What's with the interest in Henry rifles?

[LDBennett]

I understand that they are American made. And I understand that they look good on the outside (we use to call it the "cheapy deluxe" look).

I looked at one about 10 years ago and found the beauty was on the surface. The actual receiver was pot metal with a shiny cover on the outside. Some of the parts were simply painted.

Has the quality of the design, and fit and finish of these guns changed? Am I missing something? I realize that ten years is a long time and products can change for the better over time. Did I miss the upgrade to Henry rifles?

Sorry if anyone is offended by my apparent attack on Henry rifles but I would like to know what the story is. Is the low price the driving factor in their popularity or did something change?

I would challenge the Henry lovers to inspect a Marlin (not my favorite lever gun!!!) or a Browning 1892 clone or a real vintage Winchester. The contrast to that 10 year old Henry is huge. The latest Browning ATD (22 semi-auto) and the BL-22 (22 lever), both made in Japan, are awesome. Some of the Belgian FN version were better yet. But I suppose it is the pricing that makes for popularity of the Henry's (???).

Anyone have some insight here?

LDBennett

[Helix_FR]

Its the name. Also they have a larger TV ad campaign than the others.

[woolleyworm]

Originally Posted by LDBennett

I understand that they are American made. And I understand that they look good on the outside (we use to call it the "cheapy deluxe" look).

I looked at one about 10 years ago and found the beauty was on the surface. The actual receiver was pot metal with a shiny cover on the outside. Some of the parts were simply painted.

Has the quality of the design, and fit and finish of these guns changed? Am I missing something? I realize that ten years is a long time and products can change for the better over time. Did I miss the upgrade to Henry rifles?

Sorry if anyone is offended by my apparent attack on Henry rifles but I would like to know what the story is. Is the low price the driving factor in their popularity or did something change?

I would challenge the Henry lovers to inspect a Marlin (not my favorite lever gun!!!) or a Browning 1892 clone or a real vintage Winchester. The contrast to that 10 year old Henry is huge. The latest Browning ATD (22 semi-auto) and the BL-22 (22 lever), both made in Japan, are awesome. Some of the Belgian FN version were better yet. But I suppose it is the pricing that makes for popularity of the Henry's (???).

Anyone have some insight here?

LDBennett

Have to agree 100%, I got to look at several Belgians and a couple of Japanese Brownings yesterday at the Dallas Arms Collectors gun show. At 2-6 times the price of a new Henry, it certainly comes down to the dollar for me. I bought a new Henry for my son's 10th birthday; it's going to be a great rifle for him.

Here's my .02c : ( no offense to any Camaro owners out there either.... )

A Camaro RS is just a "cheapy deluxe" version of the Z28 or better yet a Z06 Vette. It all comes down to what we can afford and what our needs our.

I have, do and will continue to love Henry rifles, but i certainly don't think they're THE .22 of .22's.

no offense taken either; because if I could have afforded the pristine 3 digit S/N Belgian that was at the show yesterday, I would certainly not be here in front of the computer right now ( $1650 was a bit more than I wanted to spend though and I am not sure on what a model like that should be valued at either.)

[LDBennett]

You don't have to pay $1600 to get the Japanese version of the ATD or the BL-22 and they are just as good. And you can get them brand spanking new to boot. But you may have to pay twice.

LDBennett

[Farmerjon]

I have not compared them to the rifles of which you speak, only because I haven't ever seen them at my local gun shop. Had they been there, would have handled them! Anyway, what is it about the Henry for me? They have provided me a lever gun in 22 that was affordable, made in the USA, and quite honestly, they have done all I have asked of them. Have loaded L, LR, S all in the same tube just to see if they would feed, not a hiccup. My girls and wife love shooting them, they shoot straight, don't jam, always catch someone's eye when they come out, have golden boys, round barrels, octagon barrels and they all are out of the box ammo gobblers. I am not a purist, having at least 80 22 rifles wouldn't allow me to be that to Henry, but when we go to the range, most likely one Henry is requested to be there for the afternoon shoot with sights. (I have never scoped one). So that is that for me.

[happyhunter42]

Okay, you guys are talking about Henry 22, I don't own one, but I do own a brand new 44 mag. It shoots as go as my Marlin and is a hell of a lot prettier to boot. It was 550+tax which is about 150 less than a new Marlin. I am proud to own both brands and wish that Winchester still made lever actions.

[old semperfi]

easy answer.................inexpensive,good value for money,sure fire and shoots straight.no other explaination needed. old semperfi

[OcelotZ3]

Great value for the money in my opinion. I really like my Henry .22lr.

[gunplumber]

Are they still coming with them stinkin plastic sights and bbl bands? I couldn't wait to get mine and had it ordered long before they hit the shelves and when it came I was just as eager to get rid of it. Maybe I'm too old fashioned but come on........PLASTIC SIGHTS???????? I heard that Henry caught so much flak over it that they started offering metal replacements that you could PURCHASE to replace them. In all the adds and mags I read, this was never mentioned. I hear the higher end models have metal sights and bands but don't know for sure. Sorry to sound a bit gruff but the only place you can put plastic on my guns and me not be real upset is the butt plate.........

[trex1310]

I have a Henry (H003TM) .22 magnum pump. It looks good and it
shoots good. As far as price goes, it's the same as a Remington pump.

[Big Shrek]

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

value. for most people that buy these guns they probably arent shot more than a few times a year when the family gets together. for that they work well. they are not built as well as a marlin or a winchester. and that makes them less expensive. and for someone that doesnt really know much about guns, or that doesnt value the history or the beauty over the money. they are the ticket

Yeah, the Marlin 39A tends to run about $80-150 more depending on the models features...
but the Marlin is Solid Steel instead of pot metal.

The Marlin will last long enough to be passed to your great grandkids & their greatgrandkids...
the Potmetal Henry probably won't last 100+ years.

[cycloneman]

LD i would think it has something to do with the marlin/mosberg line going out of business. I think they are advertizing to gain that market. I recall reading that mosberg is closing shop in 2011 unless someone buys them up. Some one may want to correct me if i am wrong. Just what i think.

[LDBennett]

I am wondering why anyone would buy a "Cheapy Deluxe" gun? And I'm also wondering if something has changed with the Henry's fit, finish, and design since the last one I looked at several years ago.

There is nothing like a quality firearm that is made to last for centuries and everything wrong with a cheapy deluxe gun that will maybe last a few decades if used extensively. But that's just my opinion and your's may vary.

What's the information source of Marlin going out of business in 2011? Just curious.

LDBennett

[45nut]

Hey LD,

The fit and finish on my Henry .22 LR lever action is as good as the Browning it copies. Mine has the smoothest action I've ever felt on a lever gun period in my life.

In addition to that, they are made in America and they are $250 when a Marlin #39 is $450 and that's $200 in savings.

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/busines...firearms-plant

[Big Shrek]

Originally Posted by cycloneman

LD i would think it has something to do with the marlin/mosberg line going out of business. I think they are advertizing to gain that market. I recall reading that mosberg is closing shop in 2011 unless someone buys them up. Some one may want to correct me if i am wrong. Just what i think.

Ok, ya got my attention with that bit of misinformation.
Marlin & Mossberg are two completely different companies.

MARLIN IS NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!!!

The Marlin plant is simply moving thier operations OUT of Connecticut to Illion, NY.
Which nobody can blame them for, as CT is anti-gun and anti-biz.
NY is Anti-gun, but only hi-capacity

Honestly, they shoulda moved to Florida, which is PRO-Gun & PRO-Biz...and the labour is inexpensive (no unions),
and so is the land, as long as you are 5+ miles off the coast.


On Mossberg, I have no idea...but they're made in Brazil...so who the heck knows down there

[dabuc]

I have a Golden Boy .22mag. That is one nice gun. fit and finish are really good, smooth as silk action, nice deep rich bluing on the octagon barrell, wood is beautiful. Golden Boys have the metal barrell band and metal marbles sights. Even a metal "golden" buttplate. Nothing cheap about the golden boy. I have had a regular .22LR as well and yes it does have plastic front sight and barrell band, but it is less than 250$ rifle if you know what I mean.

I have also had Excellent customer service with them. I emailed a question to them and the owner answered me back right away.

Also made 100% in America with all American resources and materials. Can't beat that.

Can't compare them to the other brands mentioned but I can vouch for Henry's quality and customer service. I am very pleased with my Henry and I will buy Henry again.