Lever advice

chris in va · January 18, 2021, 09:50 PM

I’ve had my Henry 22 for a long time and decided to get a lever in 357 or possibly 45C. Iron sights are ok but I do have a red dot that would make shooting a lot more fun, but it looks like some models top eject which I’m assuming wouldn’t work with a rail. Also I’d like to have a 20” for more capacity.

If you all could make a suggestion for one under $1000 I would appreciate it.

kenny53 · January 18, 2021, 10:26 PM

I have a Marlin in 357. It works well but I like my Henry 22 much better. If I were in the market I would look hard at Henry.

chris in va · January 18, 2021, 10:44 PM

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/big-...her-side-gate/

Like this one?

Polinese · January 19, 2021, 12:37 AM

Any of the side gate henry's would be my suggestion

stagpanther · January 19, 2021, 01:50 AM

I just bought a break-open single shot in 444 marlin--a spectacular straight-wall cartridge and the next lever gun I buy will be in that. BTW, top ejects can work with a rail if you mount a scout or even pistol scope.

PatientWolf · January 19, 2021, 04:47 AM

With current offerings, I’d go into a Henry side loader with no second thoughts, but I do not currently own one in .357.

If you are interested in a Marlin, I’d look it over for fit and finish, but Remington seems have worked through most of the quality issues. I would expect Ruger to do good things with the brand as they take over.

If you want to get in at a lower price point, Rossi is an option, but I would look it over and dry fire it. I find there is a substantial difference in triggers/actions on the Rossi’s.

rc · January 19, 2021, 05:23 AM

Remington went belly up again. Don't know if the new owners have them in production but it may take time. Henry with the side gate is probably your best bet. 16 inch are a handy size for home defense. If longer range is your goal get the longer barreled gun.

Franklin7X57 · January 19, 2021, 07:00 AM

why do people like the side gate better?

SIGSHR · January 19, 2021, 11:27 AM

The side gate AKA the King Improvement. More authentic, allows you to keep the rifle pointed away from you and towards the target while you reload.

kenny53 · January 19, 2021, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris in va

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/big-...her-side-gate/

Like this one?

Just like that one

Schlitz 45 · January 19, 2021, 12:32 PM

The new Henry rifles with side loading gates & the removable loading tube are the best of both worlds. Easy & safe to load or top off the magazine while being able to quickly unload ammo without having to cycle rounds through the rifle.

GeauxTide · January 19, 2021, 01:29 PM

I bought a 45 Colt Henry X for $750. Fiber Optic open sights. Nice.

jetinteriorguy · January 19, 2021, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIGSHR

The side gate AKA the King Improvement. More authentic, allows you to keep the rifle pointed away from you and towards the target while you reload.

Why would a rifle with tube loading be pointed at yourself when reloading. All you have to do is hold them at about a 45 deg angle pointed away from you and it works fine.

tango1niner · January 19, 2021, 04:08 PM

^^^^^ what he said... ^^^^^^

chris in va · January 19, 2021, 04:57 PM

My LGS has a Rossi in both 45c and 357, $599/$749. Are they absolute garbage or worth a look? A bit short with the 16” barrel though, looks like a kid’s gun.

I don’t know if I can find a Henry here locally, I’ll check the used section next time I get a chance.

Ifishsum · January 20, 2021, 03:17 AM

I've been very happy with my Rossi 92 in .45C...TBH I expected it to need some slicking up but it was plenty acceptable as-is and certainly not garbage. I got mine on sale early last year for less than 5 bills. My buddy has a Henry (non-gate) in .357 and I really liked shooting that - gotta say I would have spent $750 for the Henry before I'd spend the same $ for a Rossi but that might not be realistic right now. Pre-covid the Henry was selling for $750-$799 around here and just a bit more than I wanted to swing for a purely for-fun gun. The Rossi scratches the itch and I haven't regretted buying it. Helps that I already cast and load .45C for 3 other revolvers...

**44 AMP** · January 20, 2021, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Why would a rifle with tube loading be pointed at yourself when reloading.

because people get careless...

A front loading tube magazine requires essentially the same position to load as a muzzle loader. The muzzle must be pointed up (to some degree) it will not work with the rifle held level or pointed down. Really tough to do in the prone position, which isn't so important today as it once was....

If it matters, the side gate rifle can be reloaded /topped up while "in action", Again, not something usually vital today, but it is something you cant do with a front loading tube mag gun.

If I were in the market (I'm not, already have a few) I'd look for an older Marlin, one made before Remington got involved, and one made before they added that useless pushbutton safety if I could find one. With the safety if that was all there was available. I've had both kinds, not a big deal functionally.

The solid flat top of the Marlins makes optics mounting simple and easy. Stock comb will be a little low, but there's ways to deal with that easily, as well.

stagpanther · January 20, 2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

because people get careless...

I'm curious--do you know of any documented instance of when this has ever happened?

TBM900 · January 20, 2021, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franklin7X57

why do people like the side gate better?

Wild fantasies of loading while under attack

There are pros and cons with both
Neither are "better" IMO

Buy whichever you like and enjoy

chris in va · January 20, 2021, 06:10 PM

Do you guys feel the 16” version is too short?

TBM900 · January 20, 2021, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris in va

Do you guys feel the 16” version is too short?

Ballistically it's pretty much the perfect length for 357
The vast majority of loads reach peak velocity at ~16"
Anything over that and they typically start slowing down before passing the muzzle
About the only reasons to go over are if you want larger capacity or longer sight radius
I own several longer 357 LG's and IMO the 16" is perfect

WyMark · January 20, 2021, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Do you guys feel the 16” version is too short?

I think my .357 Carbine is about perfect length at 16.5", and the tube loading doesn't bother me at all. I also have a Skinner peep installed that I like a lot.

PatientWolf · January 20, 2021, 08:03 PM

Quote:

...gotta say I would have spent $750 for the Henry before I'd spend the same $ for a Rossi...

Around here the Rossi’s are about $500, so there is a price difference.

Quote:

Do you guys feel the 16” version is too short?

I looked quite a while to find a 16” version. I find them very handy.

SIGSHR · January 20, 2021, 11:29 PM

Very few firearms accidents and calamities are "documented" , one of the few is the problems with the low numbered M1903s since Hatcher was tasked with investigating them.
The loading drill for RevWar and Civil War reenacting keeps the muzzle away from the shooter.
Yes, look for a pre-cross bolt Marlin.

stagpanther · January 21, 2021, 03:18 AM

I'm just trying to get some idea if there has been an actual case of someone has been injured/killed as a result of loading a Henry tube-load magazine; in this day and age of instant internet communication and mass media I would think it would be "recorded" someplace. I'm not saying it hasn't happened, I'm just wondering if there really is a correlation to making it a statistically less safe firearm.

January 18, 2021, 09:50 PM	#1
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Lever advice I’ve had my Henry 22 for a long time and decided to get a lever in 357 or possibly 45C. Iron sights are ok but I do have a red dot that would make shooting a lot more fun, but it looks like some models top eject which I’m assuming wouldn’t work with a rail. Also I’d like to have a 20” for more capacity. If you all could make a suggestion for one under $1000 I would appreciate it.

January 19, 2021, 01:50 AM	#5
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	I just bought a break-open single shot in 444 marlin--a spectacular straight-wall cartridge and the next lever gun I buy will be in that. BTW, top ejects can work with a rail if you mount a scout or even pistol scope. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

January 19, 2021, 01:29 PM	#12
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I bought a 45 Colt Henry X for $750. Fiber Optic open sights. Nice. __________________ Reloading For: 223R, 243W, 6.5 GR, 6.5 CM, 260R, 6.5-06, 280R, 7mmRM, 300HAM'R, 308W, 30-06, 338-06, 9mm, 357M, 41M, 44SPL, 44M, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 450BM.

January 21, 2021, 03:18 AM	#25
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	I'm just trying to get some idea if there has been an actual case of someone has been injured/killed as a result of loading a Henry tube-load magazine; in this day and age of instant internet communication and mass media I would think it would be "recorded" someplace. I'm not saying it hasn't happened, I'm just wondering if there really is a correlation to making it a statistically less safe firearm. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

January 18, 2021, 10:26 PM	#2
kenny53 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: My back yard Posts: 971	I have a Marlin in 357. It works well but I like my Henry 22 much better. If I were in the market I would look hard at Henry.

January 18, 2021, 10:44 PM	#3
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/big-...her-side-gate/ Like this one?

January 19, 2021, 12:37 AM	#4
Polinese Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2010 Posts: 949	Any of the side gate henry's would be my suggestion

January 19, 2021, 04:47 AM	#6
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 947	With current offerings, I’d go into a Henry side loader with no second thoughts, but I do not currently own one in .357. If you are interested in a Marlin, I’d look it over for fit and finish, but Remington seems have worked through most of the quality issues. I would expect Ruger to do good things with the brand as they take over. If you want to get in at a lower price point, Rossi is an option, but I would look it over and dry fire it. I find there is a substantial difference in triggers/actions on the Rossi’s.

January 19, 2021, 05:23 AM	#7
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	Remington went belly up again. Don't know if the new owners have them in production but it may take time. Henry with the side gate is probably your best bet. 16 inch are a handy size for home defense. If longer range is your goal get the longer barreled gun.

January 19, 2021, 07:00 AM	#8
Franklin7X57 Member Join Date: March 19, 2006 Posts: 33	why do people like the side gate better?

January 19, 2021, 11:27 AM	#9
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	The side gate AKA the King Improvement. More authentic, allows you to keep the rifle pointed away from you and towards the target while you reload.

January 19, 2021, 12:32 PM	#11
Schlitz 45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2018 Location: Colorado Posts: 385	The new Henry rifles with side loading gates & the removable loading tube are the best of both worlds. Easy & safe to load or top off the magazine while being able to quickly unload ammo without having to cycle rounds through the rifle.

January 19, 2021, 04:08 PM	#14
tango1niner Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: NY Posts: 317	^^^^^ what he said... ^^^^^^

January 19, 2021, 04:57 PM	#15
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	My LGS has a Rossi in both 45c and 357, $599/$749. Are they absolute garbage or worth a look? A bit short with the 16” barrel though, looks like a kid’s gun. I don’t know if I can find a Henry here locally, I’ll check the used section next time I get a chance.

January 20, 2021, 03:17 AM	#16
Ifishsum Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,033	I've been very happy with my Rossi 92 in .45C...TBH I expected it to need some slicking up but it was plenty acceptable as-is and certainly not garbage. I got mine on sale early last year for less than 5 bills. My buddy has a Henry (non-gate) in .357 and I really liked shooting that - gotta say I would have spent $750 for the Henry before I'd spend the same $ for a Rossi but that might not be realistic right now. Pre-covid the Henry was selling for $750-$799 around here and just a bit more than I wanted to swing for a purely for-fun gun. The Rossi scratches the itch and I haven't regretted buying it. Helps that I already cast and load .45C for 3 other revolvers...

January 20, 2021, 06:10 PM	#20
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Do you guys feel the 16” version is too short?

January 20, 2021, 11:29 PM	#24
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Very few firearms accidents and calamities are "documented" , one of the few is the problems with the low numbered M1903s since Hatcher was tasked with investigating them. The loading drill for RevWar and Civil War reenacting keeps the muzzle away from the shooter. Yes, look for a pre-cross bolt Marlin.