Henry Golden Boy Endurance Run

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 12:20 am

Got the first thousand through it, any bets on how far I get?
Denis

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 12:50 am

DPris wrote:Got the first thousand through it, any bets on how far I get?
Denis

2:1 you give out before the gun...

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 1:07 am

That's what I'm hoping.

We'll find out.

Already left cooked DNA on the barrel, gotta remember to avoid handling the hot parts when shooting long runs in short time frames.
Denis

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 7:52 am

Denis,

Plz 4give, but is the Goldenboy a rimfire or centerfire? If it's RF I'd bet you wear out first.
Either way, I'll be watching for the results with interest.

Joe

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:29 am

It should go until the cows come home........(once cows get past the fence, they don't come home)......as I have many originals from the 1870's to WW1 that have logged 4-10K rounds.---6

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 11:00 am

DPris wrote:Got the first thousand through it, any bets on how far I get?
Denis

Were you expecting a non-cleaning problem, or mechanical breakdown?

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 1:45 pm

It's a rimfire.

I'm almost done with the test, actually.
Only have 19,000 more rounds to go.

Trying to work up to 1000 per session, but my loading hand tends to cramp up in dealing with all those little .22 buggers.

Gonna take a while.....
Denis

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:03 pm

DPris wrote:It's a rimfire.

I'm almost done with the test, actually.
Only have 19,000 more rounds to go.

Trying to work up to 1000 per session, but my loading hand tends to cramp up in dealing with all those little .22 buggers.

Gonna take a while.....
Denis

You poor, poor, thing...

You have all my sympathy.......not.....!

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:29 pm

Well...I at least have all MY sympathy.

It's actually kinda boring.
Dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.
Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:23 pm

18,000 to go.
This could be over by Christmas...

Denis

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 9:34 am

Denis,

If we were closer I could help you burn up some of that ammo.

Joe

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 12:15 pm

It does get tedious, load & shoot, load & shoot, load & shoot, mostly from the hip.
There's a formerly two-foot high weedbush that undoubtedly hates the sight of the Blazer approaching.
Down to one foot now.

Been working on my Chuck Connors technique, but can't quite pull off his speed.

Did accuracy testing at 50 yards with four loads first, then I'll shoot till something wears or breaks, fix it if fixable, and keep on going.
If it makes the entire 20,000 rounds, I'll repeat the accuracy testing again at the end, same four loads.

It'll also be interesting to see how long it'll go before it needs to be cleaned.
Denis

Washita · Post by **Washita** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 1:50 pm

I remember many years ago (early 60's?) Remington doing an endurance test on one of their Nylon 66 .22 LR's. If memory serves, they got 50,000 rounds thru it without cleaning and without a stoppage. I dunno what happened to make them stop--malfunction, ran out of ammo or just got tired of shooting the damb thing. They used the test results a lot in their advertising. I think you've got a long row to hoe.

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 2:35 pm

They dubbed in extra shots.

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 2:35 pm

The major impetus behind this endurance run is to see just how well the Golden Boy does hold up.

There are so many Internet references to "cheap pot metal guns" that I got curious & decided to settle the matter.

I've worked with several Henry leverguns of all sizes for over 15 years now & never found 'em to be "cheap" or "low quality", but I've also not fired any individual gun for thousands of rounds.

If it's still running strong at 20,000 I might try to take it farther.
Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 2:37 pm

Sorry OS, missed yours.

Yeah, they dubbed in one extra shot.
With this 16-shooter, I can shoot longer, but I'm not as fast.

Denis

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 5:23 pm

My bet is on the Henry.
I remember Lee advertising: They are strong where they need to be. In other words, the metal might be a little cheaper in the parts that do not need the strength....

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 6:59 pm

It'll be interesting to see.

I'll try for another couple thousand on Sunday or Monday.
Denis

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 7:05 pm

I had a Henry H001T Octagon and would still have it if it had a 24" barrel. I like my leverguns to be "rifles" not "carbines". Other than the barrel length I thought it was an extremely good value. I seriously doubt there will be any mechanical failures. The extractor may get gunked up and fail to function, but I seriously doubt anything will break.

TravisM · Post by **TravisM** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:15 pm

I see the Henry winning this challenge.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:23 pm

How the heck did you get 20,000 rounds of .22 Long Rifle?

Actually, I probably have that and more from older purchases before .22's became scarce as hen's teeth. I just wouldn't shoot it right now!

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 10:05 pm

Another 666 through it tonight.
Got a nice blister on one hand & burned the other again.

Gonna have to start using a glove with the lever.
333 rounds short of finishing off the first case.

It pays to have friends in low places on the ammo.
The 20,000 is Winchester 333 white box.
The other three test loads for accuracy are a mix.
Denis

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 6:05 am

Since it's not a semi auto and fires from a locked breach I'd say most of the crud will be going out the barrel. Are you looking for some kind of failure or parts breakage?

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 11:58 am

Yep. That's exactly what I'm looking for.
Denis

Washita · Post by **Washita** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 12:12 pm

DPris wrote:The major impetus behind this endurance run is to see just how well the Golden Boy does hold up.

There are so many Internet references to "cheap pot metal guns" that I got curious & decided to settle the matter.

I've worked with several Henry leverguns of all sizes for over 15 years now & never found 'em to be "cheap" or "low quality", but I've also not fired any individual gun for thousands of rounds.

If it's still running strong at 20,000 I might try to take it farther.
Denis

I'm with you on the "cheap pot metal" references. I'm sick of hearing them. IMO, people who say that don't know (1) what pot metal is, or (2) how good Henry's really are. In my experience, Henry rifles are well built, accurate, reliable and solid. They also have very slick actions--at least as smooth as my 1946-made Marlin 39A and my Winchester 9422M. I'll be amazed if the test rifle doesn't last the course.

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 1:15 pm

So far it's doing much better than my hands are.

Arranged for spare O-rings, firing pin, and extractor to have on hand if needed so the shooting schedule won't be interrupted.
Denis

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 6:02 am

O-rings? I thought it was a cartridge gun, not an air rifle. Or have I missed something?

Joe

piller · Post by **piller** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 7:13 am

There is an O ring on the magazine tube which serves to keep pressure on the tube vs the outer tube so that the small part that sticks out to lock the internal tube into the external tube stays put. My old 18 shot Marlin Glenfield 60 uses the exact same system. The O ring will eventually fail. Just remove the worn out one, put on a new one, and it all stays together just like it should. Mine probably took 10,000 rounds before needing replaced back in the 1980s. I haven't put that many rounds through it since.

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:12 am

I'd expect the O-ring to go first.
5 spares on the way, just in case.

Did not know Marlin ever used one on a 60.
My 1970s Glenfield didn't & the new one here now doesn't.
Denis

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:31 am

Denis,

OK, I are learning. Sounds like an interesting little rifle,

Joe

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Sun Aug 28, 2016 1:52 am

I'm liking 'em more with the passing years.
Took it 100 miles out in the remote desert on an ATV expedition today.
Travels well.

Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Sun Aug 28, 2016 9:36 pm

Another 1600 through it tonight.

For the first time, the receiver actually got uncomfortably hot to hold with a bare hand.

I'm learning the gun will tell me when it needs lube.
When I start to get high-nose misfeeds on chambering, it's time to squirt some aerosol Break Free into the port.
After which no more misfeeds for a while.
It gets so hot it burns it off fairly quick.
Denis

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:20 am

DPris wrote:For the first time, the receiver actually got uncomfortably hot to hold with a bare hand.
Denis

Hmmm... August... desert... just bein' out in the sun those metal bits can get uncomfortably warm...

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 1:45 pm

Soitenly can.

Denis

1894 · Post by **1894** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 7:23 am

Will you keep this thread updated with a running total as you go , or make us add up each post along the way ?
Great test and enjoying the updates

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 8:25 am

I'd like to see a pic of this Henry smoking during one of the extended firing periods

Joe

piller · Post by **piller** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 10:05 am

Griff wrote:
DPris wrote:For the first time, the receiver actually got uncomfortably hot to hold with a bare hand.
Denis
Hmmm... August... desert... just bein' out in the sun those metal bits can get uncomfortably warm...

And when you get back to your vehicle, the seat belt buckle can be hot enough to make you think you have just been branded.

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 10:14 am

I'll update periodically.
Another thousand last night.

Have not added up the total so far, when I finish the second case I'll advise.

Looking like 1000 is a practical limit for me and the gun at each session.
Takes about 90 minutes, maybe a little less.

It gets too hot much beyond that and my hands get tired.
Mentally tiring, too.
Have to remember to handle it very carefully once it heats up, only touch certain spots during firing & reloading.

Pictures are problematic, usually shoot alone & while Bubbles is still at work.
So far, no smoke or flames.

The weedbush I use as an aiming point is entirely obliterated.
Denis

PriseDeFer · Post by **PriseDeFer** » Fri Sep 02, 2016 12:18 pm

A good, real test of a weapon. Rather know this than read about another three shot group. You're a fine lad for this, you'll be drinking free in heaven.

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Fri Sep 02, 2016 1:24 pm

Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 6:24 pm

Two cases down.
So far, the ammo's more erratic in QC than the gun.

Three or four bent rounds, half a dozen empty cases, 8 or 9 misfires, 4 or 5 of those that wouldn't light up on second strike in place or rotated position.

Denis

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 8:02 am

I can remember finding .22 RF ammo on the desert floor in AZ. Tarnished black by years of exposure to the elements, once cleaned and a touch of lube added to the bullets, they'd fire first time most of the time.
Now, new ammo is chancy weather or not it will fire.

Sad.

Joe

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 1:39 pm

Considering the hi-speed hi-volume automated rimfire manufacturing process used nowdays, I'm not surprised to find a few duds along the way.
7000 rounds of bulk ammo, I'd expect some glitches in product.

Part of the test, besides parts wear, is also finish wear.
The "gold" color isn't a through & through deal, I'm curious to see how well it holds up under highly repetitive gloved manipulation on the receiver cover.

This rifle is not being babied.
So far, still looks new.
Bluing holding up on the lever.

No discernible barrel leading.

Filthy inside the port, but the action has never gummed up, lever's still just as smooth as it was out of the box.
Even when it tells me it needs lube (that nose-up feed jam), the lever feels no different.
Bolt face surprisingly clean.
Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 2:41 pm

Another 1300 through it last night.
Chugging along.

With temps now 10 degrees lower in the evening the frame doesn't get quite as hot.
Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 9:50 pm

Another 1600 today.
Finished off the third case, halfway through the planned 20,000 rounds.
Discovered my trigger finger can outrun the lever.

Denis

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 10:59 pm

A pair of lightweight gloves like golfers use might ease some of the pain for your hands.

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Thu Sep 08, 2016 12:24 am

Yeah, been wearing a Camelback glove on the shooting hand since early on when the frame was getting too hot to comfortably hold & I was building up blisters on that hand from working the lever.

Same basic idea.

Most of the shooting is Modified Chuck Connors Style, with the buttstock anchored against the inside of the right hip. The gun gets heavy on the shoulder for a thousand-round session.

Tonight I tried a couple different ways in going for speed, found I can actually run it faster from the shoulder & stabbed my finger on a sharp trigger corner at one point. Woulda drawn blood without the glove.

(Note to self: On personal Golden Boy with loop lever, get those trigger corners rounded off. Just in case...)
Denis

DPris · Post by **DPris** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 11:05 am

Another half-case gone.
Them what claim the Henrys are made of tin foil is wrong.
Denis

ollogger · Post by **ollogger** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 1:43 pm

Been following this awesome test of a fine gun, you are wringing it out for sure!!
makes me even feel better now that I own 2 of them ( 357 & 22 mag.)

ollogger

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:30 pm

ollogger wrote:Been following this awesome test of a fine gun, you are wringing it out for sure!!
makes me even feel better now that I own 2 of them ( 357 & 22 mag.)

ollogger

Likewise, except for the owning a Henry part...