, is the ability to have a loaded weapon in a vehicle. It's worth it for that if you shoot a lot, even if you don't conceal carry.

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For horse or ATV use, I use a scabbard. It's an old solution to a modern problem and protects the rifle from dust and damage. The problem with carrying a 9422 empty (as may be required in some jurisdictions when hunting if it's attached to an ATV) in a scabbard is that if the tube comes out in the scabbard, a properly fitting scabbard is too small to reach into to retrieve the tube, so you end up having to unstrap it to shake it out. A major PITA. Carrying the tube separately is always an option, but lose the tube, and your 9422 is now an incredibly hard to load single shot.

My solution was to place an o-ring over the tube to take up the extra space between the out tube and the end cap. The problem with this as a general solution is that they are a specialty o-ring with the OD of an 012, but with a .050 cross section rather than an .070 cross section and the difference matters as it's a snug fit. With the .050 cross section it's snug enough to require a tight grip with your thumb and finger and some downward pressure to get the pin to go around the horn. With a standard 012 o-ring and the .070 cross section, it won't go.

In any event, with the o-ring in place, it won't bounce or vibrate it's way out of the outer tube, yet it's still quick and easy to remove to load the rifle.

[Oldwolf]

The triggers on my 9422's are pretty heavy making Cowboy Silhouette Matches difficult. How have you guys tuned the triggers on your rifles? I have a 9422 and a 9422M to work on. This is my first post but have been a member since 2008!
Thanks.