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CAS TOPICS => Gun Reviews => Topic started by: Firstorm Chris on August 12, 2015, 10:03:17 AM

Title: Henry Rifles
Post by: Firstorm Chris on August 12, 2015, 10:03:17 AM
I've got a Henry Big Boy in .45 Long Colt. I really like it and I think Henry makes all around terrific rifles. Anybody else a Henry fan?
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Thumb Buster on August 12, 2015, 10:23:04 AM
Mine is a Frontier .22 LR.  Something about an octagonal barrel that just appeals to me.  The action, looks, workmanship and the being made solely in the USA appeals to me.  I really enjoy the rifle. 
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Jake C on August 12, 2015, 10:27:57 AM
I can't speak to the rifle's qualities. I've heard mixed review on them, but if you like it, then good for you. I genuinely hope it gives you good service.

I personally don't like the Henry company's advertising practices of trying to sound like they've got some kind of connection to the historical Henry Repeating Arms Company. Granted, that's purely me and my opinion.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Daniel Dodge on August 12, 2015, 10:44:22 AM
two words.....

LOADING GATE
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Good Troy on August 12, 2015, 11:04:06 AM
I started CAS with one in 45 Colt for a couple of seasons, and I had no issues with the function of the rifle.  It was very affordable, and the action was smoother to me than the Rossi '92's I handled. 

After a couple of years I decided to move toward being more authentic and shoot black powder, so I now use a Winchester '73 copy in 44-40.

I sold the Henry, but only to generate some cash, not out of dissatifaction.  I will make this comment though:  If you are a speed demon on the rifle, you may find a speed limit on the Henry.  And, to my knowledge there is no short-stroke kit available for them.  I'm NOT a fast shooter by any means....so it didn't limit me, and it met my wants and needs for starting out.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: LostVaquero on August 12, 2015, 11:26:40 AM
I had an older one.  I traded it and got one of the new steel frame versions.  A lot lighter and I think even smoother than the 10 year old model.  No loading gate is not a problem for CAS use.   Even an extra round you can toss in through the ejection port (I know I did it).

Now as to the Henry Henry - OMG that is one nice rifle.  I never handled an Uberti version but the fit and finish of the Henry Original is fantastic.  I got to shoot it on two stages.  Expensive yes, but the quality just exudes from the rifle.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: rickk on August 12, 2015, 11:45:31 AM
I have a Big Boy in 45 LC.

I had some feed issues with it when I got it.

I called HRA around 7PM EST one evening

Antonio (the owner) personally answered the phone.

No hassles... he told me to send it to him and he emailed me a prepaid UPS shipping label while I was still on the phone with him.

I got it back a week later and not only was the feeding issue solved (mis-machined lifter), but it appeared as though someone smoothed the entire action out.

The company is a rarity in this day and age. The quality is excellent and they stand 101% behind their products.

BTW, I shoot it exclusively with BP.

As for the lack of a loading gate... I have several Marlins and a Winchester lever guns. The loading gates are a PITA, especially after the first few rounds are stuffed in there and the mag spring starts to compress. I love the front loading method. If you fear dropping rounds down the tube, simply lay it down and slide them in while the rifle is horizontal.  If you need one quick round, popping it directly into the open chamber is the way to go on any lever gun.

Rick
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Daniel Dodge on August 12, 2015, 01:39:29 PM
Rick,

They are a stand up company by all accounts and I suspect I'll own a few of them when the kids get big enough for 22s.

I really don't like having to mess with the extra tube for loading. The gate is a much cleaner design and that's why Winchester went with it in 1866.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: PJ Hardtack on August 12, 2015, 02:53:03 PM
Rick,
I really don't like having to mess with the extra tube for loading. The gate is a much cleaner design and that's why Winchester went with it in 1866.

... and called it "The Improved Henry".

I have a Uberti Henry in 44-40. Love it, but it's not my first choice for a main match rifle. I was once advised on how to slick it up for CAS and I told the adviser that I liked archaic firearms. The idea of short stroke kits, drilling holes in the lifter, etc., is anathema to me.

It has been suggested to me more than once that perhaps I ought to be involved with NCOWS rather than SASS.

The Henry has a Canadian useage not known to many. When the 'Overlanders' came from back east to the Cariboo Gold Rush, they carried Henrys on their arduous trek through the Rockies.

One of the Royal Engineers Sappers used one when he became a miner following discharge in 1863. Others are known to have been the rifle of choice across the Prairies. However, Metis General Gabriel Dumont preferred the '66.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Firstorm Chris on August 12, 2015, 03:59:16 PM
It has been suggested to me more than once that perhaps I ought to be involved with NCOWS rather than SASS.
How is NCOWS different from SASS? Im a member of SASS but not NCOWS but from what I know they are both cowboy reenactment/action shooting organizations. And why not be involved in both?
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: The Pathfinder on August 12, 2015, 04:53:59 PM
Chris, NCOWS is more about authenticity, SASS is becoming more race gun competition. To give you an idea, I'm a three digit SASS member and a two digit NCOWS, I've been around the block a time or two. I've always enjoyed 'doing it the way it was done', so tend to go with original or close replicas of whenever possible and love the smell of black powder. Hate cleaning up afterwards, but hey, who doesn't. You take the good with the bad. Find whichever works for you, and you can shoot authentic in SASS if you can't find a local NCOWS club...it's so much fun watching folks when they realize you're using old guns and black powder. ;D
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: PJ Hardtack on August 12, 2015, 05:51:39 PM
I am a military re-enactor (circa 1858-63) and have the guns and gear to do a good impression, right down to the high quality repro medals won by my persona. My SASS number is 4 digit and my WCFSS (Western Canadian Frontier Shootist Society, now defunct) number is 22.

When I came in, it was one pistol, the .44/.45 was King and if you shot a .38/.357 you were thought to be a little light in your Lamas. You took pride in shooting 7.5/8.5 grs of Unique in your .45 under 250 gr bullets.

The Rule Book was small enough to be carried in a shirt or vest pocket. Questions of equipment eligibility were settled by the phrase - "If John Wayne would use it - it's OK."

Gradually the game devolved to "IPSC in Cowboy boots'' and I took a hike for several years. I only came back because my new wife wanted to shoot CAS. When I did, I shot either 'Frontiersman' or BP cartridge.

I just brought a friend into CAS and he is appalled to watch the race gunners shoot bullets you can follow to the target with the naked eye. He is shooting 44-40 in rifle and pistols, soon with BP.

When the 'Ting' of the bullet hitting steel is louder than the report of the rifle, something is lost.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Daniel Dodge on August 13, 2015, 02:25:58 PM
When the 'Ting' of the bullet hitting steel is louder than the report of the rifle, something is lost.

Amen Brother, I hate this part of SASS.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Major 2 on August 13, 2015, 02:48:00 PM
There's that and there is the another aspect I grew to find I disliked....

I shoot for enjoyment, to relax and unwind ..... I found the speed gamer stress had become less than enjoyably....


Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: PJ Hardtack on August 13, 2015, 09:57:15 PM
We're all on the same page re: pop-gun loads, but - in fairness, there are enough categories offered in SASS that everyone can do his own thing.

It's a nightmare for the match organizers to accommodate all the different categories, but that's the way bullet flew .....

Life was simpler in the old days. Gawd, I sound like, uh, like uh ..... I'm revealing my age! Being a Silver Senior and all. It's a privilege to do so as so many others dropped off the trail along the way.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on May 10, 2016, 01:33:41 PM
When the 'Ting' of the bullet hitting steel is louder than the report of the rifle, something is lost.


Agreed.  I think people with health issues requiring low recoil should be applauded for staying in by shooting light loads but young lads like myself with no such issues should shoot full cases of nasty stuff.  I cram as much 2 and 3F as I can in and I love the boom and smoke.  I would dearly miss something if it were not there. 
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on May 10, 2016, 01:35:16 PM
There's that and there is the another aspect I grew to find I disliked....

I shoot for enjoyment, to relax and unwind ..... I found the speed gamer stress had become less than enjoyably....


I slow down when everyone needs me to speed up, not to piss them off just to remind myself why I am there.  Cheers.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Major 2 on May 10, 2016, 03:52:18 PM
I slow down when everyone needs me to speed up, not to piss them off just to remind myself why I am there.  Cheers.

Then you and I might just get along  :)

I won't be herded , nor wronged more than one try
its mind over matter.... those that matter, don't mind.... and those that mind   ::)  don't matter.

Having joined early 90's , SASS was my kinda interest 20+ ago  they lost my interest , when race guns & mouse fart ballistics became the standard of the game.
 I haven't  been a member in about 15 years...


Just a point of view .... the late Lou Imperato  resurrected the Henry name as it was in the public domain...

Henry Rifles were made by "New Haven Repeating Arms Co".  and Superintendent Tyler B Henry
which became "Winchester Repeating Arms."
A Henry was a type (repeater) ...not the Company ....and the name Henry was up for grabs...
Could have just as easily "Iver Johnson Arms" , Henry Rifle

Mr Imperato  purchased Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle works ( prior to Henry Repeating Arms ) where he produced the Colt Black Powder Series.
He sold the name and in 2006 Iver Johnson Arms opened in Rockledge, Florida and is selling shotguns and M1911 pistols.

One is entitled to their opinion....

Anthony Imperato (Lou's son ) is the CEO of HRA now....call them,  chances are he'll answer , if not ask for him
I think once you have spoken to him, your opinion lets say impression of the person will be enlightening.



 
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Jake C on May 11, 2016, 09:58:33 AM
Yeesh, I had forgotten about this thread. I sounded like a huge jerk when I posted on this, sorry Firestorm. Hope that Henry is treating you okay.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on May 11, 2016, 01:58:31 PM
Then you and I might just get along  :)

I won't herded , nor wronged more one try
its mind over matter.... those that matter, don't mind.... and those that mind   ::)  don't matter.

Having joined early 90's , SASS was my kinda interest 20+ ago  they lost my interest , when race guns & mouse fart ballistics became the standard of the game.
 I haven't  been a member in about 15 years...

Well I will remember you next I draw my long barreled 1860 converts in .44 Colt with close to 30 grains each and scream "Die steel target bastards, die!"
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Buffalo Creek Law Dog on May 11, 2016, 08:53:07 PM
I don't worry about the IPSC shooters in cowboy boots.  When I'm on the firing line, I'm in my own old west world.  I shoot in the Elder Statesman category as a duelist.  If I miss a target, I'll stop and say to myself out loud, "How in hell did I miss that?" then I continue on.  I don't give a rats behind what my score is, I'm there to live out my cowboy fantasies.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Mike on May 11, 2016, 11:59:25 PM
BCLD good on you, same here ;D do it because i love the guns.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Major 2 on May 12, 2016, 05:34:14 AM
Precisely, there to have fun shooting , not to be all wired up over 10 ths of a second and trick of the month.

I find NCOWS suits my fancy ,  targets size vary,  as do distances , generally further ... speed is not a dependent , thought timers are used for a final tally.
Laid back , fun and relaxing.... IMHO what shooting fun should be...
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Dave T on May 12, 2016, 01:50:02 PM
Reading through this thread I see a lot of you had the same reaction to the general direction of SASS and CAS back in the 1990s that I did. I dropped out in 1994 for this and other personal reasons (I was starting my own business). Time and money was limited and the "IPSC in Cowboy boots'' aspect of CAS ended it for me.  

Since getting interested in the guns again I've learned about NCOWS, which started that same year. Had I known about them I might have stayed involved as I was strictly a BP shooter and very interested in historical authenticity/accuracy. Since the flood has taken out that bridge (LOL) I've come back to my old interest but can't compete again because of some serious disability problems. I still love the era and the black powder cartridge guns it produced.

I'm grateful for sites like this one that allow me to be in contact with like minded people. It's a kind of blessing. Thanks for being here folks!

Dave
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on May 12, 2016, 02:54:34 PM
I don't worry about the IPSC shooters in cowboy boots.  When I'm on the firing line, I'm in my own old west world.  I shoot in the Elder Statesman category as a duelist.  If I miss a target, I'll stop and say to myself out loud, "How in hell did I miss that?" then I continue on.  I don't give a rats behind what my score is, I'm there to live out my cowboy fantasies.

I like it a lot.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on May 12, 2016, 02:55:45 PM
Precisely, there to have fun shooting , not to be all wired up over 10 ths of a second and trick of the month.

I find NCOWS suits my fancy ,  targets size vary,  as do distances , generally further ... speed is not a dependent , thought timers are used for a final tally.
Laid back , fun and relaxing.... IMHO what shooting fun should be...

I was interested in NCOWS when I acquired my first pistol but there isn't a chapter near me. 
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Coffinmaker on May 12, 2016, 04:42:32 PM
Way Back in the Way Back (Peabody and Sherman anyone??) I were one of the "Go Fast or Die) crowd.  I also happened to build really
fast competition toggle Link Rifles and tune Pistols to run like an automatic, only faster.  Then ........

I had an altercation with a Hospital.  When I was finally released, I had to retire.  Twaz 18 months before I could shoot with two hand
again.  I discovered something.  The faster you go, the shorter amount of time you have ..... having FUN.  I went to BP and Cap Guns
with Henry (1860) rifles, Hammer Doubles (a '97 just ain't cowboy).  The fun factor just went through the roof.  Joyux Noel as it
twer.

six years later, Cap Guns, Hammer Doubles and HENRY rifles.  Pure FUN!  this game is suppose to be FUN.  The way it's (CAS) set up,
everyone can play their own way at their own pace.  I have only been "bugged" by some near do well that I needed to re-load faster.
He wisely never ever bugged me again.  Something about a long barrel pistol up his you hu changed his mind.

Please understand.  This is not an endorsement  of the Henry Big Boy.  Very hard to make it run well.  If ever.  But an 1860 Henry can RUN
and be an enormous amount of fun.  Just don't put the pointy end in first  ::)

Coffinmaker
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Gabriel Law on May 13, 2016, 12:29:38 PM
I am enjoying this thread!

Last night, after a work party at the range, two of us had a CAS practice.  I intend to shoot cap and ball and my Henry this season, so I had my brand new Pietta 1851's and my Henry 44-40, and my 1887 lever 12 gauge out for a work out.  I had taken the new revolvers to the range one snowy late early spring day and I was delighted with how well they shot and functioned.  But because the CCI caps I use were too loose on the factory nipples, I replaced all the nipples in them and my two spare cylinders.  I ;bought the nipples from TOW.  Last night I did not have a great time.  Of the twenty chambers I had loaded, only 1/4 of them would fire.  In short, they are too short - by about .011" as I found out when I got home.  I have two choices as I see it...remove metal from the inside of the hammer or from the contact surface of the frame, to allow the hammer to come .011" further, and contact the cap.

The Henry functioned perfectly and is deadly accurate...a lot of fun to shoot.  The Winchester doesn't miss either.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Navy Six on May 13, 2016, 04:10:11 PM
I was trying not to respond to this as the original topic was about the Henry, but you guys made me laugh with the comments about the current state of SASS. I also am in it to indulge my cowboy fantasy. Where else can I walk around wearing my spurs, two sixguns and shoot blackpowder?  ;D Don't care about the score, either, as long as I feel satisified when the day is done. At a recent shoot, some of the "gamers" were shooting loads so light the sound was comparable to that of their lever being worked on the rifle. To each his own, I guess but that doesn't interest me. Not here to criticize anyone, nice shoot coming up this weekend where there is a nice mix of target distances. I can already smell the blackpowder! ;)
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Dave T on May 14, 2016, 11:18:24 AM
Back in what seems like the dark ages (pun intended) I was competing with my 1st Gen Colts, shooting duplicates of the original BP loads in performance. The IPSC in boots crowd used to complain my loads were too hot 'cause I knocked over their too close targets. I always told them a real 1880s Westerner who saw and heard their diddly loads would probably walk away laughing. Wasn't trying to be mean, just honest. 25-30 years later I still think the same thing. (smile)

Dave

PS: Just looked at this again and it comes across harsher that I intended. No offense meant. Just expressing an opinion I've had for a good many years.
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on July 04, 2016, 07:28:42 PM


I am a SASS shooter and lately have been either shooting Frontiersman or Frontier Cartridge because I live for the smell of the black powder (Gun Powder) smoke.
A pair of open top revolvers in, what else, .45 Colt and either an 1860 Henry converted to .45 Cowboy Special that pretty much duplicated the original .44 Henry rim fire load or an 1866 improved Henry using .44-40 cases fire formed to .45 Colt. That thin case neck does a good job of sealing the chamber. A lot of work to make, but you got to shoot them to fire form them. I guess it is called practice.
My CAS range is a short 3 miles from my house and that really makes it handy. At my age I have no interest in the competitive side of a shoot since I would be shooting against people as much as15 years younger than I am, but just to shoot the best as I can, enjoy the others who share the fun, and try to finally get a clean match.
That is, I suppose, the hope that springs eternal within the human breast.
Yr’ Obt’ Svt’
Bunk
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Ben Beam on March 04, 2017, 09:55:06 PM
When I first heard about CAS a few years ago I thought it looked like a lot of fun. Recently I looked into it more when it thought of actually participating. The fact that the nearest group was a couple hours away out a bit of a damper on it, but then when I read about everything else involved it lost its luster. NCOWS sounds a bit more appealing, but due to some health and funding issues, I'm mostly shooting .22 these days, and of course .22 isn't allowed even though you can get some damn good looking .22 "cowboy guns."

Seems to me we need yet another group, where the focus is playing cowboy, and let the rest of the rules be damned. Not everything needs to be a competition. We've got enough of those in life!

Edit: I should note the only big bore gun I have now is a Henry .44 I picked up used yesterday for a great price. It's a heavy beast, but a lot of fun to shoot. Too bad ammo is as expensive as it is!
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on March 08, 2017, 05:08:25 AM
I am not sure what my age category is because it seems I have out lived them all. I shoot Frontier Cartridge Gun Fighter or Frontiersman with a pair of "Goonized" 1860 Army revolvers, a Uberti 1860 Henry converted to shoot .45 Cowboy Special and a double barrel outside hammer "give Doc the shotgun" style 12 gauge all loaded with original Gun Powder and lay down the smokee. I may not be fast, but I am accurate and have more fun than should be allowed.
My cleaning system is fast and easy so shooting the so called nasty Gun Powder is no chore.
Just remember
Load 'em heavy boys they air a'comin
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Major 2 on March 08, 2017, 05:55:37 AM
When I first heard about CAS a few years ago I thought it looked like a lot of fun. Recently I looked into it more when it thought of actually participating. The fact that the nearest group was a couple hours away out a bit of a damper on it, but then when I read about everything else involved it lost its luster. NCOWS sounds a bit more appealing, but due to some health and funding issues, I'm mostly shooting .22 these days, and of course .22 isn't allowed even though you can get some damn good looking .22 "cowboy guns."

Seems to me we need yet another group, where the focus is playing cowboy, and let the rest of the rules be damned. Not everything needs to be a competition. We've got enough of those in life!

Edit: I should note the only big bore gun I have now is a Henry .44 I picked up used yesterday for a great price. It's a heavy beast, but a lot of fun to shoot. Too bad ammo is as expensive as it is!

Would you cut your grass with a Weed Eater ?  well you could , but your are gonna be there awhile  :P
Would you play Badminton with a flyswatter ? suppose you could , but it ain't the right racket/tool

Same with a  Henry big boy .44 .....You can use it in SASS , not the best tool though ( good gun just not for that game )
In NCOW's we just didn't approve it , end of discussion.

There are several 22cal. based disciplines, in fact SASS & NCOW's allow for youngsters to compete in Buckaroo and Youth classes.

The thing about " yet another group "  .

Group " noun = a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship.

So to that end ....first  "YOU" need to find several like minded folk's  that see and conform to your vision.

SASS did that 30-35 years ago ....NCOWS approaching some 25 years ago.... both are swimming along with their currently generally accepted rules.

I wish you luck with your group  :)





 
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on March 09, 2017, 04:07:15 PM
At first it was IDPA for self defense practice with a 1911 and 230 grain hard ball. The club I belonged to and where I usually shot became very competition oriented rather that common sense scenarios and I lost interest. Unfortunately for me another club that had very good shoots lost their range.

Then came IPSC (impractical pistol shooting club?) at my home club and was fun just a lot of run and gun stuff, but not very defense oriented. I became disenchanted with the race guns that held a bucket of bullets and unpractical holsters. So much for IPSC.

I am very happy with SASS and hope they do not let the spirit of this game go down the tubes like Col. Coopers originsl Leather Sap that became IPSC did.

Here I can shoot and enjoy with like minded people using the Black Powder percussion guns, an 1860 Henry (Uberti) and have fun reliving the days of the old west. It is my fervent hope that SASS keeps that spirit alive. I don't have to look around it is "my group"
Hold center
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Ben Beam on March 09, 2017, 05:47:35 PM
Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like yet another person who wanted to change the rules to accommodate me. I was just lamenting that lots of adults have wished that there was something like SASS that was a bit more flexible for those without larger budgets. But I suppose then I'd be upset when people would want to do it in their baseball caps and t-shirts because they "can't afford cowboy clothes I'm never gonna wear anywhere else!"

Just griping. :)
Title: Re: Henry Rifles
Post by: Tbone13 on January 02, 2021, 01:45:19 AM
I have a Big Boy Steel .44 carbine. It has a very crisp trigger, I put a peep and a higher front sight on it and it's a short, handy rifle to have around now.
The walnut is nice and it's action is smooth.
Overall I love that thing.
Henry makes nice rifles. They are selling side loaders now, but mine is the tube only.  You don't have to force each round down the tube so it's easy on the fangers.