Henry rifles. Any thoughts?

S

Skitt

Inactive
I'd really like to buy myself a Henry big boy but I don't know anyone that owns one. Nor have I had the chance to shoot one.
Anyone have any input? I'm thinking 45 long Colt.
Thanks:)
 
I'd say your on the right track. 45 Colt. American made. Made by a company known to take care of their customer's needs. From what I've read here and there. Those that own one like theirs. I've only seen one at my club range the individual shooting it appeared pleased with his rifles performance. {He must have. He sure shot enough that morning.} I think it would be a fun gun to shoot and reload for. Now doubt you could hunt with it. FWIW I think its a win win for your consideration to own one. Frankly I like the idea of shooting a 45 cal over both the 357 and 44 don't you Skitt? Well with that said. Time to go refill my cup now.
 
They make decent rifles. I like the 22's well enough for a shooter, but can't buy one of their centerfires. A pistol caliber rifle that weighs almost 9 lbs should be against the law to make. Seems Henry missed the whole point of owning a lever action. They should be a light handy carbine, not 2 lbs heavier than my 300 magnum. Having to load from the front of the tube vs a loading gate on the side of the receiver is another negative.

I like the idea of pistol caliber levers, have a Marlin in 44. I just don't like Henry's version.
 
Henry rifles

I have a Henry H010 47-70 at about 7 lbs. I thought the magazine spring was a little weak and called them about it. I had a new magazine in less than a week no questions no arguments! I love mine. Smooth action!
Bill
 
I think they have the finest lever action 30-30 made. The action is sooo slick. If I wasn't already about to start my Win 94 "un-Bubba project" I'd buy one. Most folks don't like loading in the tube, I don't think its a big deal for a day of hunting.

And I'll back up all the Customer Service anecdotes. I won't detail my issue, but the short of it is I had a rifle from their old Brooklyn plant. They haven't been there in years. They said to ship in the gun or they could ship me parts. Whatever I wanted. I had them ship the parts. I got 2 sets of part and a hat and t-shirt..... and a follow up email to make sure I was taken care of.
 
About 7 years ago...on the 100 yard range at AGC at Marriottsville, I was a witness --- about 6 feet away --- to a tubular magazine explosion in a Henry Golden Boy --- in 45 Colt --- from a guy that took an offhand shot. One round exploded in the magazine, sending metal fragments that caused puncture wounds to his left arm and abdomen.
Rifle primers have less of a chance of causing a tubular magazine explosion than pistol primers. Soft lead tipped bullets also helps prevent the same occurrence.

An RSO over at the state run Hap Baker gun range, about 15 miles away from our range, has also given warnings to shooters who have Golden Boy's, about tubular magazine explosions.
 
An RSO over at the state run Hap Baker gun range, about 15 miles away from our range, has also given warnings to shooters who have Golden Boy's, about tubular magazine explosions.
Click to expand...

I don't understand that statement. Lever actions mostly have tube magazines. Are you talking about loading at the tube vs through a gate?

It's universally known you can't use 'pointy' bullet profiles in a lever action unless you have the polymer tips.
 
I just have a Henry H001 .22, and I would happily own another in a larger caliber. It has served me well for more than a decade, it is very accurate. They make great rifles and their customer service is apparently top notch.
 
My concern is that receiver on the .44 mag and .45 Colt rifles are made of brass. I can imagine that would hold up very well.

Tony
 
I have a henry 22 and love it. IMO you can't beat them in the lever world for the money. Haven't shot the model you are looking at, but if it's anything like their 22 you will love it. Very accurate and reliable
 
a tubular magazine explosion in a Henry Golden Boy --- in 45 Colt ---
Click to expand...

You mean Big Boy, the Golden Boy is a .22 and mag explosions are cause by using the wrong ammo. Its not just a Henry deal.
 
Henry 22's are slick, accurate little lever actions that I prefer to anything this side of the Browning BL22. I've handled exactly one of their 45 Colts and it left me thinking that my Rossi 92 Trapper was better in every respect.
 
My Henry Golden Boy .17HMR is the smoothest action lever gun I've ever handled. Well made and extremely accurate. I had to contact Henry because the magazine tube was not properly staked at the end of the barrel. Their response, service, and return was excellent.
 
Thanks for the helpful info guys. I bought the big boy in 45 long Colt. Now if it would warm up here even into the 20's I could go out and enjoy it! Wisconsin weather isn't that great lately. Haha:)
 
Looks like its a good thing that the customer service is good, because apparently the quality control isn't - otherwise we would not be hearing so many customer service stories.
 
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