Shot my new Henry Steel Version 357 today.

[Brother_Love]

I did not get to shot but 30 rds. I was at work and I work for myself and I would not give myself but 20 minutes off for range time.

I shot factory 357 & 38 along with a few light loaded 38 reloads. I threw several dried up oranges out at the 25-30 yd line and the 357 158 gr HP hit them first time, every time. I was impressed the rifle was sighted in. It cycled great until I slowed down so as not to sling the brass and the 38s hung up. As long as I cycled the lever fast it cycled perfectly.

I like it and I believe shooting the light load SWC will be a blast with a few well placed gongs. It operates and shoots like a quality rifle should. The loading method through the mag tube was not a problem for me.

 

[Ian]

Mine was sighted-in, too, for about 25 yards. Your rifle looks better than the ones I handled, it looks like the metal polish is a bit better, along the lines of some of the better Marlins. Checkering is nice, too.

 

[gman]

I am officially predicting a Henry addiction that will spread to all members of The Artful Bullet!

 

[Brother_Love]

I have been wanting a Henry for 3-4 years and just never pulled the trigger. I had never seen or held the steel version until the other day. I like it better than the brass receiver and it is a lighter rifle. I will get a brass version eventually as I want a 45 colt too.

 

[Ian]

I think that's four more sales in two weeks after I bought mine. We can blame Will, he started it! The rest of us were teetering on the brink anyhow.

Now I want a .357. And maybe a 45/70.....

 

[gman]

I'm thinking the same thing. I passed on an older 1895 (have 2) because I'm thinking of the Henry.

 

[freebullet]

Mmm, Henry seems to owe commission to a few master certified enablers here.

That's uber purty! If they made the steel frame w/octagon the enablers would have scored an additional commission on a 357 from me.

Not a fan of the tube loading but, if the octagon on steel were available I could look past that.

That's a fine looking specimen either way. Congrats! Eagerly awaiting your trying some stiff 180 wfn.

 

[35 shooter]

I am officially predicting a Henry addiction that will spread to all members of The Artful Bullet!

I think your right.
I'm wanting one bad.

 

[gman]

They made one with your name on it I'm sure! Get you one 35 shooter. We can start a club!

 

[Ian]

I'm starting one right now.

 

[gman]

Indeed!

 

[35 shooter]

I'm starting one right now.

Yes you have...your write up on them was the last straw for me.
Unfortunately, i've got to wait till spring or summer. That's allright though, by then you guys will all have a bunch of good loads all worked out for me.

 

[35 shooter]

Brother_Love,

Very nice looking rifle.

 

[Will]

Shame is I still haven't bought one. I went to the pawn shop to buy one and the owner says I have something to show you. Then he breaks out a JM stainless factory ported 1895 45-70 guide gun.

Told me it the guy doesn't come and get it by February 1st I can have it for $550 so needless to say I'm anxiously waiting.

 

[quicksylver]

I thought group buys weren't allowed here...

 

[Brother_Love]

I got to shoot ab out 40 rds this afternoon between tornado watches and warnings. We have been hit hard in central MS with 4 twisters and 3 dead.

The Henry 357 is very accurate and shoots well. When I cycle from the shoulder it cycles great and I cycle with authority. It does not cycle as well when it is done slowly (I believe that is exactly the way a lever action is designed. The action is very smooth but I am looking for some advice to slick it up a little more. I have done it to my Marlins but never a Henry.

Since I have both Marlins and a Henry I can say I am beginning to like the tube loading for one reason. Loading a Marlin has gotten a little difficult for me because of arthritic fingers. Other than that I see no real disadvantage to either. I have 4 Marlins and 1 Henry but I see a 45 LC Henry in my future.

Time to get ready for another round of watches and warnings, they will be here in about 2 hours.

 

[Ian]

I would approach smoothing the action the same way you do a Marlin 336 with a round bolt. The Henry has essentially the same action and you've shot it enough now that simply pulling it apart and buffing the shiny points of contact and maybe stoning the ejector and bolt groove a little should take care of it.

 

[gman]

Mine has smoothed up from use. I think shooting one will change some minds. To each his own! Makes the world go around. Be safe up there in that bad weather. Have a friend in Hattiesburg that had one tornado pass close to him but they are okay.

 

[35 shooter]

I live in Collins, about 30 miles north of Hattiesburg. Someone reported a tornado on the south end of town and i heard the sirens go off, but don't know if that was verified yet or not.
I was at my gf's house about a mile south of town and it got real interesting between 3 and 5:00am for sure lol.
Reports say we may get more of the same tonight.....hope not.

You guys are killing me with these Henry reports....I want one!

 

[Ian]

+1 to what Gman wrote, they slick up a LOT after the first couple of boxes. The only reason to pull it apart and check the wear areas is to make sure nothing is burred or galling before you get too many cycles on it. I doubt anything will go awry if you just keep shooting it and tear it down in a few hundred rounds to clean and grease the wear points.