Scoped Henrys?

[Grogan]

Earlier this year I bought a used CCH framed "Iron" Framed Henry Rifle originally imported by Navy Arms.

It's in .44-40 and apparently a limited edition model, I think it's marked "1 of 1,000" also.

What's interesting about it is the barrel is drilled/tapped & plugged with holes to accomodate scope bases.

I wrote and asked Navy Arms about this and what was available from them for these.

They replied that some years ago they did import this model and some came equipped with Bases, Rings and Scopes, but that they no longer had any of the extras for the ones that weren't delivered with the scopes attached.

(I think the scope may have been a Brass tubed replica scope, once offered by Tasco)

I just got done going through the thread here re:  Henry Repro Variations and didn't see this model mentioned (at least those with the provisions for scope attachment)

My question is were any original Henrys ever equipped with scopes?

This doesn't necessarily mean delivered from the factory with a scope, but in collections today that have been fitted with a period scope from that time?

I'm guessing that the replica scope would have been something in the order of 16"-18" in length.

[Henry4440]

I had once two pics of a scoped Henry Rifle.
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,13913.0.html

But i deleted the pics.
Never find them again on the web.

A surviving early Henry rifle, s/n 731, is mounted with with  a sight made by ' Malcom,Syracuse,N.Y.'Whether the telescope and special mounts were furnished through New Haven or were an after-market addition is unknown.

[Grogan]

Thanks Lonesome,

I guess that establishes that?

(Not that I necessarily WANT a Scope on my Henry)

It's hard to imagine its added effectiveness considering the original cartridge, or even the .44-40s of the replicas.

But then again, not everyone's eyes are the same and it might have been beneficial for some?

[Coffinmaker]

Surprising as it may seem, some Henry rifles were fitted after-market with "Malcom" telescopic sights.  The sight was as long as the Henry was.  And Navy did some henry rifles "way back" with the reproduction of the Malcom scope. 
There are still reproductions of the Malcom being made and I do believe the sight bases will fit just about anything with and octogon barrel.
They are HEAVY.  Very HEAVY.

Coffinmaker

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Everything I have read indicates that Oliver Winchester was not in favor of offering custom features on the Henry. He did receive many suggestions for custom features, and even made noises about considering them, but I don't believe he ever really did anything about custom features. The price list of 1862 lists the following prices:

Standard Henry Rifle......................$42.00
Sling Swivels, add...........................$2.00
Silver Plated & Engraved, add.........$10.00
Gold Plated & Engraved, add...........$13.00
Leather Case, each..........................$5.00
Cartridges, .44 Cal. per 1,000.........$17.00

That's about it.

It was not until the '66 came along that he realized the value in offering many custom features, such as different barrel lengths, and configurations, set triggers, and different types of sights. But I don't believe any Henrys left the factory set up for a scope.

[Top Kick Ken]

Here is a link to an article about some nice Repo (Near/close copy) of scopes for those old time rifles.

http://www.circlekb.com/page/CKCG/CTGY/Optics

They look pretty good.  Although I am not sure if they will meet your reqirements.

I shoot a Yellow Boy Sporting Rifle. 

[litl rooster]

Wish i could still get a 1000 .44 rounds for $17

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Wish I could afford the nearly $500 for the mount and rest of the Malcom scope they are selling...

$500 for a scope that weighs more than my AR15 ... I think my wife would shoot me just for being so stupid.

Forum would need a new moderator.

[litl rooster]

DW I was thinking the same way about it. I thought more in lines for my Marlin 1895 CB, my Henry is fine for what I use it for, with out the scope.  $500 puts the gun double in cost...Think I'll go another route.