Henry Rifle Forums

I dont have any targets to show because I only took the box of clay pigeons I had in the garage. Guns that went with me were the Marlin 39a Henry small game carbine in 22LR and my Uberti in 357. I spent quite alot of time messing with the 39a. It continues to give me extraction fits. I played with the extractor spring trying to adjust it. I did get it to work fairly well for a while until the end of it broke. No one has one online but I found on on GB Im going to buy. I think I will also purchase one from wisner also. Frustrating none the less and Im not so sure I agree with comments I have read about that gun being the best 22LR ever made. After the extractor broke I pulled out what I think is the best 22LR levergun ever made my new Henry SGC in 22LR. The lever is smooth and I can literally work it with the tips of my fingers. It took me a little while to get used to the skinner sights and get them tuned in but once I did there was bullets screamin brass a flyin and clay pigeons getting broken. Between the 2 22's I think I shot up about 750 rounds of ammo. Had a great time. Oh then there was the 357 Uberti. I can see why RR likes his so much. My 357 is just plain fun to shoot. Not as smooth as a Henry but pretty darn close. It was bad on those clays also.

I was looking at an 1866 Uberti Yellowboy in .22LR...carbine with 19" barrel....pretty tempting little rifle for a plinker. Sounds like you had fun.

Ive seen those RR on GB and there really nice. I havent seen one in a while and there isnt any on there at this time. But the 1866 is a really nice rifle. 22 levers are just fun to bust up clays on a bank. I think I was out there about 3 hours. Could have stayed longer.

A cool Range Report, BigAL. You made some close-to-home comments about my favorite Henry rifle, too. Agreed with your .22LR choice: "...what I think is the best 22LR levergun ever made, my new Henry SGC in 22LR." My Henry SGC is also an excellent rifle, and in all the Range Reports and photos I've posted on our Forum, I know that I've never written a single complaint about this Henry. It's the very best!!

Also, you reminded me about shooting clays with the SGC. I'm going to jot a reminder note about that and put it in my Henry orange rifle case for my next visit to my son's-in-law outdoor range. That appeals to me as really fun shooting! Thanks.

BigAl52 wrote:I dont have any targets to show because I only took the box of clay pigeons I had in the garage. Guns that went with me were the Marlin 39a Henry small game carbine in 22LR and my Uberti in 357. I spent quite alot of time messing with the 39a. It continues to give me extraction fits. I played with the extractor spring trying to adjust it. I did get it to work fairly well for a while until the end of it broke. No one has one online but I found on on GB Im going to buy. I think I will also purchase one from wisner also. Frustrating none the less and Im not so sure I agree with comments I have read about that gun being the best 22LR ever made. After the extractor broke I pulled out what I think is the best 22LR levergun ever made my new Henry SGC in 22LR. The lever is smooth and I can literally work it with the tips of my fingers. It took me a little while to get used to the skinner sights and get them tuned in but once I did there was bullets screamin brass a flyin and clay pigeons getting broken. Between the 2 22's I think I shot up about 750 rounds of ammo. Had a great time. Oh then there was the 357 Uberti. I can see why RR likes his so much. My 357 is just plain fun to shoot. Not as smooth as a Henry but pretty darn close. It was bad on those clays also.

It's been a long time since we've had a three hour range session and 750 rounds sent down range. Wow! That sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon.

I do understand your frustration with the Marlin. A reputation and slogans don't count for much when a gun just refuses to shoot for you. It does leave a sour taste in your mouth. I've been there. Hope you get it resolved.

Thanks NCG I will keep working on it. I did order a wisners extractor for it today and last night I ran a bore mop with JB Bore paste in the chamber. I know eventually I will get it working with persistence. I really do think now after fooling with it along time at the range sunday that it is the extractor. I will soon know. It shoots really good when it will run. Al

I've always wanted to own a 39A. I have two Winchester 9422's and suspect if I ever get a 39A it will sit beside the Winchesters and seldom ever get to the range. The reason? Just like PT7 says the Small Game Carbine beats it hands down in every way.

Just like PT7 says the Small Game Carbine beats it hands down in every way.

Not 'every' way.....
It does NOT 'beat' the 39A in:
Time in grade - check the 'start date' of the 39A.
Receiver quality & finish - Zamak & paint don't 'beat' steel & blue
And the last:
Resale value.

Well maybe but it seems with all that time its been made they could figure out a different extractor system than the one they have. Its not a very good part. Hard to show off quality and finish when its sitting at home because I cant shoot it with a failing extraction system. At least my Zamak and paint works and I can shoot it.

I have a 39AS that is in close to new condition .... its a solid rifle .... my biggest complaint is for a 22LR, its heavy and nose heavy .... I much prefer the weight and balance of the Henry Small Game Carbine

I cant shoot it with a failing extraction system.

I haven't had mine apart in a while but if I recall there is a small brass plate on the left side of the receiver that guides the ejector. You can see it with the lever open and if I recall if this gets too dirty it will have problems extracting. Seems I had extraction problems one time with mine but a complete tear down and cleaning got it running as smooth as glass!

my biggest complaint is for a 22LR, its heavy and nose heavy

Hmm thats too bad - my 39A comes to my shoulder with the grace and elegance of a Stradivarius - as does my 26" Winchester 94's - and with no weight issues that I ever complain about!

Mine is clean and I ran some bore paste in the chamber to clean that really good. This Marlin hasnt been shot that much. I have had it apart quite a few times. I just ordered an extractor from Wisners in Washington. Got it today in the mail. Just finished fitting it to the bolt. Next time out will see how it functions. But the thin wire like design on the factory extractor isnt a very good design in my opinion. I have nothing against Marlins I own several including one from the after Remington take over.

It's too bad that Remlin no longer makes the 39. I have one I bought many years ago but I like my Henry pump just as much.