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.
I have a serious jones on for the Henry in .357, since I already have pistols and reloading gear in that caliber.
Beautiful pieces, all.
me like.
i lost all my other firearms in a flood.
Complete and utter BS!!! the lack of a side loading gate makes this rifle completely useless!! You loose the option of quick reloads keeping the magazine topped off easily, and having to find a place to pull the magazine tube spring out to load it. Marlins, Brownings and Winchesters are way superior to these rifles.
Not sure it’s “the best”. My Winchester 71 in .348 Winchester is a pretty awesome rifle.
I won a Henry 44 at an NRA dinner. It’s so much fun to shoot.
You ain’t doing that with a 45-70 and without having a hip so bruised you can’t walk.
I picked up a Rossi carbine chambered for /357 and 38 Special. it’s a little small and light to use the .357 round in - beats one up a bit. But, it feels sweet with the 38 Special rounds.
Chuck Connors was tough!....................
Rifleman Trivia:
The rifle used in the series was custom made with the loop lever.
The model rifle used was not invented until several years after the time period of the show.
So do I. I love .357 magnum and having a rifle that uses it would be awesome.
Funny, I never noticed the butt braced on his hip before. That would be a lot of bruising.
You make a good point. Henry rifles are very well-made, beautiful, pieces, but they are a pain in the ass to reload.
Do you happen to know whether Marlin, Browning and/or Winchester make a lever action rifle chambered for .357 magnum?
Thats too close to the onions for comfort.
“Complete and utter BS!!! the lack of a side loading gate makes this rifle completely useless!! You loose the option of quick reloads keeping the magazine topped off easily, and having to find a place to pull the magazine tube spring out to load it. Marlins, Brownings and Winchesters are way superior to these rifles.”
A tubular loading 45 70? I don’t think so. I have a pre Remington Marlin Guide Gun thats built like a Rolex. And any pre 64 Winchester levers will do just fine.
Blanks.
Lucas McCain fires 14 shots in four seconds, racks the action, then tosses the rifle to his left hand & starts reloading.
That barrel woulda been hotter ‘n a firecracker, IMO.
Hmm....
Hollywood...................in the good old days................
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