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Best Lever Action Rifle – Henry Octagon .45-70 Gov
Am Shooting Journal ^ | 1/23/2018 | O Volk

Posted on 01/23/2018 8:17:18 AM PST by w1n1

Henry offers three models, with the Octagon being the most visually striking of the lot. The fit of the metal and wood is tight, and the finish is even and well applied.

A 22-inch blued octagonal barrel is installed on a brass receiver, with brass buttplate on a straight-grip stock of quality walnut completing the first impression. Weighing in at about 8 pounds, the rifle feels substantial without appearing heavy. For field carry, it comes with sling swivel studs already installed.

The magazine tube holds four cartridges and loads from a port underneath, the same as Henry’s rimfire rifles. While slower than gate loading, this approach is easier on the shooter’s fingers and doesn’t damage soft bullet points. And, considering the power of the .45-70 cartridge, 4+1 capacity is generally sufficient.

WHILE HISTORIC .45-70 LOADS used bullets in the 405- to 500-grain range, most modern hunting ammunition is 300 grains. Loads such as Winchester and Federal with expanding bullets develop velocities in the high 1,800s, and recoil is correspondingly brisk. For this reason, a slipon recoil pad is a recommended accessory. Read the rest of the best lever action rifle Henry here.


TOPICS: Hobbies; Outdoors
KEYWORDS: 4570; henryrifles
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To: WayneS

They do and their sweeet!!!


21 posted on 01/23/2018 8:51:30 AM PST by BobinIL
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To: trebb

When I’ve taught people how to shoot, I start them off with either .22 or really light .38 loads in my 6” King Cobra; makes for very light recoil since it’s a massive gun. I think .38’s in a henry would be great, now that you mention it; I’m too old to beat the piss out of myself shooting these days, been there, done that :-)


22 posted on 01/23/2018 8:53:39 AM PST by RedStateRocker (Nuke Mecca, deport all illegals, abolish the DEA, IRS and ATF.)
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To: BobinIL

Thanks. I’ll take a look. They are likely to be a little less expensive than a Henry, and if they can be loaded like a “traditional” lever action rifle I will probably be happier with one of them.


23 posted on 01/23/2018 8:54:50 AM PST by WayneS (An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. - Winston Churchill)
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To: cweese

That would be at the top of my choices too. I might rather have one of the 1886 reproductions I have seen photos of. Chambered in 45-70 but they are really expensive.


24 posted on 01/23/2018 8:55:09 AM PST by yarddog
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To: DJ Taylor

That has to be a serious collector’s item !


25 posted on 01/23/2018 8:57:12 AM PST by painter ( Isaiah: �Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,")
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To: cweese

Winchester .348, .358 & .356 are some punishing calibers. I shoot/load them all and .348 just hurts more than the others. God bless your shoulder!


26 posted on 01/23/2018 9:01:30 AM PST by paulcissa (Democrats want you unarmed so they can kill you.)
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To: WayneS

Marlin makes a .357 lever gun. Bought one for my bride. Used to have a .450 Marlin until it fell overboard with all the rest. Someday when the insurance pays off, I may consider a Sharps in 45-70.

Gunner


27 posted on 01/23/2018 9:01:44 AM PST by weps4ret (Republicans are suffering from Testicular Atrophy, The Continuing Saga!! Still!!)
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To: w1n1
Seriously ? ? ?
Unless you just want a cowboy styled rifle, take a look at the Browning Light Weight Model 81.

BLR Lightweight '81 Stainless Takedown
Newer technology has its advantages.
Plus Taylor makes some great lever actions.

And don't forget about the Taylor's 1886 Takedown Classic Rifle .45-70, 26" Octagonal Barrel.
28 posted on 01/23/2018 9:04:07 AM PST by Yosemitest (It's SIMPLE ! ... Fight, ... or Die !)
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To: weps4ret

A friend of mine had a .450 Marlin. It was a nice shooting gun but it has some recoil to it.


29 posted on 01/23/2018 9:04:26 AM PST by WayneS (An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. - Winston Churchill)
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To: w1n1

I have owned a lot of lever guns in my life. Most of them were model 94’s or 336 Marlins. Several .44 mags by Browning or Marlin model 1894. I remember one Marlin in 32-20.

Probably the best one was a bit of crap in a way but it worked so well, I wish I had kept it.

I was a J.C. Higgins version of the model 94. It had a receiver made of some kind of metal which would not keep the bluing and most of it had worn off. Someone before me had added a Redfield receiver sight.

It was the most accurate 30-30 I have ever had and the action was really slick. Did I mention the receiver sight? Absolutely loved it.


30 posted on 01/23/2018 9:05:08 AM PST by yarddog
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To: elcid1970

19th Century bump stock?


31 posted on 01/23/2018 9:06:18 AM PST by catman67 (14 gauge?)
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To: BobinIL

Henry makes a magazine fed, lever action .308


32 posted on 01/23/2018 9:06:32 AM PST by Cboldt
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To: painter
...and the barely visible in the photo stock cartouche indicates it once served with the Arizona Rangers.


33 posted on 01/23/2018 9:10:07 AM PST by DJ Taylor (Once again our country is at war, and once again the Democrats have sided with our enemy.)
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To: w1n1

Actually, the best all around lever gun is the venerable Savage 99. (of course, my opinion) Accurate as a bolt gun, chambered in modern high pressure spritzer bullet cartridges from 250 Sav through 358 Win, simple trigger job makes it near bolt gun smooth and crisp. Did I say accurate like a bolt gun? Lightweight, a joy to hunt with and capable of all NA game.

Henry’s are neat too, and currently made, but low pressure classics like 357 through 45/70. The 99 died a death of cost and market share....

I think an average 99 in a common caliber like 308 is about the same cost as a Big Boy these days.


34 posted on 01/23/2018 9:23:18 AM PST by Manly Warrior (US ARMY (Ret), "No Free Lunches for the Dogs of War")
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To: DJ Taylor

That is neat. It was made for horse back Calvary units?


35 posted on 01/23/2018 9:30:44 AM PST by painter ( Isaiah: �Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,")
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To: WayneS

Mine was the .450 Marlin Trapper. 16.5 inch barrel, even ported, it was a bit of a 5 shoot bruiser, after that, shoot something a little different. For my money, for hunting and general fun, I will take a Ruger Number 1. But that is a slight of thread subject change.

Gunner


36 posted on 01/23/2018 9:31:12 AM PST by weps4ret (Republicans are suffering from Testicular Atrophy, The Continuing Saga!! Still!!)
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To: elcid1970
That barrel woulda been hotter ‘n a firecracker

Gloves.

37 posted on 01/23/2018 9:37:01 AM PST by grobdriver (BUILD KATE'S WALL!)
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To: w1n1

It looks like they copied the Marlin 1895. So paying more for a Marlin clone with inferior mode of loading. I will pass, thanks.

That said, the mote choices the better. I hope somebody buys these.


38 posted on 01/23/2018 9:46:55 AM PST by Freedom_Is_Not_Free (What profits a man if he gains the world yet loses his soul?)
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To: grobdriver

Didn’t notice the gloves. You are so right.

Looks like there are two walking fire sequences spliced together to add up to fourteen shots; long barrel Model 92s actually hold fifteen. Not as bad as those six shooters that they loaded on Sunday & fired all week. The Colt SAA is very slow to eject so that doesn’t get included in the shoot-em-up scenes.


39 posted on 01/23/2018 9:56:08 AM PST by elcid1970 ("The Second Amendment is more important than Islam. Buy ammo.")
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To: yarddog

Yes they really are expensive. I inherited this particular rifle and will pass it down through the family whenever that *time * comes.


40 posted on 01/23/2018 10:10:40 AM PST by cweese (Hook 'em Horns!!!)
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