I want a henry but which one?

L2R · February 19, 2014, 08:06 PM

This would be my first purchase that is not based on purpose or need.
I just want one to have and then pass on to the next generations.

Not much of a hunter anymore, more of a plinker but I always want to bear in mind that any weapon might be needed for an unexpected need or purpose in the future.

I won't shoot it much if at all so ammo cost is negligible.

I have carbine, 22 and a 270 already.

Thinking a 22 wmr or 30/30. Either would / could fill a niche I don't have now.

Ideas, reasons to buy one over the other?
I am still struggling with the steel vs. the brass. I really want the octagon barrel but if I buy the brass one, it surely will be a safe queen.
If I buy the steel in 30/30, I would probably do some deer hunting with it.

**Aguila Blanca** · February 20, 2014, 12:22 AM

Can you hunt deer with .22 WMR in NC? It's not legal around here.

I have a Henry H001, the original in .22 LR. Great rifle. I agonized over the choice between .22 LR and .22 WMR. I finally went with the .22 LR because of cost of ammo, but in the decade since I bought the rifle I have shot it a lot LESS than I anticipated, so the ammo cost difference wouldn't have been nearly as significant as what I had mentally calculated. Now I really wish I had bought the magnum, but I can't justify either adding another, or trying to sell the one I have toward a magnum.

L2R · February 20, 2014, 06:08 AM

I can see where I left this open ended but no, you cannot hunt deer with a 22.
I corrected my opening statement.

That is just it, this isn't a need or niche purchase, thus the problem of picking which one.

I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts to weight in on why one would be a better pick, particularly if someone had experience with Henry's.

Your statement is spot on as I think that this won't see much action on the range much less the field as I have other, probably better options. That sways me to think a Golden boy is the way to go.

Now, I just need to nail down the caliber choices.

Skans · February 20, 2014, 08:31 AM

Personally, I'd choose a Henry in 30-30, solid brass receiver and octagonal barrel.

- 30-30 because its a useful cartridge and the ammo is easy to find.
- Brass receiver because its pretty, its unique, and what's the point of owning something called "Henry" if it isn't made of brass.
- Octagonal barrel because its a classic touch to a classic rifle.

Strafer Gott · February 20, 2014, 09:38 AM

Golden Boy in .357/.38SPL for my range queen. It's cheap shooting for a centerfire rifle. The Golden boy is a bit heavy for carrying very far. I have Winchesters to actually take hunting, and a model 99 Savage for big meat hunting.

February 19, 2014, 08:06 PM	#1
L2R Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 358	I want a henry but which one? This would be my first purchase that is not based on purpose or need. I just want one to have and then pass on to the next generations. Not much of a hunter anymore, more of a plinker but I always want to bear in mind that any weapon might be needed for an unexpected need or purpose in the future. I won't shoot it much if at all so ammo cost is negligible. I have carbine, 22 and a 270 already. Thinking a 22 wmr or 30/30. Either would / could fill a niche I don't have now. Ideas, reasons to buy one over the other? I am still struggling with the steel vs. the brass. I really want the octagon barrel but if I buy the brass one, it surely will be a safe queen. If I buy the steel in 30/30, I would probably do some deer hunting with it. __________________ L2R Last edited by L2R; February 20, 2014 at 06:10 AM.

February 20, 2014, 06:08 AM	#3
L2R Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 358	hunting I can see where I left this open ended but no, you cannot hunt deer with a 22. I corrected my opening statement. That is just it, this isn't a need or niche purchase, thus the problem of picking which one. I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts to weight in on why one would be a better pick, particularly if someone had experience with Henry's. Your statement is spot on as I think that this won't see much action on the range much less the field as I have other, probably better options. That sways me to think a Golden boy is the way to go. Now, I just need to nail down the caliber choices. __________________ L2R

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February 20, 2014, 12:22 AM	#2
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,457	Can you hunt deer with .22 WMR in NC? It's not legal around here. I have a Henry H001, the original in .22 LR. Great rifle. I agonized over the choice between .22 LR and .22 WMR. I finally went with the .22 LR because of cost of ammo, but in the decade since I bought the rifle I have shot it a lot LESS than I anticipated, so the ammo cost difference wouldn't have been nearly as significant as what I had mentally calculated. Now I really wish I had bought the magnum, but I can't justify either adding another, or trying to sell the one I have toward a magnum.

February 20, 2014, 08:31 AM	#4
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	Personally, I'd choose a Henry in 30-30, solid brass receiver and octagonal barrel. - 30-30 because its a useful cartridge and the ammo is easy to find. - Brass receiver because its pretty, its unique, and what's the point of owning something called "Henry" if it isn't made of brass. - Octagonal barrel because its a classic touch to a classic rifle.

February 20, 2014, 09:38 AM	#5
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	Golden Boy in .357/.38SPL for my range queen. It's cheap shooting for a centerfire rifle. The Golden boy is a bit heavy for carrying very far. I have Winchesters to actually take hunting, and a model 99 Savage for big meat hunting.