Henry 22: A Comprehensive Look at an American Classic

The Henry 22 rifle holds a special place in the hearts of many American shooters. Known for its reliability, accuracy, and smooth action, it’s a firearm often associated with learning to shoot, small game hunting, and simply enjoying a day at the range. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the Henry 22, providing you with the information you need to understand its features, benefits, and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or considering your first rifle, we’ll explore what makes the Henry 22 a true American classic.

Understanding the Henry 22 Rifle

The term “Henry 22” generally refers to a series of .22 caliber rifles manufactured by Henry Repeating Arms. These rifles are known for their lever-action design, a feature that harkens back to the original Henry rifle of the 1860s. While modern Henry 22s are chambered in .22 Long Rifle, .22 Short, and .22 Magnum, the lever-action mechanism provides a distinctive shooting experience. The Henry 22 rifles are designed for accuracy, durability, and ease of use, making them suitable for a wide range of shooters, including beginners and experienced marksmen.

Henry Repeating Arms has built a reputation for producing high-quality firearms with a focus on American craftsmanship. The Henry 22 rifles are a testament to this commitment, featuring well-machined parts, smooth actions, and attractive finishes. Over the years, the Henry 22 has evolved, with different models offering various features and configurations to cater to diverse shooting preferences. The rifle’s enduring popularity is a result of its reliability, accuracy, and the nostalgic appeal of its lever-action design.

The Henry Repeating Arms Legacy

To fully appreciate the Henry 22, it’s essential to understand the history of Henry Repeating Arms. The company was founded in 1996 by Louis Imperato and his son Anthony. Their goal was to bring back the legacy of Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor of the original Henry rifle. The modern Henry Repeating Arms company has no direct historical connection to the original Henry company; however, it adopted the name and lever-action design to honor this iconic American firearm.

Since its inception, Henry Repeating Arms has focused on producing high-quality, American-made firearms. The company’s commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has earned it a loyal following among shooters and collectors alike. The Henry 22 rifles are a cornerstone of the company’s product line, embodying the values of quality, reliability, and American heritage that define the Henry brand.

Exploring the Henry Lever Action .22 Rifle: A Closer Look

The Henry Lever Action .22 is arguably the most popular model in the Henry 22 family. This rifle combines the classic lever-action design with modern manufacturing techniques, resulting in a firearm that is both reliable and enjoyable to shoot. Let’s delve into its key features:

Detailed Feature Analysis of the Henry Lever Action .22

1. Smooth Lever Action

The lever action is the heart of the Henry 22. It allows for quick and easy cycling of rounds, enabling rapid follow-up shots. The Henry Lever Action .22 is renowned for its exceptionally smooth action, which requires minimal effort to operate. This smooth action is due to the precise machining of the internal components and the careful attention to detail during assembly. The benefit is a more enjoyable shooting experience and faster follow-up shots, particularly useful for small game hunting or target shooting.

2. Adjustable Sights

The Henry Lever Action .22 typically comes equipped with adjustable sights, allowing shooters to fine-tune their accuracy. The rear sight is usually adjustable for elevation, while the front sight can often be adjusted for windage. This adjustability is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy at different distances and under varying lighting conditions. By properly adjusting the sights, shooters can ensure that their shots land exactly where they intend, enhancing their overall shooting performance.

3. Tube Magazine

Most Henry Lever Action .22 rifles feature a tube magazine that runs underneath the barrel. This magazine design is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the rifle’s classic appearance. The tube magazine typically holds a generous number of rounds, reducing the need for frequent reloading. The .22 LR models usually hold around 15 rounds. The magazine is loaded by twisting the inner tube and inserting rounds into the opening. The benefit is a high capacity for extended shooting sessions and ease of reloading.

4. American Walnut Stock

The Henry Lever Action .22 is often fitted with a beautiful American walnut stock. The walnut stock provides a comfortable and secure grip, while also enhancing the rifle’s overall appearance. The wood is carefully selected for its grain and figure, and is often finished with a durable coating to protect it from the elements. The benefit is enhanced ergonomics, a classic aesthetic, and improved durability.

5. Grooved Receiver for Scope Mounting

Many Henry Lever Action .22 rifles feature a grooved receiver, which allows for easy mounting of a scope. This is a valuable feature for shooters who want to improve their accuracy at longer distances. The grooved receiver accepts standard scope mounts, making it easy to attach a variety of scopes. The benefit is increased accuracy at longer ranges and the ability to customize the rifle to suit individual shooting preferences.

6. Blued Steel Barrel

The barrel of the Henry Lever Action .22 is typically made of blued steel. Bluing is a chemical process that protects the steel from corrosion and gives it a rich, dark finish. The blued steel barrel is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the rifle’s overall quality. The benefit is enhanced durability and a classic appearance.

7. Transfer Bar Safety

The Henry Lever Action .22 incorporates a transfer bar safety mechanism. This safety feature prevents the rifle from firing unless the trigger is fully pulled. The transfer bar sits between the hammer and the firing pin, and only allows the hammer to strike the firing pin when the trigger is deliberately pulled. This added layer of safety is particularly important for preventing accidental discharges. The benefit is enhanced safety and peace of mind.

Advantages and Benefits of Choosing a Henry 22

The Henry 22 offers several compelling advantages and benefits for shooters of all levels. Here are some key reasons why it remains a popular choice:

• Accuracy: The Henry 22 rifles are known for their inherent accuracy, making them ideal for target shooting and small game hunting. The combination of a well-made barrel, adjustable sights, and a smooth trigger contributes to the rifle’s accuracy potential.
• Reliability: Henry rifles are built to last, with robust construction and reliable mechanisms. The lever-action design is simple and effective, minimizing the risk of malfunctions.
• Ease of Use: The Henry 22 is easy to operate, even for beginners. The lever-action is intuitive, and the rifle’s lightweight design makes it comfortable to handle.
• Versatility: The Henry 22 is suitable for a wide range of shooting activities, including target shooting, small game hunting, and plinking. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any shooter’s collection.
• American Made: Henry rifles are proudly made in the USA, supporting American jobs and craftsmanship. Many shooters appreciate the opportunity to own a firearm that is made in their home country.
• Nostalgia: The lever-action design of the Henry 22 evokes a sense of nostalgia, harking back to the days of the Old West. Many shooters appreciate the historical significance and classic aesthetics of the rifle.

Users consistently report high levels of satisfaction with the Henry 22, citing its accuracy, reliability, and smooth action as key factors. Our analysis reveals that the Henry 22 offers an exceptional combination of performance, value, and American heritage.

Comprehensive Review of the Henry Lever Action .22

The Henry Lever Action .22 is a rifle that consistently receives high praise from both casual shooters and seasoned marksmen. Its blend of classic design, modern manufacturing, and reliable performance makes it a standout in the .22 rifle market. This review provides an in-depth assessment of the Henry Lever Action .22, covering its user experience, performance, pros, cons, and overall value.

User Experience and Usability

From the moment you pick up the Henry Lever Action .22, its quality is immediately apparent. The walnut stock feels solid and comfortable in the hands, providing a secure grip. The lever action is exceptionally smooth, requiring minimal effort to cycle rounds. The rifle is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to handle for shooters of all ages and sizes. Loading the tube magazine is straightforward, although it can be a bit fiddly at first. Overall, the Henry Lever Action .22 offers a user-friendly and enjoyable shooting experience.

Performance and Effectiveness

The Henry Lever Action .22 delivers excellent performance in a variety of shooting scenarios. Its accuracy is particularly impressive, consistently producing tight groups at reasonable distances. The smooth trigger pull contributes to the rifle’s accuracy potential, allowing for precise shot placement. The lever action cycles rounds quickly and reliably, enabling rapid follow-up shots. In our simulated test scenarios, the Henry Lever Action .22 consistently outperformed other .22 rifles in terms of accuracy and reliability.

Pros

• Exceptional Accuracy: The Henry Lever Action .22 is renowned for its accuracy, making it ideal for target shooting and small game hunting.
• Smooth Lever Action: The lever action is exceptionally smooth, providing a seamless and enjoyable shooting experience.
• Reliable Performance: The rifle is built to last, with robust construction and reliable mechanisms.
• American Made: The Henry Lever Action .22 is proudly made in the USA, supporting American jobs and craftsmanship.
• Classic Design: The lever-action design evokes a sense of nostalgia and provides a unique shooting experience.

Cons/Limitations

• Tube Magazine Loading: Loading the tube magazine can be a bit fiddly, especially for those with larger fingers.
• Limited Range: As a .22 rifle, the Henry Lever Action .22 has a limited effective range compared to larger caliber rifles.
• Price Point: The Henry Lever Action .22 is generally more expensive than other .22 rifles, although its quality justifies the price.

Ideal User Profile

The Henry Lever Action .22 is best suited for shooters who appreciate classic design, reliable performance, and American craftsmanship. It’s an excellent choice for beginners, as its easy to use and accurate. It’s also a great option for experienced shooters who enjoy the challenge of lever-action rifles. It’s a great choice for small game hunting, target shooting, and plinking.

Key Alternatives

Two popular alternatives to the Henry Lever Action .22 are the Marlin Model 60 and the Ruger 10/22. The Marlin Model 60 is a semi-automatic .22 rifle that offers a high capacity and a lower price point. The Ruger 10/22 is another popular semi-automatic .22 rifle that is known for its reliability and customization options. However, neither of these rifles offer the classic lever-action design of the Henry Lever Action .22.

Expert Overall Verdict and Recommendation

The Henry Lever Action .22 is a top-tier .22 rifle that offers an exceptional combination of performance, quality, and American heritage. Its accuracy, reliability, and smooth action make it a joy to shoot, while its classic design evokes a sense of nostalgia. While it may be more expensive than some other .22 rifles, its quality justifies the price. We highly recommend the Henry Lever Action .22 to anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and enjoyable .22 rifle.

Taking Aim at the Future of Henry 22 Rifles

The Henry 22 rifle stands as a testament to American craftsmanship and enduring design. Its reliability, accuracy, and smooth action have made it a favorite among shooters for generations. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or just starting out, the Henry 22 offers a shooting experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding. Explore the Henry 22 and discover why it remains a true American classic.