Henry Big Boy or Winchester 1892 in 45 Colt

M88 · July 12, 2018, 05:12 PM

I have been wanting one of these for a while, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Narrowed it down to these two. Both in 45 Colt, both hold 10 rounds, both have 20" barrels, both have some history behind them, and both are (to me) beautiful looking rifles. CTD had the Henry for $656, and the Winchester for $846. Haven't found anybody selling them cheaper (new) after digging around a bit. Most places want more for them. Anyway... I can afford either, but thought I'd run it past anybody here who maybe have tried both and like one over the other? Thinking of buying it in a week or two so I have it by Aug.

Anybody here with any experience/wisdom on which one? At this point I like them both.

jmr40 · July 12, 2018, 07:30 PM

I wouldn't let $200 keep me from the Winchester. It is a pound lighter and has a loading gate. PLus, even though it is made in Japan, it is as close as practical to being a copy of the original.

I can appreciate that Henry builds nice looking rifles that function properly. But I can't warm up to them. They kinda, sorta, look like a traditional lever action from a distance, but they aren't.`

M88 · July 12, 2018, 07:41 PM

Thanks jmr... the $200 isn't the issue. Just don't know enough about either and liked both, which is why asked. Was looking for reasons to buy one over the other. The fact that the Winchester is "as close as practical" to being an original copy actually goes far with me. As for being made in Japan, so was I :-) Dad was in Korean war and when stationed in Japan I was born on an army base there. So far, a PLUS for the Winchester.

PatientWolf · July 12, 2018, 08:21 PM

The Winchester rifle is likely lighter than the Henry.

On the other hand, if you are recoil sensitive, the extra weight will help.

If you picture yourself loading rounds into a loading gate,the Winchester is your option. If you don't mind tube loading and want to more easily be able to empty your rifle, it's the Henry.

Parts and service down the road will, in my opinion, be better with Henry. I speculate that based on the great reputation Henry has for service and the feeling I have been abandoned by Mikuro by them not offering replacement parts for a Browning '92 that I own.

If it were my money, I'd go with the Winchester. I love the smoothness of the '92 action, Mikuro makes a great rifle. I would expect that while the Henry will hold its value, the Winchester may increase in value (but that opinion may not even be worth what you paid for it).

MarkGlazer · July 12, 2018, 08:45 PM

So, I purchased a Rossi a few years ago, simply because I wanted a lever. I love having a piece of nostalgia, even if it's just a replica. The most important lesson I have learned owning the gun is the ability (or lack thereof) to break it down for a proper cleaning.

Eventually I will buy another brand but I'll do more research before I make the purchase and the break down of the weapon will play a substantial factor in the decision.

I wish you well. Enjoy.

DPris · July 13, 2018, 01:44 AM

The steel Winoku will be lighter than the brass Henry.
The Winoku 92 has been modified from Browning's original design, with largely unwanted "safety" features.
The Henry's loading tube is much easier on the thumb.
The Henry has no history behind it.

Both may be equally accurate.
Parts & service will be much better with Henry.

Buy whichever you like.

Denis

M88 · July 13, 2018, 08:42 AM

Several people I've talked to, including some in this thread now, have told me how "smooth" that '92 is. Unfortunately you can't load rounds into one and cycle it a few times in a gun shop. But the fact that folks keep saying that is a plus as there must be some truth to it. I don't mind the possible little extra kick of the Winchester due to it being a little lighter. I was looking at the steel Henry anyway rather than the brass one so not sure there would be significant difference. I definitely want it in 45 Colt though as I plan to start reloading that now that I have a Vaquero. I just like the 45 Colt round... huge, lots of history with it. Yes, have heard from gun shop talk that Henry has excellent aftermarket service, part available etc. THAT is a plus, but I'm leaning more now towards the '92. Browning in my mind was a genius, like John Garand. The fact that I'm shooting something close to his original design sans the safety stuff, is a plus. Like with my Vaquero, you can't get away from the "safety" upgrades to weapon design and I"m OK with that to a point.

Thanks for all this input... it's helping me make up my mind.

DPris · July 13, 2018, 10:55 AM

One thing about the Henry- you'll find it easier to break down & reassemble for thorough cleaning than the '92.
Denis

M88 · July 13, 2018, 06:21 PM

Denis except for my Garands, which are just FUN to take apart, clean and put back together, I tend to be on the lazy side, and prefer easy take down and disassemble to clean. Like my Glocks, some of my wheelguns... Keep It Simple. I have the older version of the Ruger 22/45 before they made it simple to take down and I rarely clean it past the barrel because it's just a pain in the butt. So the Henry being easier to take down for cleaning would be a plus.

DPris · July 13, 2018, 07:24 PM

There are now videos you can watch, but the first time I took a Rossi 92 apart it took me five hours to get it back together again.

The Henrys are based on Marlin designs, much easier to get apart AND back together.
Denis

lamarw · July 13, 2018, 10:23 PM

I have the Big Boy Carbine, H006CR, in .45 Colt. It is fun to shoot and appears well built. It is an eye catcher. I acquired it over a year ago from Bud's for $673 which included free shipping.

I have zero experience with the Winchester 1892. So, I am of no help there.

My most difficult decision when I purchased was whether to buy the .45 Colt or the .357 Magnum. I sort of liked the idea of having it with my S&W Model 25 Mountain Gun revolver .45 Colt. The two also look good together.

MINSH101 · July 14, 2018, 11:12 AM

I'm also looking for a lever action. I've decided on getting a Henry. For no other reason than it's made in American or more made at all.

Pathfinder45 · July 14, 2018, 12:15 PM

The Marlin 1894 Cowboy is what I chose.

TruthTellers · July 14, 2018, 12:26 PM

If you're gonna buy a .45 Colt rifle, you may as well get the 1892 action for the strength to shoot the hot loads. I don't believe the Henry is able to do this, so I would go with the Winchester. Loading gate=WINNING.

Henry makes good rifles and I love the company, they made a .327 rifle and I'll forever be thankful for that.

DPris · July 14, 2018, 12:51 PM

Both the brass and steel Henry will handle hot .45 Colt loads every bit as well as the 92 action.
I could mention testing done, but I won't, because some idiot would go too far.

Denis

M88 · July 14, 2018, 06:12 PM

I'm meeting somebody at a range in a few days who will bring his Winchester "92 in 45 so I can try it out. I have no reason be think either the Henry or the Winchester could handle the 45 Colt load... the issue it how it will feel when I shoot it, among other things. Thanks for the input so far.

dgludwig · July 14, 2018, 07:51 PM

Quote:

I wouldn't let $200 keep me from the Winchester. It is a pound lighter and has a loading gate. PLus, even though it is made in Japan, it is as close as practical to being a copy of the original.

I can appreciate that Henry builds nice looking rifles that function properly. But I can't warm up to them. They kinda, sorta, look like a traditional lever action from a distance, but they aren't.

I agree completely with jmr40's reasoning. Winchester for me too and, though I'm a "traditionalist" to the bone, for whatever reason I'm not in the least bothered by the Jap safety trappings.

DPris · July 14, 2018, 08:40 PM

In the case of the Winoku 92s, it's not that they're non-traditional, it's that the modifications negatively affect function & feel.
If they don't bother you, then go for it.
Denis

eastbank · July 15, 2018, 04:13 AM

92 clone hands down, for me. another plus is if or when you decide to sell your 92 its resale value will be higher than a henry.

Drm50 · July 15, 2018, 09:37 AM

The Win hands down. Marlin & Henry both are just as strong as Win. They are
both heavier too. I'm not going to quibble over loading gates and safeties. If
looking for customer service Henry is hard to beat. Marlin customer service
under Remington makes you want to beat them. The Marlin is not forgiving on
AOL if you are a loader. The Wins don't seem to have near the issues of Henry
or Marlins made under Remington. The Marlin is a nice gun if you can find a
nice JM, pre Rem. I have a couple Marlin 1894s and couple 1892 Wins that
are approx 100yrs old and never had any serious problems. Also have a couple
Marlin 94s in 44mg from 70 and have had no problem with them either.

Dufus · July 15, 2018, 12:14 PM

Quote:

If you're gonna buy a .45 Colt rifle, you may as well get the 1892 action for the strength to shoot the hot loads. I don't believe the Henry is able to do this, so I would go with the Winchester. Loading gate=WINNING.

Henry makes good rifles and I love the company, they made a .327 rifle and I'll forever be thankful for that.

I love the company, too. Made in the USA.

If the Henry can handle the pressures of the 44 Mag, 357 Mag, etc, then they can well handle any "hot" load of a 45 Colt.

JWT · July 15, 2018, 12:46 PM

The Winchester if for no other reason than it has a loading gate. I have Winchesters and I have Henrys. The Henry has an exceptionally smooth action and I like it, but I'd really like it if I didn't have to load it through the tube.

idek · July 15, 2018, 02:28 PM

I've seen mutliple comments about weight, but i don't think I saw anything about fit. I'd condsidered a '92 clone in .357, but when I was actually able to shoulder one, the stock felt too short (length of pull is around 13" or a little less). Also, the angle of the stock was wrong for me, and, in order to get the correct eye-to-sight alingment, the toe of the crescent-shaped butt plate poked uncomfortably into my shoulder.

Obviously, many people don't have that problem, but it is something to consider. I ended up with a JM Marlin instead.

I later bought a basic Henry .22 (not the Golden Boy type) and that fit me very well.

Crunchy Frog · July 15, 2018, 04:06 PM

Pay a little more and get the Winchester Miroku 1873. They didn’t change the original design as much as they did with the 1892.

M88 · July 15, 2018, 04:52 PM

All good feedback... I'm on the short side, and tend to fit "shorter" rifles better than some bigger guys. Again, in a day or so will be at a range with a buddy that is bringing his 92, so will see how it fits me. I also am leaning towards the Win because I also would prefer a gate rather than tube loading. As silly as it may sound, the "cool" factor loading a gate on the side of the rifle appeals to me more than loading a tube. As for the 1873... didn't even know of that rifle, will look into that.

BTW, as much as I often long for simpler days before all the electronic gadgets, I'm still a sucker for using them. As we speak I'm rolling down I-75 in Georgia (as a PASSENGER!) with laptop in front of me fed from a WiFi hotspot on my iPhone that's grabbing cell tower signal. Life is good!

July 12, 2018, 05:12 PM	#1
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	Henry Big Boy or Winchester 1892 in 45 Colt I have been wanting one of these for a while, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Narrowed it down to these two. Both in 45 Colt, both hold 10 rounds, both have 20" barrels, both have some history behind them, and both are (to me) beautiful looking rifles. CTD had the Henry for $656, and the Winchester for $846. Haven't found anybody selling them cheaper (new) after digging around a bit. Most places want more for them. Anyway... I can afford either, but thought I'd run it past anybody here who maybe have tried both and like one over the other? Thinking of buying it in a week or two so I have it by Aug. Anybody here with any experience/wisdom on which one? At this point I like them both. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

July 12, 2018, 07:30 PM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	I wouldn't let $200 keep me from the Winchester. It is a pound lighter and has a loading gate. PLus, even though it is made in Japan, it is as close as practical to being a copy of the original. I can appreciate that Henry builds nice looking rifles that function properly. But I can't warm up to them. They kinda, sorta, look like a traditional lever action from a distance, but they aren't.` __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

July 12, 2018, 07:41 PM	#3
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	Thanks jmr... the $200 isn't the issue. Just don't know enough about either and liked both, which is why asked. Was looking for reasons to buy one over the other. The fact that the Winchester is "as close as practical" to being an original copy actually goes far with me. As for being made in Japan, so was I :-) Dad was in Korean war and when stationed in Japan I was born on an army base there. So far, a PLUS for the Winchester. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

July 12, 2018, 08:45 PM	#5
MarkGlazer Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 329	So, I purchased a Rossi a few years ago, simply because I wanted a lever. I love having a piece of nostalgia, even if it's just a replica. The most important lesson I have learned owning the gun is the ability (or lack thereof) to break it down for a proper cleaning. Eventually I will buy another brand but I'll do more research before I make the purchase and the break down of the weapon will play a substantial factor in the decision. I wish you well. Enjoy. __________________ non ministrari sed ministrare

July 13, 2018, 08:42 AM	#7
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	Several people I've talked to, including some in this thread now, have told me how "smooth" that '92 is. Unfortunately you can't load rounds into one and cycle it a few times in a gun shop. But the fact that folks keep saying that is a plus as there must be some truth to it. I don't mind the possible little extra kick of the Winchester due to it being a little lighter. I was looking at the steel Henry anyway rather than the brass one so not sure there would be significant difference. I definitely want it in 45 Colt though as I plan to start reloading that now that I have a Vaquero. I just like the 45 Colt round... huge, lots of history with it. Yes, have heard from gun shop talk that Henry has excellent aftermarket service, part available etc. THAT is a plus, but I'm leaning more now towards the '92. Browning in my mind was a genius, like John Garand. The fact that I'm shooting something close to his original design sans the safety stuff, is a plus. Like with my Vaquero, you can't get away from the "safety" upgrades to weapon design and I"m OK with that to a point. Thanks for all this input... it's helping me make up my mind. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

July 12, 2018, 08:21 PM	#4
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 947	The Winchester rifle is likely lighter than the Henry. On the other hand, if you are recoil sensitive, the extra weight will help. If you picture yourself loading rounds into a loading gate,the Winchester is your option. If you don't mind tube loading and want to more easily be able to empty your rifle, it's the Henry. Parts and service down the road will, in my opinion, be better with Henry. I speculate that based on the great reputation Henry has for service and the feeling I have been abandoned by Mikuro by them not offering replacement parts for a Browning '92 that I own. If it were my money, I'd go with the Winchester. I love the smoothness of the '92 action, Mikuro makes a great rifle. I would expect that while the Henry will hold its value, the Winchester may increase in value (but that opinion may not even be worth what you paid for it).

July 13, 2018, 01:44 AM	#6
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	The steel Winoku will be lighter than the brass Henry. The Winoku 92 has been modified from Browning's original design, with largely unwanted "safety" features. The Henry's loading tube is much easier on the thumb. The Henry has no history behind it. Both may be equally accurate. Parts & service will be much better with Henry. Buy whichever you like. Denis

July 13, 2018, 10:55 AM	#8
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	One thing about the Henry- you'll find it easier to break down & reassemble for thorough cleaning than the '92. Denis

July 13, 2018, 06:21 PM	#9
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	Denis except for my Garands, which are just FUN to take apart, clean and put back together, I tend to be on the lazy side, and prefer easy take down and disassemble to clean. Like my Glocks, some of my wheelguns... Keep It Simple. I have the older version of the Ruger 22/45 before they made it simple to take down and I rarely clean it past the barrel because it's just a pain in the butt. So the Henry being easier to take down for cleaning would be a plus. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

July 13, 2018, 07:24 PM	#10
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	There are now videos you can watch, but the first time I took a Rossi 92 apart it took me five hours to get it back together again. The Henrys are based on Marlin designs, much easier to get apart AND back together. Denis

July 13, 2018, 10:23 PM	#11
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	I have the Big Boy Carbine, H006CR, in .45 Colt. It is fun to shoot and appears well built. It is an eye catcher. I acquired it over a year ago from Bud's for $673 which included free shipping. I have zero experience with the Winchester 1892. So, I am of no help there. My most difficult decision when I purchased was whether to buy the .45 Colt or the .357 Magnum. I sort of liked the idea of having it with my S&W Model 25 Mountain Gun revolver .45 Colt. The two also look good together.

July 14, 2018, 11:12 AM	#12
MINSH101 Member Join Date: September 8, 2015 Location: Washington State Posts: 63	I'm also looking for a lever action. I've decided on getting a Henry. For no other reason than it's made in American or more made at all.

July 14, 2018, 12:15 PM	#13
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	The Marlin 1894 Cowboy is what I chose.

July 14, 2018, 12:26 PM	#14
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,887	If you're gonna buy a .45 Colt rifle, you may as well get the 1892 action for the strength to shoot the hot loads. I don't believe the Henry is able to do this, so I would go with the Winchester. Loading gate=WINNING. Henry makes good rifles and I love the company, they made a .327 rifle and I'll forever be thankful for that. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

July 14, 2018, 12:51 PM	#15
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Both the brass and steel Henry will handle hot .45 Colt loads every bit as well as the 92 action. I could mention testing done, but I won't, because some idiot would go too far. Denis

July 14, 2018, 06:12 PM	#16
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	I'm meeting somebody at a range in a few days who will bring his Winchester "92 in 45 so I can try it out. I have no reason be think either the Henry or the Winchester could handle the 45 Colt load... the issue it how it will feel when I shoot it, among other things. Thanks for the input so far. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

July 14, 2018, 08:40 PM	#18
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	In the case of the Winoku 92s, it's not that they're non-traditional, it's that the modifications negatively affect function & feel. If they don't bother you, then go for it. Denis

July 15, 2018, 04:13 AM	#19
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	92 clone hands down, for me. another plus is if or when you decide to sell your 92 its resale value will be higher than a henry.

July 15, 2018, 09:37 AM	#20
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	The Win hands down. Marlin & Henry both are just as strong as Win. They are both heavier too. I'm not going to quibble over loading gates and safeties. If looking for customer service Henry is hard to beat. Marlin customer service under Remington makes you want to beat them. The Marlin is not forgiving on AOL if you are a loader. The Wins don't seem to have near the issues of Henry or Marlins made under Remington. The Marlin is a nice gun if you can find a nice JM, pre Rem. I have a couple Marlin 1894s and couple 1892 Wins that are approx 100yrs old and never had any serious problems. Also have a couple Marlin 94s in 44mg from 70 and have had no problem with them either.

July 15, 2018, 12:46 PM	#22
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	The Winchester if for no other reason than it has a loading gate. I have Winchesters and I have Henrys. The Henry has an exceptionally smooth action and I like it, but I'd really like it if I didn't have to load it through the tube.

July 15, 2018, 02:28 PM	#23
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	I've seen mutliple comments about weight, but i don't think I saw anything about fit. I'd condsidered a '92 clone in .357, but when I was actually able to shoulder one, the stock felt too short (length of pull is around 13" or a little less). Also, the angle of the stock was wrong for me, and, in order to get the correct eye-to-sight alingment, the toe of the crescent-shaped butt plate poked uncomfortably into my shoulder. Obviously, many people don't have that problem, but it is something to consider. I ended up with a JM Marlin instead. I later bought a basic Henry .22 (not the Golden Boy type) and that fit me very well. Last edited by idek; July 15, 2018 at 02:39 PM.

July 15, 2018, 04:06 PM	#24
Crunchy Frog Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 591	Pay a little more and get the Winchester Miroku 1873. They didn’t change the original design as much as they did with the 1892.

July 15, 2018, 04:52 PM	#25
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	All good feedback... I'm on the short side, and tend to fit "shorter" rifles better than some bigger guys. Again, in a day or so will be at a range with a buddy that is bringing his 92, so will see how it fits me. I also am leaning towards the Win because I also would prefer a gate rather than tube loading. As silly as it may sound, the "cool" factor loading a gate on the side of the rifle appeals to me more than loading a tube. As for the 1873... didn't even know of that rifle, will look into that. BTW, as much as I often long for simpler days before all the electronic gadgets, I'm still a sucker for using them. As we speak I'm rolling down I-75 in Georgia (as a PASSENGER!) with laptop in front of me fed from a WiFi hotspot on my iPhone that's grabbing cell tower signal. Life is good! __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!