I went through this about a month ago. After handling a Henry and a Browning, I traveled 120 miles to buy a Browning BL-22 at a particular gunshop. Along the way, I decided to stop at an older gunshop just for grins. They had a BL-22 as well as a couple of older pre-safety and JM stamped Marlin 39A's. After handling all three guns, the choice for me was obvious. I went home with a 42 year old Marlin 39A that wasn't even on the list. All steel, a machined steel receiver, easy to take apart and clean, well balanced and accurate. The Brownings are very nice as well but I've heard the triggers aren't always the best and they are very difficult to work on. However, my Brother has one and loves it. The action on the Henrys are very smooth, but I can't get past the painted aluminum alloy sideplates, but that's just me. I once owned a Winchester 9422 magnum. Paid $300.00 for it brand new. Deadly accurate and functioned flawlessly. Like an idiot, I sold it. I would love to have another, but I don't have $1000.00 laying around to buy one.