Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Rounding out Winchester’s venerable lever-action lineup is this new .22LR rifle. Joining guns like the Model 1873 is a big responsibility and Winchester’s Ranger .22 has a lot to live up to.
But from the way it handled at the range and the way it feels in your hands, the Ranger looks like it’s in the right family.
All Machined
Remarkably, its receiver is machined from aluminum billet, and all the steel components are also machined.
All the metal has a black matte finish, and the satin-finished walnut stock looks terrific, too. Winchester says they see this as an heirloom gun and expect it to last generations.
Smooth Action
Several people were ahead of me in line at the range to shoot this gun and I saw many others handle it at the show. Just about every person said, “Wow, that’s a smooth action.”
This action is a completely new design, and while it is assembled in Portugal, it was designed by Winchester’s team in Morgan, Utah. Not only is it smooth, but it’s also easy to take down.
Simple Takedown
.22 LR ammo is notoriously dirty, and lever guns are notoriously difficult to disassemble. Winchester has solved these issues with a simple design.
Incredibly, removing one screw opens the whole thing up. Hit it with a toothbrush and CLP and you’re ready to shoot again. Or, take it apart to carry in two halves like a takedown rifle.
Although the receiver is aluminum, the steel screw goes into a steel nut pressed into the right side of the receiver. This mechanism is tough.
Classic Lever-Action
As modern as Winchester’s Ranger’s action is, the rest of the gun exudes classic lever-action styling. It’s got a 15-round tube magazine under the barrel with a brass plunger.
Also, the elevation-adjustable buckhorn rear sight and front hooded sight (covered wagon sight) are excellent and clear, but they also machined a dovetail rail for optics into the receiver.
That means it’s ready for a scope, but you don’t have to ruin its classic lines by adding Picatinny ring mounts.
Winchester’s Ranger .22 lever-action rifle is available now. Despite the excellent styling and production quality, its MSRP is just $419.
Specs
| Caliber 22 LR | Barrel Length 20 1/2 |
| Overall Length 37 3/4 | Length of Pull 13 |
| Drop at Comb 1 1/4 | Drop at Heel 2 |
| Weight 5 lbs 4 oz | Magazine Capacity 15 |
| Twist Rate 16 | Barrel Finish Matte Black |
| Stock Finish Satin Oil | Wood Grade Grade I |
| Receiver Finish Matte Black | Barrel Material Steel |
| Barrel Contour Sporter | Recoil Pad Plastic Butt Plate |
| Checkering Cut | Receiver Material Aluminum Alloy |
| Trigger Finish Matte Black | Magazine Type Tubular |
| Trigger Material Alloy | Trigger Guard Material Alloy |
| Trigger Guard Engraving None | Drilled and Tapped for Scope Grooved |
| MSRP$419.99 |
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I absolutely hate those stupid buckhorn rear sights that everyone wants to put on guns! Just use the old single notch rear sight that was easy to use and simple.
A cheapo TURKISH “Winchester”???? Really? really? What not call it a Tisas or whatever? Spend more and buy a USA made real Winchester 94-22. Made in the USA, a much better made gun, built, fit and finished like the best Winchesters of old. They`re a true pleasure to shoot and will outlive us all.
Meh…..They would have been better off reintroducing their old 9422 lever gun built to the old standard. Yes the price would be higher but I bet folks would line up to buy a better quality rifle. I would gladly pay twice the MSRP of this rifle for a new 9422. Just like Colt’s reintroduction of the Python, you couldn’t find one in stock for a year and folks were paying well over the MSRP to get one.
Hope they do better than Ruger/Marlin, on production. I have been waiting months now for the 1863 in .44Mag/.44Spl.
It’s stamped right on the barrel that it’s made in Turkey, not Portugal.
A rebranded Turkish .22 is nobody’s idea of an “heirloom” gun. Winchester is more of an importer than a manufacturer these days.
To be clear, this gun is designed by Winchester engineers in Utah.
Hope it is as accurate as the old Ithaca 49(A). For over $400 for a 22 it had better be…I paid $110 new for an Ithaca s.s. back in 1970 and it was one of the most accurate 22s I’ve ever shot.
According to TFB it is made in Turkey not Portugal. Check out the TFB YouTube video it shows the roll marks with the manufacturer and importer. It may be a good buy at the about $400 MSRP but my first choice is a Marlin 39M. I have one manufactured in 1957. I also have a Browning BL22 circa 1975.
Finally a decent looking rifle from Winchester. Thanks for not doing a cross-bolt safety thing, How’s it shoot? Any chance a 24″ octagon barrel barrel receiver peep sight and a curved butt to make it look a bit more American Classic. And yes if made in .17 HMR and .22 Mag You could sell 3 times more of those things to me. An old Marlin Cowboy type.
Here’s hoping if Marlin-Ruger brings back the 39 A /Cowboy it does not have a cross-bolt safety or tang sfety thing, Has a 24″ Octagon barrel, case colored receiver, peep sight. crescent steel butt, straight grip, and a regular sized lever, not a big thing
I shot it at the range and I was impressed with the few rounds I shot. The action is so smooth it makes for quick follow-up shots. I didn’t hear anything about future iterations with octogon barrels and case color hardening, but I’ll let you know if I do 😀
congrats you made a browning BL22
I’m incredibly old and just love my small cache of pre-1964 Winchesters, but I have to give credit to Winchester. This looks like my first Mdl. 94 60 years ago and seems to have all the design features to make a really spectacular gun. I’m relieved it is not another AR clone.
The best 22lr lever action rifle is the Marlin 39a. Nothing else compares. Henry’s are cheap stamped crap.
When it Comes Out in .22 Mag Let Me Know.
To those us who are old enough the name “Ranger” in the Winchester line-up meant cheap. Not so much in quality but in looks. Totally plain wood (Birch I believe) and no checkering. That’s the first thing I thought of when I saw this .22. Saying that I hope it’s a success even if it isn’t American assembled anymore.
You are correct sir! Ranger was the budget line of Winchester and this rifle looks to fall right in line. Would have much preferred a reintroduction of the legendary 9422.
Seems like a great design in the way it is easily broken down for cleaning. however I must remain true to Anthony Imperoto of Henry Rifles. His motto of “Made in America or not at all” rings with me. Versus Winchester assembled in Portugal.