The poll, thus far, is running over two to one against the Henry Big Boy. My pard BJD makes some good points in favor of the BB and others make some equally good points against it.
As far as the "deceptive" advertising, that many have alluded to here is concerned, let me say this. First of all there never was a "Henry Rifle Company" prior to the incorporation of the present company in discussion. The first practical repeating breechloading rifle, a .44 rf, developed by Benjamin Tyler Henry in 1860 was made by the New Haven Arms Company. The Henry was the forerunner of the Winchester, for New Haven Arms, reorganized as the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Henry preferred to be called by his middle name. Thus most historical accounts refer to him as B. Tyler Henry. Henry was a gunsmith and engineer employed by New Haven. Oliver Winchester owned the company which was having financial dificulties and reorganized as the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. Winchester felt that Henry should be recognized for his achievement and thus named the new rifle for him.
In late 1866, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, began manufacturing a vastly improved version of the famous Henry rifle, made by by its predecessor, the New Haven Arms Company. The new rifle had no specific name at the time, but there were references to an “improved Henry". Later it became known as the Model 1866, or “66”. When enough guns had been made to build up an inventory, the, new model was introduced to the public Early records and catalogs show the Henry Rifle being listed as the Winchester Model 1866. One Winchester catalog states, "The latest improvemeents consist of an entire change in the magazine and arrangement for filling it."
The new model contained a number of modifications to the Henry rifle. The Most notable changes included a loading gate in the right side of the receiver, a completely enclosed magazine tube, and a wooden forearm. The new rifle retained essentially the same brass frame, brass butt plate, and wooden butt stock found on the Henry. The 1866 was the first to bear the Winchester name. The early 1866 rifles bore the name "Winchester Model 1866 King's Improvement" on the side of the barrel. King was the employee who redesigned the Henry to load from a loading gate.
Having given you a bit of history I see no deception in the company calling themselves the Henry Rifle Company.
Now as far as advertising the Big Boy as a CAS rifle is concerned. When the first prototype was made and pics appeared on the company web site I spoke at length with company president Anthony Imperato about the BB & suggested changes. He told me that he had gone to a SASS match in New York state & was told by the shooters that they wanted a larger caliber version of the Golden Boy 22. The company decided to make it and first brought it out in 44 Mag because the original Henry was chambered in 44. He also said that it was too late to make changes because of the time & money invested in tooling for the new BB.
Mr. Imperato assumed that the rifle would be accepted by SASS because of the conversations he had with local SASS members. We all know what often happens when we assume something. He should stop promoting the rifle as a SASS rifle suitable for CAS until (or if) it is accepted. I don't believe there was any intentional deception.
When I started CAS in '95 I selected the Ruger Vaqueros as my pistols of choice because of the price, forever warranty & strength. I didn't like the way the fit my hands and the weight. I soon learned that because of the light loads we shoot in Cas that I didn't really need the strength & weight & in 2000 I sold them and purchased a pair of the then new AWA Peacekeepers. The RV is not really a clone of a SAA but it does pass the 10 ft test. A friend that I recently introduced to CAS purchased a brass framed Rossi '92, (which Winchester nebver made) & it too passes the 10 ft test. From that distance or farther it is easily mistaken for a 66.
Since those two are acceptable for CAS perhaps the Big Boy should be accepted. The ultimate decision will be made by the TG's who should follow the wishes of their constintuents.
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