'73 or '60 henry

[Black River Johnny]

I have one of each of these on back order with cimarron. My decsion on which one to get might be the first one to come in. With that said I am a newcomer to cas and have not handled either gun. i plan on shooting bp and 44-40 cal. I don't plan on (at first) going to alot of shoots but will shoot alot at my home. i am not interested in competing as much as having fun and playing old west. i have 45 colts and several bp revolvers. My question, and I know it is my own decison but with that aside and how each gun could fit me differently my question for you guys is if you can only own one, which one should I go with? thanks for all tyhe input

[sharps50/70]

I own a Henry in 44/40.  The magazine follower does take a little getting use to and for that reason, I'd go with a '73.

[Major 2]

The Henry's earlier design makes some of the 76 improvements ( side port loading, fore stock and screw removal side plate )
some what desirable.
However, in the Henry's favor is the rigid barrel for better accuracy and STYLE points.....
I own two Henry's, a Brass Military and a Steel Frame they fit my era and my style.
Other openions will vary , for me the HENRY.

[Advertising]

[Pettifogger]

The Henry is great for style points.  But, the 73 is the way to go if you ever want to shoot CAS competitively.  The 73 is easier to take down for maintenance and the barrel on a .44-40 loaded with BP is going to get HOT.  After a few rounds, you'll appreciate the wooden forearm on the 73.

[Major 2]

"... i am not interested in competing as much as having fun and playing old west"

 for some of us it's the History not the speed  your in good company

[Sod Buster]

I have a Henry, two '66s and a '73.
I love my Henry.  I want another one. 

[Black River Johnny]

Thanks for the input guys. I understand the heat of the barrel and the follower are most of the concerns that I hear. I really am looking for the one that will cover as much time period as possible my example is : I cant show up in 1868 gear with a 73 rifle. but would someone still have a henry in 1880? or would it be that outdated?

[Deadeye Don]

I have one of each of these on back order with cimarron. My decsion on which one to get might be the first one to come in. With that said I am a newcomer to cas and have not handled either gun. i plan on shooting bp and 44-40 cal. I don't plan on (at first) going to alot of shoots but will shoot alot at my home. i am not interested in competing as much as having fun and playing old west. i have 45 colts and several bp revolvers. My question, and I know it is my own decison but with that aside and how each gun could fit me differently my question for you guys is if you can only own one, which one should I go with? thanks for all tyhe input

Johnny,   If you havent looked into NCOWS yet it sounds like you would be a great fit.   http://www.ncows.org/

Check it out.  If you have questions ask any of us that are members we would all be glad to answer any questions you might have.  Regards.  Deadeye.   

PS  buy both rifles.  You wont be sorry you did.

[Henry4440]

As Deadeye said, buy both rifles.
But my favorite is the Henry!!!!!

 

[sharps50/70]

As to a period of time when the Henry was used, I'm no expert but I think you would appropriate in using a Henry from Civil War period until War World 1.  Remember, people still used muzzleloaders on the frontier until the end of the 1900 century.

[Black River Johnny]

Thanks again guys. I called cimarron this morning and changed my back order to a civil war model instead of a civillian. I left the 73 on back order but I think I will wait for the henry. Who knows by the time they come in maybe I will have enough dough to get both.

[Kidd Krystin]

The Henry is one nifty looking long gun and if it were available in .38 Special (my caliber) I'd get one, but why wasn't the '66 Yellow Boy a consideration? 

[Black River Johnny]

The Henry is one nifty looking long gun and if it were available in .38 Special (my caliber) I'd get one, but why wasn't the '66 Yellow Boy a consideration? 

Ya know what, thats a good question.

[Major 2]

I second NCOWS...and for that matter the Henry Forum on this BB

the 66 is a thought ...but then for something completely different... just perhaps the Kings improved Henry from Taylor's  hmmmmmm ( Maybe not yet NCOWS approved )

In fact have you called Taylor's, EMF or Dixie Gun Works... remember it's the same A. Uberti  just different importer Barrel stamps.

[Haggis MacGurk]

I shoot a '66 in 44-40, and i love it. Almost as pretty as a Henry, but just as functional as a '73.  Having said that, I also want a Henry for my collection.

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Major 2,

IIRC, the improved Henry is not approve, by the Judges ruling.  Fewer than 500 made, so not common in the west. 

[The Avocado Kid]

Here is my $0.02 I have owned an orig."73" and a Uberti Henry....sold both. I now have a "66" and love it but I wish I would have kept the Henry and I want another one....I vote for the Henry.

[Major 2]

Howdy Major 2,

IIRC, the improved Henry is not approve, by the Judges ruling.  Fewer than 500 made, so not common in the west. 

Kinda what I though ..interesting variation though

[Black Powder]

but would someone still have a henry in 1880? or would it be that outdated?

I still drive a '98 Chrysler (that's no longer made) 80 miles a day.  Syles points?  Not yet.  Point being that either being of limited means to not be able to afford a '73 or still having a perfectly functional '66 to need a '73, I would expect to see Henrys in 1880.

BTW, thanks alot, everybody, for making me reconsider my next purchase... 

BP

[Four Eyed Floyd]

I got a 73 for the same reason you are getting a 60, BP. Once you go BP you never want to go back. Got a 92 and a 94 too but the 73 is just way to kewl!  Got the 73 because it is easier to clean BP. Don't you just love this CAS?  It never gets old and it takes a while to get everything... now let's see where to get enough $ to get that S&W American???