Should I Keep It?

[Coal Creek Griff]

Well, gents, I found a Henry rifle for sale through a local website.  The seller was asking $850 for an unfired rifle in 44-40.  The gun was made in 1992.  It all looked and sounded great, but the seller lived in another state, several hours drive away.  Since he was out of state, I had to have the gun shipped to a local dealer.  Since the gun was several hours away, I didn't drive down to look at it before buying it.

The seller did not misrepresent the gun--it is exactly as described, but I just didn't realize it was in the white.  In the lighting of the photos it looked blued and I didn't even think to ask.  I was looking for a more traditional rifle, but this one does look nice.  I can't decide.  I could probably sell the gun and get my money back (and maybe a bit more), then I'd be back in the market for a Henry.  OR, I could just keep it.  Part of me thinks it looks kind of cool, but I was looking for standard rifle...

I cant decide.  What do you all think?

CC Griff

[major]

Why not just take it to your local gunsmith and have it blued?

[Mean Bob Mean]

Well, gents, I found a Henry rifle for sale through a local website.  The seller was asking $850 for an unfired rifle in 44-40.  The gun was made in 1992.  It all looked and sounded great, but the seller lived in another state, several hours drive away.  Since he was out of state, I had to have the gun shipped to a local dealer.  Since the gun was several hours away, I didn't drive down to look at it before buying it.

The seller did not misrepresent the gun--it is exactly as described, but I just didn't realize it was in the white.  In the lighting of the photos it looked blued and I didn't even think to ask.  I was looking for a more traditional rifle, but this one does look nice.  I can't decide.  I could probably sell the gun and get my money back (and maybe a bit more), then I'd be back in the market for a Henry.  OR, I could just keep it.  Part of me thinks it looks kind of cool, but I was looking for standard rifle...

I cant decide.  What do you all think?

CC Griff

Keep it, it's beautiful

[Advertising]

[Mike]

Give it some use and it will get its own patina.
A friend had one that he had browned the barrel, that one looked real good.
Keep it and give it plenty of the Holy Black.

[Major 2]

you already know what I've been say'n'  and the pards here concur....

enjoy it you did well 

[Cliff Fendley]

I agree with the others, I would keep it and shoot black powder in it and just keep it wiped down good. Perfect caliber for it and pretty soon it will be looking good.

[Trailrider]

Why not have it engraved and then blue the barrel? Heck, I saw a Henry at the Colorado Gun Collectors annual show, without any engraving. All they wanted was $20,750. One with engraving was asking $35,000.  I passed. First place, both of these guns weren't shootable... .44 Henry rimfire ammo being somewhat scarce. Second, I already have one that shoots .44-40 (Navy Arms from about 20+ years ago.) 

[Coal Creek Griff]

OK, boys.  You've convinced me.  I'm keeping this rifle.  For now I'll let it age.  I can always choose to have it blued later.  Hopefully I can keep the rust at bay in my rather damp climate.

The traditionalist in me felt a little better when I ran across a picture in R.L. Wilson's The Peacemakers.  On p. 246, there is a photo of an original Henry that was a presentation from Wells, Fargo to a lawman for killing three robbers and recovering stolen money.  The rifle is in excellent condition and appears to also be in the white.  They may be rare, but I'll just tell myself that this was a presentation piece.

Thanks for the input; any more comments are always appreciated!

CC Griff

[Coffinmaker]

I really thought it out.  Send It To Me. 
One of us will be really happy

Coffinmaker

[Coal Creek Griff]

I was waiting for that reply! 

CC Griff

[Buzzard II]

Nah!  Send me that old tomato stake and I'll use it for you!

[Major 2]

OK, boys.  You've convinced me.  I'm keeping this rifle.  For now I'll let it age.  I can always choose to have it blued later.  Hopefully I can keep the rust at bay in my rather damp climate.

The traditionalist in me felt a little better when I ran across a picture in R.L. Wilson's The Peacemakers.  On p. 246, there is a photo of an original Henry that was a presentation from Wells, Fargo to a lawman for killing three robbers and recovering stolen money.  The rifle is in excellent condition and appears to also be in the white.  They may be rare, but I'll just tell myself that this was a presentation piece.

Thanks for the input; any more comments are always appreciated!

CC Griff

There is another option, add another to it ... can't have two many Henry's

[Coal Creek Griff]

You're absolutely right!  I can envision another Henry or so to balance things out.

I’m sure that this doesn’t happen to anyone else, but each time I save up enough money for a new gun (it takes me a while), I think, “This will be it.  After this one, I’ll be satisfied.”  That has gone through my head… well, a bunch of times.  Right now I’m looking at my 1873 rifle and my Henry and thinking that an 1866 might complete the grouping…  One sold recently on GunBroker for what looked like a great price, but my account is currently depleted.  Of course I have an 1886 and a couple 1894s, so I might need an 1876 and a 1892 to really complete the group.  Wait, 1895s are pretty cool too…  (sigh).

CC Griff

[Major 2]

I bought my 1st. Henry in 1980 ..sold it in 88 ( Needed to pay off the Stork )
 I was Henry-less till 1999 when my wife surprised me with its replacement ( a Military model ).  I made a trade and acquired an Iron Frame in 07 ...bought back the 1st. one from my original purchaser in 08 ( he said he never shot it )
Then acquired an HO11 from HRA in 2013.

So I suppose 4 may be the charm, they join my 73 , but unless a 66  literally falls in to my grasp.. I doubt I'll get one ...but one never knows  

[The Pathfinder]

  Hey, Griff, ya' just got to keep at it. Took me lotsa years and too much dinero, but I've finally got one of each of the lever actions (ok, maybe more than one of some), from a pair of Henrys to an 1895. Some are original, some are replicas, but I've finally got them. So, don't give up lookin' and if'n you happen to get multiples of a couple along the way, don't sweat it.