Henry Big Boy Rifle

[Kowan]

That's a good idea. I have the Brass Stacker and the sling can dig into the shoulder if only wearing a T-shirt.
Too bad the padded one is sold out on Henry's site.

[Cokebottle]

That's a good idea. I have the Brass Stacker and the sling can dig into the shoulder if only wearing a T-shirt.
Too bad the padded one is sold out on Henry's site.

It's a DeSantis, so you should be able to get it unmarked.

[Kowan]

I'll Google to see if I can find one.

[volosong]

Those of you that used the standard lever, then switched to the large loop lever . . . how do you like it? Anything negative to say about the larger loop? (I'm thinking of switching because after about a half hour, using the standard sized loop gets uncomfortable to use. Maybe my hands are larger than average.)

[Cokebottle]

I bought the large loop because it looks classy

It does make use with gloves easier, BUT it's not quite as "quick" bare handed... you can't just flip your hand open to break the lever open.

Seems that the large loop is more common on the carbine models.

[HUTCH 7.62]

, love to have the 44

This. Be a good companion for my 629

[Rizzo]

Those of you that used the standard lever, then switched to the large loop lever . . . how do you like it? Anything negative to say about the larger loop? (I'm thinking of switching because after about a half hour, using the standard sized loop gets uncomfortable to use. Maybe my hands are larger than average.)

Like you I found the standard lever uncomfortable to use.
I Have a Henry Big Boy Steel in 357 mag and bought the large loop lever from Henry ($50.00).
I like it a lot and am not regretting buying it.
I softened up the edges buy doing a leather lever wrap on the loop.
Go for it!

[tokuno]

loading gate vs. tube

I agree about the loading tube. For me, the tube is a lot easier then the loading gates. I'd like to see Rossi or Henry do both.

I softened my Rossi 92's spring and beveled the loading gate port, and it works beautifully now - very fast to load, with nominal resistance and no chewed up fingers, nor scraped up cases. Singles easily load completely, without having to half-feed a cartridge and push it through with the following one. It's a quick, easy improvement that turned a pita into a fun operation.

I now prefer its loading over my Henry tube-feed, mostly because it gives me the willies to see my sons working to avoid covering the muzzle with their hands during a reload, and it's cumbersome for the younger one to reach the tube. Also, it's easier & quicker to reload via gate, especially when I'm just popping in singles or a few at a time.

[volosong]

I like it a lot and am not regretting buying it.

Go for it!

Thanks for the feedback, and you Cokebottle too. I'll start with one for my .357 brass Big Boy, and if I like it, will get a couple more for my other Henrys.

[Sanderhawk]

I`m looking at getting a Henry. Just looking at what caliber I want. I like the iron sights. I`m not a fan of the AR kind of sights.

[Old4eyes]

I have the Big Boy in brass with the octogon barrel in .357.
It's a heavy gun which makes shooting 38 special feel like you're shooting a 22. I have found that with 38 special you have to be firm and quick with the lever. If you go slow it tends to bind on the feed. Cycle like you mean it and that problem disappears. This problem did not appear with .357 rounds.

You do want to shoot lever guns with a tube magazine using bullets that have a flat nose profile to prevent a bullet tip hitting the primer of the round above it. Side gate loaders are still tube magazine so this admonition isn't just for the "tube fed" style of the Henry.

You do have to keep a firm finger grip on the plunger to prevent it flying down range if you're being a good shooter and loading the gun with the muzzle pointing down range.

The buckhorn sights were difficult for me to deal with. I did use a Merit optical attachment to give me a peep sight and that helped a lot but I ended up putting a scope on it. It kinda disturbs the look but it made shooting much more comfortable. Fun gun to shoot.

[Cokebottle]

Like you I found the standard lever uncomfortable to use.
I Have a Henry Big Boy Steel in 357 mag and bought the large loop lever from Henry ($50.00).
I like it a lot and am not regretting buying it.
I softened up the edges buy doing a leather lever wrap on the loop.
Go for it!

Keep an eye under that wrap for rust.

[Rizzo]

Keep an eye under that wrap for rust.

I didn't realize that here could be a rust issue.
Thanks for the tip.

[63j300]

Henery - 22 shoots great
Henery - 22 mag with scope anybody can hit bullseye
Marlin - 357 shoots very nice and got me started with levers
Marlin - 30-30 kicks a little
Remlin - 44 mag kicks a little more

All cycle smooth

[tokuno]

tannins

I didn't realize that here could be a rust issue.
Thanks for the tip.

besides moisture concerns, the tannins used during the leather tanning process are acidic and can contribute to oxidation/rust.

I leather-wrap the hand holds on my musical instruments, and first spray-glue a fine cotton cloth on the inner side to protect the metal - greatly reduces tarnishing on the silver finishes.