Talk me out of a Henry Big Boy Rifle

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devils4ever

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I'm not sure why but I've been looking and looking at the Henry Big Boy Rifles (Steel and Brass) in .357 Magnum. I can only think of a few reasons I want one.

1. I don't own any lever action rifles.
2. I already reload for .357 Magnum for my S&W revolver.
3. When/if semi-autos get banned, this will be the fastest shooting rifle around.
4. They look and feel like the old west.
5. They are made in my home state (not sure why he stays here! or me!).
6. Coolness.
7. They look like fun to shoot.

So, tell me why I shouldn't get one and save me some cash!
 
Uh... no. I won't talk you out of it. Mine (not a Henry - you'll have to guess the make) is the same size as a Daisy Red Rider. My favorite gun.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
 
They're way heavier than necessary and don't look/feel old west to me. There are better, lighter and more period correct choices.

Rossi, Browning or Winchester 92's, Uberti 1873's and Marlin 1894's being the most common.
 
I was going through about the same thought process a couple weeks ago. Ended up picking up a big boy steel carbine in 357 two days ago, still haven't had the chance for anything but dry fire. The fit and finish are great, the trigger is about perfect, and no matter how fast I cycle it will feed wide nose 357s and 38 special snap caps. However, i can see how with this little carbine I could blow through an expensive amount of ammo in a range trip, so I don't think it will help my wallet any.
 
^^^So, you'll have fun!

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I would love to talk you into to it... .357 in a rifle is awesome and every American should own a leveraction. With Marlin out of the game, Henry has stepped up and is making a great rifle.

I would say go buy it now!
 
CraigC said:
They're way heavier than necessary and don't look/feel old west to me. There are better, lighter and more period correct choices.

Rossi, Browning or Winchester 92's, Uberti 1873's and Marlin 1894's being the most common.
Click to expand...
Heavier, yes. I've read about that, but I don't intend on hunting with it. I won't be carrying it all day long. Just target shooting, so weight shouldn't be a concern.

As for period correct, I don't really intend on entering Cowboy Action Shooting competitions either.

I've read some many conflicting reviews on Rossi, Browning, Marlins, etc that it makes my head spin. I know that the Henry doesn't load like a traditional lever action rifle, but loads from the tube end. However, I've read that it's actually faster loading than a gate on the receiver.

jack44, What do you mean? Doesn't the Henry eject spent cases from the receiver?
 
If I had to buy a Henry Big Boy all over again, I might get the steel version.
They didn't have them then.
I would think it would be awesome in .357.
My brass is in 44 mag. I have not handled a steel one in person.
There's not much recoil in mine so I would imagine the .357 is even easier to shoot.
I can't talk you out of it.
 
The brass Henry .357 I had here outshot any & every Marlin I own & have worked with at 100 yards off the bench.

They are not traditional in form, but they do shoot.
Denis
 
If you can get over the fact that you'll look like you are shooting an oversized .22lr tube fed lever action, I don't see why not to get one.
Myself, I have no interest in the Henry's for the above reason and reasons mentioned elsewhere in this thread, but those reasons are for the most part purely cosmetic and no reason to dismiss it if you like it.
I just hate seeing that knob and window in a centerfire gun. Doesn't look right to me, even if it is faster to load than a receiver gate.
 
Can't talk you out of it because I luv mine !!! Here my Henry Big Boy Steel .357 945baae9c04d8901cb1b9c69c8e84de0.jpg


Ferdi
Las Vegas, NV USA
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I like lever guns, and Henry rifles are certainly beautifully made, but I just can't get excited about the tube loading system. I'd go with an older used Marlin if I was lookin for a pistol caliber lever gun. I got my pre-safety Marlin 336 for half of what you'll pay for a Henry, and the Marlin is mint. You can't beat that, IMO.
 
my best hunting friend bought one in .44 mag last year....it wouldn't chamber a round...Cabelas gave him a round of BS....BS...he took it back and walked away...Henrys for the most part rely on the name...and todays Henrys ARE NOT Henrys...just the name.
 
I am with others. The tube loading bugs me. It just doesn't fit right with a centerfire levergun. I like the idea of being able to load on the fly.

That said, they are nice looking rifles and I have heard a lot of people say they are good shooters. I would love it if they tried for a '92 clone or something similar.
 
I have six lever guns. 4 which have a loading gate, An 1873, 2 mod 94's, a Marlin 45-70 guide gun and one that loads from the top of the receiver, an 1895 Winchester and the Henry Big Boy that loads from the magazine tube and the Henry is by far the easiest to load and holds the most cartridges.
 
The Big Boys are too expensive and too heavy IMO.

I think the Rossi 92s are just a riot if you are lucky enough to get a slick one. 500 bucks on Bud's and the 16" carbines are probably the shortest and lightest long guns you'll find without filing a tax stamp. All things being equal, I'd rather take the Rossi, and for 200 bucks less it's really no contest.
 
Weight is always an issue unless you're at the bench. The Big Boy handles like an iron club, much moreso in .357. IMHO, pistol cartridge levers should be light and fast.

The comment about period correctness had nothing to do with CAS. The Henry is not based on any historical rifle.

The Rossi's are good guns, on par with Henry. The Marlins a step above. The Browning and Winchester 92's are head and shoulders above all.
 
Not a problem to talk a man out of a big boy when there's Rossi rifles to be had. Not a big deal to sway a man to a long ranger rather than a big boy.
 
Craig,
There I'd argue with you.
I would never consider a Rossi (and I've used & owned several) on par with the Henrys, quality-wise. :)
Denis
 
devils4ever

I like so many others prefer the more traditional lever action design and operation, like that found on a Rossi Model 92. I also like the lighter weight and quick handling features that it offers over the heavier Henry Big Boy.

Having said that I would be the last person to try and talk someone out of a gun that they really want. Get what checks off all the right boxes for you and enjoy!
 
NO! NO!

If you buy a big Boy now you will not be able to whine to one and all in the future about how you wished you had bought one! You will not enjoy the marvelous feeling of awakening at three AM for no reason thinking "I should have got a rifle I wanted instead of being shamed by cowboy snobs. I should have believed in myself. I could'a been a contender."

"Stella!"

Seriously, if a Henry blows your skirts up go for it and stop worrying about other peoples subway grates.

-kBob
 
Reasons not to buy a Henry, let's see...

1- It wouldn't hurt you to reload for another caliber. Say .44WCF, etc.
2- There are plenty of old Winchesters and Marlins in need of a good home.
3- ???
4- Well that probably won't save you any money, but I liken it to getting a dog from the pound compared to getting a new designer puppy. It just makes you feel better.

Wyman
 
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