Winchester Model 9422 .22 LR – Post-1991 Checkered Standard
This late-1990s Winchester Model 9422 represents one of the final New Haven-built rimfire lever actions, combining the trim lines of a classic saddle rifle with the slick, short throw that made the 9422 a favorite on small-bore silhouette ranges. Chambered in .22 LR (and happily digesting .22 Long as well), it carries 15 rounds in the full-length tubular magazine and breaks down quickly via a single knurled screw for easy transport or cleaning—a feature collectors and field shooters alike continue to praise.
Condition
Overall: Excellent. The blued metal shows only faint evidence of prior handling, with a few small scuffs and isolated pitting near the ejection port that do not affect function or appearance at a glance.
Bore: Mirror-bright with sharp six-groove rifling—no frosting, no chatter marks.
Wood: Walnut stock and fore-end retain a deep satin sheen; cut diamond checkering remains crisp with no flattening or oil-soak.
What’s Included
• Original Winchester tan cardboard rifle box with red logo—correct to the period and serial number.
Features that set this particular 9422 apart:
• Forged steel receiver and 20.5" round barrel wear their factory satin blue evenly, a finish Winchester engineers chose for both corrosion resistance and minimal glare in the field.
• Factory straight-grip walnut stock with Winchester-cut checkering offers a surprisingly secure purchase for fast follow-up shots, and the 13.75" length of pull fits most adult shooters without spacers.
• Hooded ramped bead front sight and elevation-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight provide the precise sight picture rimfire competitors expect; a 3⁄8" grooved receiver top stands ready for tip-off scope rings if glass is your preference.
• Smooth center-fire-class bolt lock-up, coupled with the external hammer, gives the 9422 its famously clean trigger break and the ability to safely lower the hammer on a loaded chamber—no cross-bolts or levers to fumble.
• Manufactured in 1997-1998 (serial F710641), this rifle comes from the twilight years of U.S. production before Winchester closed the New Haven plant in 2005, adding a layer of collectibility to its already practical charm.
Whether you’re building a Winchester collection, looking for a period-correct lever gun for NRA Small-Bore Silhouette, or simply want a beautifully crafted .22 that will outlast a generation of tin-can plinking, this Model 9422 delivers reputable performance and enduring value.
Pick it up, work the lever once, and you’ll understand why the 9422 still sets the bar for rimfire lever actions.