Henry lever question

[Zamble]

[d33pt]

Does it cycle all the way and just feels sticky at a certain point? Or does it get totally stuck?

[allright]

I purchased a Henry All Weather 357 a while back. I bought it used, but almost zero usage as far as I could tell. Came with box and papers and had been purchased new, less than 6 months ago. I took it to the range with my own reloads. At first it was great, but on about the 8th round, it was difficult to fully open the bolt. Then it got stuck in the open position. Unscrewed the lever, and dropped it out of the receiver. Did a light, nylon hammer, tap on the back of the bolt and it went right in. Cocked it a few times, a bit rough feeling, but worked. Shot another full magnum load, stuck again.

Took the gun home, cleaned it, inspected it, and couldn't visually find an issue. I put some Flitz on the bold and ran the action about 200 times. Cleaned it again, took it back to the range and the same stuck bolt issue. Took it home, cleaned it. I called Henry, and they sent me a shipping tag. (I'm the 2nd owner), and I shipped the gun back to them. The gun was returned in about 2 weeks, and has been working perfectly ever since. I do NOT know what they did to fix the issue.

MY POINT, if your Henry is acting up, call or write them and they will take care of you quickly.

[Zamble]

The lever does not get stuck. It will get a little more than half way back, then it hits like a tight spot. It takes a little bit of effort and it will go all the way back, then it will close. It is definitely not a smooth as silk action, though.

[ACfixer]

The lever does not get stuck. It will get a little more than half way back, then it hits like a tight spot. It takes a little bit of effort and it will go all the way back, then it will close. It is definitely not a smooth as silk action, though.

I'll go cycle mine in a few minutes here... I know it feels a bit different than my '94 and my '92 but I don't think I would describe it as being tight or hanging up.

If you think it's not right Zamble, call Henry on Monday... they are all over it.

EDIT: Okay I just went and cycled mine empty. I feel exactly where you are talking about, but I would not say it really takes any effort at all to get through it. When done in one deliberate action it's barely noticeable, it's only when I slow it down that I feel it. Hard to know if yours is more than mine of course, or what you are used to with lever action rifles. Mine all seem to have their own personality, but all function flawlessly including my Henrys. It's not the effortless butter-smooth action my Golden Boy is, but I happen to feel that the Henry .22 is perhaps the finest lever action .22 ever made from that perspective, they are incredible and even smoother than Winchesters or Brownings that cost two or three times as much.

In any event, Henry will make it right.

[rromeo]

Is it the point where the bolt is rubbing the hammer?

[Zamble]

Yes, it rubs the hammer a bit.

[Mickey D]

Is it the point where the bolt is rubbing the hammer?

I was going to ask this ^^^

The bolt cocks the hammer. If you manually cock the hammer and then cycle the lever/bolt, do you feel the same binding you speak of?

[RANGER295]

Is it the point where the bolt is rubbing the hammer?

I suspect based on the OP that this is what he is experiencing. All of my lever actions feel a little hesitation at this spot. basically, the bolt moving to the rear catches the hammer and pushes it back. This takes a bit of added effort. My 100+ year old lever actions a much less stiff than my modern lever actions because they have been polished from cycling over time. I have one Winchester that it is really noticeable in if you cycle it slow. Cycle it with purpose and you will probably get used to it. Is this your first lever action?

[ACfixer]

Cycle it with purpose and you will probably get used to it. Is this your first lever action?

Yep, that's why I also mentioned doing it deliberately. Mickey suggesting doing it with the hammer back is a great idea.

[rromeo]

As Ranger295 says, it's a new gun, so it will feel a little more crisp. Old guns feel smoother because they're old, not necessarily because they're better made. It's like an new pair of shoes vs your old worn in Weejuns.

[Zamble]

[billped]

Have you had a second "gun guy" try it?

[ACfixer]

With that in mind, I think you need to call them Monday Zamble.

[golfish]

I would shoot a few hundred rounds. If there it still a problem you could send it back to Henry. They have great customer service...

Make sure you live it up good.