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. 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.
They do and their sweeet!!!
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 :-)
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.
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.
That has to be a serious collector’s item !
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!
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
A friend of mine had a .450 Marlin. It was a nice shooting gun but it has some recoil to it.
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.
19th Century bump stock?
Henry makes a magazine fed, lever action .308
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.
That is neat. It was made for horse back Calvary units?
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
Gloves.
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.
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.
Yes they really are expensive. I inherited this particular rifle and will pass it down through the family whenever that *time * comes.
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