Winchester Model 9422

Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1972

Also known as: 9422, Model 9422, 94/22

Overview

The Winchester Model 9422 is a tubular-magazine lever-action rimfire rifle introduced in 1972 as a high-quality, scaled-down homage to the legendary Model 94 deer rifle. Built around a forged steel receiver with an American walnut straight-grip stock, it chambers interchangeable .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle (and .22 WMR in the 9422M variant) and holds up to 15 rounds of .22 LR in its under-barrel tube. Renowned for its smooth action, accuracy, and Old-West styling, it earned a reputation as arguably the best production .22 lever gun ever made before being discontinued in 2005.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2722 g (96.0 oz)
Overall Length950 mm (37.40")
Barrel Length521 mm (20.51")
Action TypeLever Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity15 rounds
Magazine TypeTube
Muzzle Velocity326 m/s (1070 fps)
Muzzle Energy190 J (140 ft·lbf)
Effective Range140 m (153 yd)
Maximum Range1500 m (1640 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 850,000 · Production years: 1972-2005

Over 600,000 produced by 1991. The final 2005 run included a Tribute Series of 9,244 special-edition guns. Serial number 1 was presented to a retiring employee in 1972.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Discontinued: 2005

Notes

Magazine capacity varies by cartridge: 15 rounds of .22 LR, 17 of .22 Long, 21 of .22 Short, and 11 of .22 WMR in the 9422M. The forged (not cast) receiver is a frequently praised feature.

Background

The 9422 is essentially a scaled-down Model 1894, deliberately echoing the iconic Winchester '94's lines and handling in an economical .22 rimfire. Widely regarded as the finest mass-produced .22 lever-action ever made, it was discontinued in 2005 to industry dismay and now commands strong collector prices.