Henry Leverguns

[bula]

Henry 45-70 Levergun, young friend just got one. He was shopping, looking for a Marlin 1895. So the call about a Henry, him all excited, thru me for a loop. Years back, another friend brought a yaller .22 when they first came out. The front sight snapped in half. A few years ago a camp member brought up a .44mag Henry and it must be close to a lb. heavier than a M1894. So, trying to start out with a clear mind here. In the models that chamber the 45-70, how do they compare in strength to the M1895's ? Other things to know ? He's already talking of a ghost ring peep and a flip up tang aperture sight too. Opinions ? 

[jdoc]

I have come close to buying two different Henrys, one a 45/70 the other a 327 Federal. I could say the same for some Marlins in the past as well, but with two Uberti 73s that generally just sit in the safe. I don't see the need for more like company.

Now getting back to back to your question. I wish I had bought the case colored Henry 45/70 on Camp Fire classifieds and have regrets not doing so. As to the 327 I am waiting for Henry to offer the case color option. I don't have any doubts about the strength of Henry's lever guns.

Like you I will be interested in other member postings.

[Deleted]

I like Henry as a company. Problem is, in my mind, owning lever guns has a historical component and Henry's are modern designs. Looked at one of their 44 magnums once. The gun looked great, but was very heavy compared to my pet Winchesters and lacked a proper loading gate. Those two things, combined with the fact that it wasn't a classic design, turned me away from it. Just my .002, ymmv.

[Encore64]

Henry makes top quality guns. Not in love with every model, but that's why they build different guns.

I am particularly fond of the Henry Steel models. Brute strong without the extra weight of the various "Brass" offerings.

As to "traditional" designs, they have to survive. Todays rounds produce more pressure than the ancient 44 Rimfire.

[dougader]

I have a Savage 99 in 308 Win, and an older Rossi 65 in 45 Colt. The Rossi is my favorite. It's old, it's got honest-worn bluing and a little touch of rust here and there but it shoots well and it's light and super handy.

I've been looking at the Henry in 327 Federal but have yet to pull the trigger...

I'd rather the rifle be closer to 6 pounds than 7.

[bula]

The gun is already bought, not mine. I will be tasked for help and advice on loads and loading. I find loading gates very difficult and have already bent mine on my M1894, so the tube design on the Henry doesn't bother me either. My concerns are is the strength similar to the Marlin ? For instance, a Garrett loading that specifies for Marlin. Strength issue or load came out before Henry had a 45-70 ? My young friend is young, and enamored of velo numbers and such. Will start noting powders that give highest velos per the bullet he chooses, not done yet. When we get down to a short list of powders will trot'em out for your opinions. 

[squawberryman]

Handled a 41 mag Sunday. Tube fed and no safety, attractive. I've Marlins and 94's, no Henry. The gun was VERY well finished and the wood was better than rack grade 94. Beefy to say the least.

[Encore64]

Very true. Reeder has been converting the 41 Mags to his powerful 410 GNR (454 case necked to 41 Mag) with no issue.

[halfmoon]

bula

I've looked at, and researched, these on and off but keep tripping over the lack of a loading gate. I've handled several but never shot one.

For what it's worth, my understanding is their action is substantially copied from the Marlin 336 ( which includes the 1895 in the family). I'd be surprised if the Marlin load data is a no-go. I haven't been able to find anyone willing to recommend higher than SAAMI spec though. I'd go cautious and work my loads up slowly.

[warhawk]

I don’t understand the loading gate comments. These are HENRY rifles, which original Henry had a loading gate?

[halfmoon]

warhawk

As in any matter of taste there is nothing wrong with it either way. Nostalgia wise it could be pointed out the modern Henry has about the same relation to an 1860 Henry as a New Model Blackhawk has to a Colt SAA. Inspired by but not a replica. Heritage isn't a strong resonator for me with that in mind. Beyond that I don't like having to take the rifle out of action to reload or the idea of putting body parts in front of the muzzle to load. Horses for courses. And I might change my mind tomorrow :-) They really do seem to be nicely built.

[crazycarl]

Jun 19, 2018 13:15:48 GMT -5 squawberryman said:

Handled a 41 mag Sunday. Tube fed and no safety, attractive. I've Marlins and 94's, no Henry. The gun was VERY well finished and the wood was better than rack grade 94. Beefy to say the least.

I can not overstate how much I love my .41 carbine. Great shooter, great trigger & very smooth. I will have one of the case colored, octagon barreled .357s next.

A buddy bought their .45-70 & it's a very nice gun as well. Compared very favorably, side by side with my Guide Gun. I'd reckon "1895" level loads would be fine, but why, unless run-ins with angry grizz are a possibility? Trapdoor-level Rem 405gr are soft shooting & will knock down anything on this continent. 325gr Hornady were fairly sporting through the Henry & I'd imagine the 300gr Federal Fusion would be just as "lively" through the Henry as they were through my Guide Gun.

Bula- Henry's making some really nice guns these days; I think your young friend did just fine.

[bula]

Thank you folks. This will be a bear gun for the guy. His goal a Penn bear which can be big and method of hunting often like jump shooting rabbits, so max penetration required. 

[bullseye]

Jun 19, 2018 13:19:39 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

Very true. Reeder has been converting the 41 Mags to his powerful 410 GNR (454 case necked to 41 Mag) with no issue.

This intrigues me greatly...

[squawberryman]

Bula- jump shooting bears. Goodness, it ain't like it's laser tag!