Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy - The Firearms Forum

ca2tx2tn · 07-22-2009, 09:13 PM

Okay, I know there are folks out there who can help me decide whether to buy the Henry .22LR Frontier or the Henry .22LR Golden Boy.

Besides the cost, why is the Golden Boy a better rifle for plinking and varmint chasing? I'm looking for a fun rifle to pop off around the farm.

What should I do?

Danwin22 · 07-22-2009, 09:31 PM

I'd rather have a traditional blued rifle than a shiny gold one.

Just my personal opinion.

MemphisJim1 · 07-22-2009, 11:27 PM

Last year I won a Golden Boy at a Friends of the NRA banquet and thought I had hit the jackpot. Two days later when I went to the gun dealer-FFL to claim my prize, reality set in: the receiver is neither grooved nor tapped. I'm now in my mid-60s, shoot only at range targets and want (okay, need) optics to properly see the target. So, what's a guy to do? I've put that one in the safe to turn over to my son when he's ready to get serious about shooting. Then I bought a Target model, put a scope on it and happily terrorize targets at the range every chance I get. The Henrys are just flat fun to shoot. If optics (read, scope) are something you need or want, stick with the blued line...and get one.

jacksonco · 07-23-2009, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca2tx2tn

Okay, I know there are folks out there who can help me decide whether to buy the Henry .22LR Frontier or the Henry .22LR Golden Boy.

Besides the cost, why is the Golden Boy a better rifle for plinking and varmint chasing? I'm looking for a fun rifle to pop off around the farm.

What should I do?

I have a Golden Boy and I love it. Smooth as silk and a real tack driver. However as pointed out by previous poster it is not optic ready. I think that Henry has a mount for it but drilling is involved. So if you want to put a scope on the rifle I would opt for the Frontier.

Whatever you do get what is going to make you the happiest and there will be no regret.

ca2tx2tn · 07-23-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MemphisJim1

Last year I won a Golden Boy at a Friends of the NRA banquet and thought I had hit the jackpot. Two days later when I went to the gun dealer-FFL to claim my prize, reality set in: the receiver is neither grooved nor tapped. I'm now in my mid-60s, shoot only at range targets and want (okay, need) optics to properly see the target. So, what's a guy to do? I've put that one in the safe to turn over to my son when he's ready to get serious about shooting. Then I bought a Target model, put a scope on it and happily terrorize targets at the range every chance I get. The Henrys are just flat fun to shoot. If optics (read, scope) are something you need or want, stick with the blued line...and get one.

I'd hoped (yeah, I'm 50) to not need a scope. Especially on a gun like this. Based on what you said, the scope doesn't get in the way?

Regarding my earlier question, I wonder if there is anything different in the action between the two models? Still sounds like I won't go wrong with either gun.

MemphisJim1 · 07-23-2009, 10:17 AM

For me, the scope does not get in the way at all. To the best of my knowledge, the working parts of both rifle styles are identical. Whichever direction you go, you'll have great fun with it.

45nut · 07-23-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksonco

I have a Golden Boy and I love it. Smooth as silk and a real tack driver. However as pointed out by previous poster it is not optic ready. I think that Henry has a mount for it but drilling is involved. So if you want to put a scope on the rifle I would opt for the Frontier.

Whatever you do get what is going to make you the happiest and there will be no regret.

Standard rail type .22 rimfire scope mount RE: no drilling or tapping required.

Mine is smooth as a hot knife going in butter, side eject. Basically, it's a Browning copy.

dragonfly · 07-24-2009, 01:09 PM

I have the Henry H001 basic little ol' lever gun, AND I LOVE IT!! It is more fun. The GB is pretty and at one time I groused about getting that one. But it is a little longer, I like to squirrel hunt, and I have always (50+ years) have always used optics. I would put in a picture, but I can't figure out how this forum works. DF I'll be back if I can figure it out.

dragonfly · 07-24-2009, 01:22 PM

I'll see if I can add a picture...http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/album.php?albumid=163
DF This might work.

Jay · 07-24-2009, 01:25 PM

I shouldered one once at a gun show, and the angle of the buttstock to the bore was considerably greater than I was willing to deal with. To each his/her own, but that was enough to turn me away from it. Those actions are real smooth, I'll give 'em that.

Big ugly · 07-24-2009, 02:18 PM

My father has hade three of the frontiers in his shop and he had to deburr everyone of them. Henry used to be a good rifle but it seems as of late their quality has been falling off the wagon. Which is where I am hearing alot of compaints about other manufacturers. As far as the rifle is concerned they both shoot well but if I was to go to a lever action 22lr rifle I believe I would lean mre to Marlin. Of the two choices of the thread I guess if you are after flash and flair the Golden Boy is a pretty thing, the Frontier is a nice looking rifle also. I guess it is personal preferance on this one.

Hammerslagger · 08-14-2009, 11:58 PM

Pretty guns do not necessarily shoot well.

johnlives4christ · 08-15-2009, 03:42 AM

had a goldenboy. it looked good and shoot good. it started failing to extract at around 3,000 rounds. had the same problem with a henry lever carbine. fixed both of them by cutting the extractor notch just a tad deeper into the chamber, but not so deep that it would cause bulging on casings or bursting of them. the problem with the goldenboy is that for all that shine and glamor.... the comb on the stock isn't near high enough to get a good cheek weld when using the sights. you'de think that the folks at henry would want it to be comfortable. if i still had it would put one of them leather lace on cheek pads on it to raise the comb

whichfinger · 08-18-2009, 05:35 PM

Yeah, I know - I'm late to the party.

I have two Henrys, an H001M .22 mag and an H001T. Love 'em both, and Henry stands four square behind their guns. Email them and you'll get an answer from the company owner. He will make things right.

Now, I have to point out that the "blued" Henry receiver covers are actually painted aluminum. Nothing horribly wrong with that, but you do need to be careful with cleaning solvents. The really potent ones like Gun Scrubber will remove the paint. Even that shouldn't be an issue, because there's no need to use those solvents on a .22.

Bobitis · 08-18-2009, 06:30 PM

Not sure what you mean by 'frontier'.
Here's my H001T.

I thought the paint was 'less than attractive' for what I wanted looks wise, so I stripped it and doctored it up.
I couldn't see scoping it cuz it just didn't seem right. So I added a Marbles tang sight instead. You can see where I installed a blank in place of the original rear sight. The tang sight adds 16-18 inches to the sight radius.
Good for old eyes. Not so much for up close shooting. Then again, neither is a scope.

WillShootForPay · 08-27-2009, 12:25 PM

What type of Marlin would you suggest?

Bobitis · 08-27-2009, 06:25 PM

What do you want to do with it?

07-22-2009, 09:13 PM	#1
ca2tx2tn Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond, Texas Posts: 4	Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy Okay, I know there are folks out there who can help me decide whether to buy the Henry .22LR Frontier or the Henry .22LR Golden Boy. Besides the cost, why is the Golden Boy a better rifle for plinking and varmint chasing? I'm looking for a fun rifle to pop off around the farm. What should I do? __________________ Chuck "The said constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." Samuel Adams ___________________________________________ "I can see how it might be possible for someone to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God." Abraham Lincoln -->

07-22-2009, 09:31 PM	#2
Danwin22 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 223	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy I'd rather have a traditional blued rifle than a shiny gold one. Just my personal opinion.

07-22-2009, 11:27 PM	#3
MemphisJim1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Suburban Memphis (Mississippi side) Posts: 58	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy Last year I won a Golden Boy at a Friends of the NRA banquet and thought I had hit the jackpot. Two days later when I went to the gun dealer-FFL to claim my prize, reality set in: the receiver is neither grooved nor tapped. I'm now in my mid-60s, shoot only at range targets and want (okay, need) optics to properly see the target. So, what's a guy to do? I've put that one in the safe to turn over to my son when he's ready to get serious about shooting. Then I bought a Target model, put a scope on it and happily terrorize targets at the range every chance I get. The Henrys are just flat fun to shoot. If optics (read, scope) are something you need or want, stick with the blued line...and get one.

07-23-2009, 10:17 AM	#6
MemphisJim1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Suburban Memphis (Mississippi side) Posts: 58	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy For me, the scope does not get in the way at all. To the best of my knowledge, the working parts of both rifle styles are identical. Whichever direction you go, you'll have great fun with it.

07-24-2009, 01:09 PM	#8
dragonfly V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lilburn, Ga Posts: 100	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy I have the Henry H001 basic little ol' lever gun, AND I LOVE IT!! It is more fun. The GB is pretty and at one time I groused about getting that one. But it is a little longer, I like to squirrel hunt, and I have always (50+ years) have always used optics. I would put in a picture, but I can't figure out how this forum works. DF I'll be back if I can figure it out. __________________ Hunters & Anglers are still the best environmentalists. Dragonfly Last edited by dragonfly; 07-24-2009 at 01:11 PM.. Reason: delete img IRL

07-24-2009, 01:22 PM	#9
dragonfly V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lilburn, Ga Posts: 100	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy I'll see if I can add a picture...http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/album.php?albumid=163 DF This might work. __________________ Hunters & Anglers are still the best environmentalists. Dragonfly

07-24-2009, 01:25 PM	#10
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy I shouldered one once at a gun show, and the angle of the buttstock to the bore was considerably greater than I was willing to deal with. To each his/her own, but that was enough to turn me away from it. Those actions are real smooth, I'll give 'em that. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

07-24-2009, 02:18 PM	#11
Big ugly Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Knoxville Tennessee Contributor Posts: 2,603	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy My father has hade three of the frontiers in his shop and he had to deburr everyone of them. Henry used to be a good rifle but it seems as of late their quality has been falling off the wagon. Which is where I am hearing alot of compaints about other manufacturers. As far as the rifle is concerned they both shoot well but if I was to go to a lever action 22lr rifle I believe I would lean mre to Marlin. Of the two choices of the thread I guess if you are after flash and flair the Golden Boy is a pretty thing, the Frontier is a nice looking rifle also. I guess it is personal preferance on this one. __________________ "You say the Devil made do it with a smile. Raisin' hell and howlin at the moon. Well I'm gonna put your @$$ back in line. I'm gonna scare the Devil out of you." BlackBerry Smoke Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R513dA4peMg Nothing is "proof" against a truly talented fool. Swanshot

08-14-2009, 11:58 PM	#12
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy Pretty guns do not necessarily shoot well.

08-15-2009, 03:42 AM	#13
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy had a goldenboy. it looked good and shoot good. it started failing to extract at around 3,000 rounds. had the same problem with a henry lever carbine. fixed both of them by cutting the extractor notch just a tad deeper into the chamber, but not so deep that it would cause bulging on casings or bursting of them. the problem with the goldenboy is that for all that shine and glamor.... the comb on the stock isn't near high enough to get a good cheek weld when using the sights. you'de think that the folks at henry would want it to be comfortable. if i still had it would put one of them leather lace on cheek pads on it to raise the comb

08-18-2009, 05:35 PM	#14
whichfinger Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 40	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy Yeah, I know - I'm late to the party. I have two Henrys, an H001M .22 mag and an H001T. Love 'em both, and Henry stands four square behind their guns. Email them and you'll get an answer from the company owner. He will make things right. Now, I have to point out that the "blued" Henry receiver covers are actually painted aluminum. Nothing horribly wrong with that, but you do need to be careful with cleaning solvents. The really potent ones like Gun Scrubber will remove the paint. Even that shouldn't be an issue, because there's no need to use those solvents on a .22. __________________ Alzheimer's advantage: New friends every day.

08-18-2009, 06:30 PM	#15
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy Not sure what you mean by 'frontier'. Here's my H001T. I thought the paint was 'less than attractive' for what I wanted looks wise, so I stripped it and doctored it up. I couldn't see scoping it cuz it just didn't seem right. So I added a Marbles tang sight instead. You can see where I installed a blank in place of the original rear sight. The tang sight adds 16-18 inches to the sight radius. Good for old eyes. Not so much for up close shooting. Then again, neither is a scope. __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

08-27-2009, 12:25 PM	#16
WillShootForPay Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy What type of Marlin would you suggest?

08-27-2009, 06:25 PM	#17
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Henry Frontier versus Henry Golden Boy What do you want to do with it? __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all