intrigued by the Henry

[kcub]

I haven't shot one but I just love the looks, like it belongs over a fireplace in a cabin.

But I am a shooter and confirmed gunaholic, so edify me on the various makes, finishes, models, and calibers.
What you like and don't like.
And pics, by all means let's have some Henry porn.

Thanks, gents!

[kcub]

Will these modern Henry repros handle heavy +P .45 Colt if you wanted to use that for hunting?

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=8

[Pancho Peacemaker]

I haven't shot one but I just love the looks, like it belongs over a fireplace in a cabin.

But I am a shooter and confirmed gunaholic, so edify me on the various makes, finishes, models, and calibers.
What you like and don't like.
And pics, by all means let's have some Henry porn.

Thanks, gents!

Cub,

Uberti is the sole manufacturer of current reproductions.  The quality is very good.  Three main importers retail the rifles here in the US:  Taylors, Cimmarron, & Navy Arms.  

Here's a run down on the models & chamberings that Uberti is making:  http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1860_henry.php

There was previously made a shorter 16.5" model that is no longer available.

IMHO, the 18.5" barrel is a better balanced rifle than the 24" model.  I find the 24" to be very front heavy when fully loaded.  Of course, with the 18.5", you are sacrificiing magazine space.

Regarding "heavy" loads:  I don't recommend them.  All of the toggle link designs ('60, '73, & '66) were designed in the black powder era when chamber pressures were very low.  You can shoot lower powered "cowboy" smokeless loads in these replica guns, but I would not use high power hunting rounds in them.  High chamber pressures will result in a damaged action eventually.

If you want to shoot heavier loads, get a '92.

Pancho

Here's my Henry Carbine in action:

[kcub]

Thanks for the info and the flick!

I got response from Buffalo Bore and they concur on the plus P; however they have standard pressure .45 Colt that is way better than anything else if you wanted to hunt (1000fps vs. 7-800fps with 250 grains).

I checked out a Cimmarron Henry today.  The stock was too red for me on this particular one but a nice rifle.
Which has nicer wood between Taylor, Navy, and Uberti?

[Fox Creek Kid]

There is only ONE maker: Uberti. Everyone else is an importer.  There is no wood difference. I would not recommend the Henry as a modern ¨woods¨ gun to shoot deer.

[dcwilliams29id]

The .44-40 has probably killed more deer in this country than any other rifle in existence with the exception of the 30-30.  Too many people have magnumitis when deer hunting, and that velocity and FPE is everything.  I personally think that these lone measurements of effectiveness on game are inadequate.  A .45 250gr slug moving along at 800fps will kill a deer as dead as if shot with .308 or .300 Win Mag, and without all the bloodshot meat.  I mostly hunt with a bow and arrow, and it only trucks along at under 300fps, but I haven't had a deer run further than about 30 yards when shot (you have to put it in the bread basket though - shot placement is everything).  I would venture to say that with either a .45 Colt or .44-40, you will get complete pass through the majority of the time on deer.

[kcub]

Are there any other pros and cons between the choices of caliber (other than maybe the convenience of being the same as your revolvers)?

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Are there any other pros and cons between the choices of caliber (other than maybe the convenience of being the same as your revolvers)?

The .45LC model will fire .45 Schofields just fine.  With the shorter case length, you can fit more Schofields into the mag.

One issue:  On the Uberti web site, they list the shorter 18" carbine as having a capacity of 10 rounds.  This is not true.  Standard length .45LC will only fit 9 rounds in the magazine.  I even got confirmation on this from an Uberti customer service rep.  She admitted their web site is incorrect on this account.  I liked the carbine so much, I couldn't return it.  I've been shooting Schofields in mine and it easily fits 10.

Also, if you plan on using the rifle for CAS or any type of 'point and shoot' firing, you may want to trade out the rear site.  Myself and many other Henry owners have put period correct buckhorn rear sites in place of the factory rear site.  The buckhorn makes target aquisition much faster.  Here's a link to the details on that:  http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,15680.0.html

Pancho

[Pancho Peacemaker]

I would not recommend the Henry as a modern ¨woods¨ gun to shoot deer.

If you read up on Yellowstone Kelly's biography, he claimed numerous deer, elk, & bear with his 1860 Henry Carbine (chambered in .44 rimfire) while scouting the west.   The .44 rimfire has similar ballistics to modern BP loaded .44 russian or .45 S&W.

Obviously, modern belted rifle rounds are much superior for mid sized game like deer, but in the 19th Century, these old cartridges "did the job." 

[Forty Rod]

Pancho, an OT side note: NOBODY wears a derby to a cowboy shoot.      

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Pancho, an OT side note: NOBODY wears a derby to a cowboy shoot.      

You'll have to forgive my social faux pas.  I've lead a ruffian life up till recent and I thought the derby might lend me a bit more social respectability on the range.  Obviously, that attempt was in vain.  Looks like I'll need to drop the dandy head dress and resurrect one of my old, dusty sombreros more appropriate to my station in life.   

[Forty Rod]

Or you can be a reclusive, unrepentant, derby-wearing old reprobate like me. 

[kcub]

deets aint one to give up on a garment just cause it's got a little age.

[Russ McCrae]

deets aint one to give up on a garment just cause it's got a little age.

True but Lippy can burn that dang chamber pot whenever ihe finds time

[kcub]

I saw Augustus McCrae (Robert Duval) himself last Friday at PF Changs in downtown Austin having lunch.

[kcub]

I wonder if he's involved in the True Grit remake going on right now with Jeff Bridges as the Rooster.

[Russ McCrae]

I wonder if he's involved in the True Grit remake going on right now with Jeff Bridges as the Rooster.

Haven't heard, though I heard the movie is going to be closer to the book than the original movie. But the cast looks good, I think Ned Pepper is played by this guy