what do you all consider the pros and cons of henry lever action rifles

M

mnero

New member
What do you all like and dislike about henry rifles?

I like the smooth action and reliability of them, I don't like the brass receiver as much as I thought I would, they are just a bit too heavy, but I think the Marlins are too light, and I don't like the loading port, I prefer the marlins more traditional loading gate. On the whole I went with the Henry; reliabilty and the action won me over. When I work the lever I really want the round to chamber:D I am thinking about getting a Marlin in the 30-30 for my next purchase since that would be strictly for target shooting.
 
The Henry 22's have a place. They are an inexpensive little lever action 22 that works fine for most folks use. I'd prefer a Marlin or Winchester because of the long term value, but the Henry 22's are a good gun for the money.

I can't think of a single reason to buy a Henry centerfire over a Marlin or Winchester.
 
I love my little .22 henry, but I am wishing I had gone with the Marlin for my .357 I heard marlins occasionally had problems chambering rounds, but I guess all lever action guns do, occasionally.
 
Pros & Cons

My Golden boy is a great shooter (pro) Brass finish (con). 44 Mag Big boy Sweet shooter, smooth lever action, 10 shots, accurate as heck (pros) Heavy for all day hunting carry, brass finish. (cons). No regrets. Love to shoot them both. My son loves shoot the 44 MAG he said he can't wait to inherit it. Problem is I am it no hurry to let him inherit it.
 
Pros- smooth action, pretty good shooters.
Cons- some difficulty with extractors, unexplainable jamming that disappears when you close the action and work the lever again, and (in my opinion the worst) they are marketed as a historic firearm, but never existed in the configuration they are sold in (can you tell I don't go for BS when I deal with people or companies?).
 
I like my Henry because its short, smooth, and quite accurate. I also like Henry's customer service, Ive dealt with them twice and they were great. The one and only thing I dont like about my Henry is the painted alloy reciever.( I have a H001) If I were to buy another rimfire it would be a Henry.
 
I would take the marlin over the henry. Henry rifles are a bit heavy for me. I think the Marlins have a much better feel(personal opinion) I how ever have not experianced any mulfunctions with a henry
 
I like them because they're affordable and accurate with great customer service. What I don't like is the zamak (zinc) cast receiver with a sheet steel or brasslite cover and the plastic parts they use.
 
I dont have any negative comments about my henry .22. Its a great rifle and its extremely accurate. I dont mind the plastic barrel band. The wood on mine is awesome and the finish is very good. The action is smooth and the price is great. Whats not to like.
 
Microgunner said:
I like them because they're affordable and accurate with great customer service. What I don't like is the zamak (zinc) cast receiver with a sheet steel or brasslite cover and the plastic parts they use.
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Zinc, huh? I didn't know that. Not knowing much about Henry's I thought they were sold brass receivers...
 
I don't own a Henry but I have seen them and they look good and have a great reputation.

For those guys who posted they didn't like Marlin 39A because they were "too light", Get and Old one...........

My 39A was used when purchased for me in the 1970's. It is a great shooter but weighs a bunch. I am not sure of the original date of mfg. because Marlin will only give out that info if you send them the serial number by snail mail. It came scoped with an old 4 x 20 with the name Marlin on the scope.

It is a tack driver but boy carrying that thing in the squirrel woods wears me out.
 
As a kid watching Steve McQueen in the 1950's TV western "Bounty Hunter", the "Mares Leg" always intrigued me.....glad Henry started offering them in .22LR. Haven't shot it yet, we'll see.....

IMG_0221.jpg
 
jmr40 said:
The 22's are an alloy that is painted. The centerfires are brass.
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You know, I'm so used to dealing with only the rimfire Henrys I didn't even think to consider the centerfire rifles which I have zero experience with.
I just saw Henry and only thought of their rimfires.
 
Too late, I already bought the Henry, but as I posted I was thinking of buying a 30-30 Marlin, so I think I may take your advice. After all you said to buy a rifle; hard to not take that advice:D
 
I don't like the zinc receiver and sheet metal cover...not conducive to scope or receiver sight installation.

However, my Marlin had all kinds of problems out of the box, including misfires and FTEs. The scope mounting holes are misaligned and the sights are a tad off-center (I slotted the scope base to align it). The bore is VERY rough, but it shoots okay.

I love the way it carries, though a bit heavy with the scope. I also have a receiver sight, but the scope is used more. The old eyes aren't as good as they "used to was". It's harder to see red squirrels well in the dark forest when using the irons.
 
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