Would you buy a HRAC rifle if it had the 1860 style mag tube and barrel???

[Dakota Widowmaker]

This is in response to a number of folks who have emailed me and asked about it.

Were that it were done, and the fact that the company has put efforts into getting skeptics to change their minds, would you consider such a thing...

As a moderator, I will say that such an effort is to be appreciated, even if it were done by an enterprising individual on their own rifle.

But, I leave it upto the members/voters at large to decide. (non-binding vote)

[EDIT: Please no flame wars on how you like or dislike the company]

[EDIT: Comments on caliber suggestions would also be out of scope for this poll, but, you can comment on how it would effect your vote]

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy!

Without the rope comment, I vote(d) NO.

However, I've heard SOME decent things about the BigBoy and IF a person weren't concerned about authenticity, ( ... think SASS and FUN shooting/hunting/plinking - NOT  a SASS slam)   it should be considered.  I've heard NOTHING BUT GOOD about their 22s.

It's hard for me to understand slamming a company which tries to make a decent shooter in these days and times.  We (freedom-loving shooters) need all the help we can get!!!!!  (Hope that comment isn't too political!  )

My biggest (perhaps only REAL COMPLAINT) problem is about the "name" and their lineage claims - but I'm not privy to their family ties, etc.  (Imperato IS something of a stretch to connect to Henry ... but there's always marraige!    )

Hey!  Ruger makes fine guns, but they only RESEMBLE old Colts.  I own a Ruger (and Love it!) and have owned about 10.  I just don't shoot my Birdhead Vaquero at NCOWS shoots!

[Tuolumne Lawman]

I admit that I tend to be somewhat of an authenticity snob.  Maybe it's the Civil War re-enactor in me.

With that prejudice aside, I think that we should not slam them even now.  From what I hear, they make quality guns.  The magazine tube on the big boy allows the magazine to be emptied without working the action.  That's great on a hunting gun.  If they would have made it top eject at least!

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Well, the point about a top eject is well known, but, its not something HRAC owners wish they had. (from those I have heard from)

Lots of good arguments have been made (privately) about letting them "into the club", as it were.

I am REALLY tempted to pick up a 22lr model with the john wayne loop just for the heck of it. (provided I have funds for it)

I can't comment on the historical legacy of the company either. That has been beat to death elsewhere on this and many other boards.
(no, there is no "bloodline", only a name purchase ... but that happens all the time these days ... just not very common in the gun industry)

Anyhow, the fact remains, there is no room (currently) for the HRAC rifle at NCOWS events, but, there is in SASS.

That said, post to your hearts content... and thanks for keeping it civil.

[litl rooster]

  SHJB and others, Rugar does not make claims of being Sam Colt................Nor Marlin to Winchester heck even the Chineese are not taking claim to being related to Winchester.  I believe there PR work at HRAC smelled funny from the git go. I have seen there cowboy guns at matches, I don't believe I want one, unless it's  a really good deal $$$$. I don't shoot at NCOWS so authenticty is not the most important thing to my shooting. Honesty is everything if you want my money though.


Imperato= mebbe it's Henry J Ford

[Coffinmaker]

Well,

I don't really care for the Big Boy "as is."  Not a name thing, just a personal preference.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new side loading "transitional" and was the first kid on my block to get one.  THEY ARE EXPENSIVE!!!
Now, if we add a well made rifle to the mix, that more shooters can afford, we have improved the mix.  The "Big Boy" does that.  If it had a Henry Pattern barrel, and remained priced "right" it would be a fine addition.

I still wouldn't buy one.

I'm saving up for a CCH Iron Frame like Driftwood's.

Coffinmaker

[Major 2]

 voting I had to go with # 3

I might not buy one , that's true...

The effort ....     only if they made a true copy would I appreciate the effort.

I would not criticize anyone who bought one,
anymore than I would think to criticize some one who buys a transfer bar equipped revolver.

I do question the Company's production of a laser engraved , slect wood , Big Boy for nearly $2000....

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Nope....its a non-gun and the only way I would welcome it (or anyone who shoots one) is if they revamped the tooling and made an exact replica....if Uberti can do it...they can too. With all the chicannery that they did when they first brought their rifle out, I don't think I could trust them. Right now its good for a boat anchor.

OCB

[Ransom Gaer]

I would not be likely to get one.  I want a historically accurate Henry and for me that means one of the Uberti 1860 Henrys.  I am planning on getting one after Christmas.  The one compromise I'll make is in caliber.  The Ubertis are close enough.

I have been to a few matches where somebody had a Henry Big Boy.  They may be perfectly good guns; when in the right caliber, for hunting but every one I've seen at a match has had problems.  It seems the ones I've seen, the shooters have been able to get ahead of them and the rifles jam.  That is part of the reason I prefer the toggle link designs like the 1860 Henry, 1866 and 1873.  I see fewer problems.

Ransom Gaer

[Driftwood Johnson]

NO!

That's as non flaming an answer as I can give.

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

NO!

That's as non flaming an answer as I can give.

And very appropriate I might add

Bill

[Modoc]

I voted for the non heckel.  I am a firm beleiver of "to each his own".  I have 3 '92s for general and and a Navy Arms iron frame '60 for when the "bug" bites .

[Roland]

Hey!  Ruger makes fine guns, but they only RESEMBLE old Colts.  I own a Ruger (and Love it!) and have owned about 10.  I just don't shoot my Birdhead Vaquero at NCOWS shoots!

I feel that way about the 1873 Win. I love the gun and I'm getting one but I would also love to have one with the strength of a model 94 while being externally like the '73 (don't much like the 94 look). Since I'm not a CAS shooter as much as a western affectionado/gun nut the lack of authenticity wouldn't matter to me. I'd get both!

[The Avocado Kid]

NO WAY!

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Folks, I do appreciate your input.

At this time, they will not be added to the roll call.

I got a chance to shoot a 45lc model and it is w/o a doubt a VERY nice shooter with a darn good action.

anyhow, time marches on...

[Panhandle Slim]

I didn't answer the poll, but I will say this.

If HRAC made an 1860 clone and it was as close as modern manufacturing and safety regulations allowed, I'd buy one. If it looked every bit as good as the Uberti does, yes I would still buy one.  I recently bought my wife a brass frame HRAC 22, and I have to say, it is the most rock-solid, finest looking 22 I've ever bought or owned.  I'm still wondering why I even bothered to give it to her. I WANT IT!!  So, yes.  I'd give HRAC benefit of the doubt if they decided to produce an 1860 clone.

[BlaiseNSaddles]

I answered yes.  I shoot primarily for fun and though I appreciate the historical accuracy it is not as important to me.

That being said and since it will not go into production then it is a moot point. 

Off hand though a longer barrel version of the regular Big Boy would be nice.

[sundance44`s]

I`d be just as quick to wear a dress .......as buy a HRAC rifle ....

[The Avocado Kid]

They should make a replica of the Henry rifle an exact replica....what they are making now is....I'm sure, a good shooter....but come on give us a break here....farb is farb....Dusty.

[Major 2]

about a month ago, I traded for my 3rd Henry...an Iron Frame...
stupidly sold my 1st. in 1988 after 8 years of shooting....

Numbers 2 & 3 are both in the safe and are main match ... but you will find no "Big Boy" in there.....
( you will also not find short strokes or Alum. Carriers )

I understand their 22's are nice shooters, they might had better , stayed there.