Bolt Movement

[shootinthecinders]

Being relatively new to lever action rifles, I’ve noticed something different in my Henry BBB that I don’t recall seeing before now. When the bolt is fully open, lever forward, there is forward and back movement in the bolt. The bolt locks up tight when closed but curious if this is normal or others have experienced this or if this is problematic. I can positively state that ignorance is not bliss for me concerning this situation. Thanks for any and all help.

Mods: If this isn’t in the appropriate forum, please move.

[PT7]

Yup, the Henry BBB I shot (H006M, my first lever action) had that "wiggling" forward/back movement. I don't know why designed that way. Never thought much about it because it worked just as smooth as butter. It had a great action on it, and never caused any loading or ejection issues.

[Mistered]

Normal!
My 119 year old Winchester has similar movement.

[shootinthecinders]

Thanks PT7 and Mistered. I was hoping this was normal but my other two levers don’t do this.

[Mistered]

but my other two levers don’t do this.

What are your 'other' two levers ?

[shootinthecinders]

Miroku Winchester Sporter model ‘73 .375/.38 and brand new Henry SGC .22lr

[Mistered]

Entirely different actions - especially the 1873 Winchester.
The 'Toggle' link design of the 1873 does not allow for any fore and aft movement.

[shootinthecinders]

Entirely different actions - especially the 1873 Winchester.

Yep that’s definitely true. Do Marlin levers have the same action as Henry BB?

[Mistered]

Do Marlin levers have the same action as Henry BB?

It's more realistic to say the Henry action is based the Marlin design.
There is a bit of a historical differential between Henry and Marlin.

[shootinthecinders]

I probably worded that wrong as HRA is a much younger company than Marlin.
One question on the ‘73. When the bolt is back, the toggles are unlocked. It seems that there could still be the potential for bolt movement even though it is an entirely different action.