Henry centerfire lever action rifles

[edwardyoung]

I got a Henry catalogue in the mail recently, and it got me thinking. I'm curious how durable they are, and if the design is like a Winchester or Marlin or neither. I thought someone here might have had one long enough to have an opinion based on long-term use. Thanks.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I got a Henry catalogue in the mail recently, and it got me thinking. I'm curious how durable they are, and if the design is like a Winchester or Marlin or neither. I thought someone here might have had one long enough to have an opinion based on long-term use. Thanks.

Hi Ed,
I have had three of the BigBoys in 357m here for action work and one of them belongs to a local shooter. I can tell you that the action is basically a Marlin 336/95 type action. The Brass frame is not brass but it's not plated steel either. The frame metal will attract a magnet but I D&T-ed one for a tang sight and found the brass looking chips were still attracted to a magnet so it's not just plated. I'm not sure what it is but it's strong enough to handle 44 mag pressures. The only draw back in my book is it is front heavy. Mainly because of the twin mag tubes.

[edwardyoung]

Thanks, Steve. Is your impression that they would last? I know they're kind-of expensive, but do you think they could be worth it?

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Thanks, Steve. Is your impression that they would last? I know they're kind-of expensive, but do you think they could be worth it?

Yes, I think they are very well made guns and should hold up well, not to mention the superb customer service. The only draw back is the forward weight and the tube loading. If you can deal with those issue you will like the gun.

If you are thinking 44mag that should trim some weight. The ones that were here were all 357mags so the barrels are definately heavier than the 44, bore dia. and all.

[edwardyoung]

Thanks again. I'll have to consider them, then.