Hah, Balderdash and HORSEFEATHERS. Oh Ye of Little Understanding.
There were between 7 and 9 Transitional Henry's made, that I was once able to document. Also, at one time, six were shown on the "Rare Winchesters" site. After Winchester piddled with em, they were sold to the general public. That means sold to friends of the Winchester staff. Now .........
Uberti didn't pick the Patent Loading Gate for the Transitional for anything other than ........ Coolness. Both the flat and scooped ladle were, well .... ordinary. No snap. No pizzaz, No Zing. Also, unfortunately, No Market. Krap, one run and done. Took the Girls just about for freeking ever to sell em out. By the way, the one that started this thread has some awesome wood.
There were actually 5 versions of the Transitional, with a couple variations on those 5 base guns. The only ones I think are worth considerations are the guns that maintained the original Henry Patent Barrel. The guns with separated (half) magazine tubes actually look Hollyweird. Not Henryexque as it twer.
For those whom slept through the availability of Uberti's Transitional, remember, He/She whom snoozes, loozes. Based on the apparent hand wringing over spilt milk, the one on Gun Broker should already be gone.
Now, about that fore end. It slides around on the barrel. Slip Sliding Away Now ..... Oh that's a song ......... But it does Is not permanently affixed. If you don't pull the two screws at the end of the barrel to put it on or remove it, you screw yp the finish (don't ask how I know that). It wan't intended nor does it provide something with which to "grip" your rifle. It's so you can steady your rifle, and not burn the living s$#t out of yer hand. When you pick up the rifle, it's with the trigger hand wrapped inna lever, then pull the slippery chunk of wood back against the frame to steady. Used that way, it works really well.
In summation, IF we went with a separate tube magazine and funky fore stock, we'd have a funky 66. We already have those.
With the flat ladle or even the scooped (nicer) one, we'd still have a funky looking 66
With the Uberti Transitional the way it is, we have the best of choices. A righteous Henry Patent barrel assembly, a way cool side load gate (it IS a gate you have to close after all) and no mistaking it for a weird 66.
So There (stamps foot)
Coffinmaker
PS: Should one forget, and leave that swell Kings Patent Loading Gate ..... open ...... as one cycles the lever for the first round, all the King's horses and all the King's men come galloping out the magazine onto the ground at your feet. While the WHOLE posse is looking
on. Then they point and giggle. (don't ask how I know this fact)