Safe Queen or Hunting Rifle?

Hunt with Henry?

  • Yes, it's a tool made to be used.

    Votes: 60 84.5%

  • No, it's too purdy.

    Votes: 6 8.5%

  • Other

    Votes: 5 7.0%
  • Total voters
    71
I'm leery of tubular magazine centerfire rifles, since I was a nearby witness to a tubular magazine explosion, from a shooter who was using a Henry Golden Boy in 45 Colt at our range. He suffered puncture wounds to his left arm and abdomen while standing in the offhand position.
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With properly selected components in properly assembled ammunition, in a properly maintained (clean and debris-free) rifle, the risk of detonation is essentially zero.

Magazine tube detonations can nearly always be traced back to one of three things:
1. Wrong ammunition. (Wrong cartridge, wrong bullet, etc.)
2. Poorly assembled ammunition. (Improperly seated primers, damaged bullets, etc.)
3. Debris in a poorly maintained rifle. (Stick an old, hardened chunk of dirt and lubricant between a 550 grain cartridge and the primer in front of it, and bad things can happen.)

And when it can't be traced back to one of those faults... it's generally because the owner/operator is being evasive and doesn't want to admit that they did something stupid.
 
Once a upon a time I was a no safe queen man, I no longer am. If you want to keep it pristine then it's your choice. I have a NIB S&W Model 14 from the early 80s that I've never fired and I enjoy just looking at it. It's your choice bro. It's not about value, it's about beauty in the eye of the beholder. I'll continue to buy and shoot high dollar guns, and I'll continue to buy safe queens, your choice.
 
After all is said and done it is a mid level gun at best. Far from qualifying as a safe queen. People routinely take guns costing 3X-10X more than a Henry into very harsh environments. Use it.
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This is especially true about high end shotguns, many of which run between $35,000 and $200,000. Not just for standing in a dove field, but traversing the grouse coverts.

If it is going to pain you to get a scratch, then save it for a range toy - at least it won't be sitting in the back of a safe unused......
 
I have SS rifles now along with some old ones. The well finished ones get handled, shot at the range, and hunted carefully.
 
I just ran across completely different discussion on another forum, but found this statement to be worth sharing:

Not taking a rifle out hunting because it has lovely wood, fine checkering and well-executed metal work, is like refusing to marry and enjoy a gorgeous woman because she will get old and wrinkled.
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;)
 
Personally, I think the looks of a gun improve with a little honest wear, new guns look so glossy and cheap to me. I'm not talking about letting it rust or dropping it wherever but wear shows a gun has been used and appreciated.
 
Some one once told me that having a nice gun and not shooting it is like having a pretty young wife and not sleeping with her...

I have no safe queens. Some are over due for attention but they will get used eventually...

Tony
 
I think there is a solution. I would call Henry and explain the situation. Maybe you can buy another stock & forearm from Henry that isn't quite as beautiful. They may have a set already dinged up they will sell you. You can hunt with that set and not worry if it shows a few scars. She can wear the nice wood the rest of the year.
 
Bump the stock against the gun safe door and put a nick in it. There. Now you can go out and shoot it.:p
 
By all means take the rifle hunting!Also take along some cleaning equipment.Don't know why,but a man draws close to his rifle,cleaning it after a day in the field.Good Hunting.Skeets :D
 
how nice the brass receiver looks.
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Look at how the receivers are actually made. I'm quite certan it is plating or a case over zamak or something similar. Your gun you do what you want, but I'd put as many rounds as I could from as many locales a I could manage down that barrel.
 
Look at how the receivers are actually made. I'm quite certan it is plating or a case over zamak or something similar. Your gun you do what you want, but I'd put as many rounds as I could from as many locales a I could manage down that barrel.
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Big Boy receivers are solid brass.
 
When I first started reading this, I thought you were referring to an original Henry. With your gun, might as well. I know what its like owning a gun that isn't a very expensive gun but it's still nice. If it were me, I'd hunt with it. Once you do, you'll learn just how much you really like it or hate it. Don't go use it for a walking stick or beat brush down with it but I do suggest using it. The only drawback is distance. I would think about 150 yards is the maxium distance especially without a scope. But from what you're saying your shots won't be anywhere near that distance so I'd take that gun hunting.
 
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