223 Single Shot - 1st Impressions

[ESquared]

I'd been stalking this particular rifle for a few weeks on GB (Reed's Sports/Northern Firearms), and I just couldn't take it anymore, so I did it. Northern is one of the few retailers on GB who shows pics of the actual firearm they're selling, and this one was an early production model, so the wood looked a little "tired" in the photos. But it had the full wraparound checkering on the forestock and that was a big plus for me.

Got her home, a couple of patches through the bore and lots of wiping down with Ballistol on all exterior surfaces. Boy, did that bring this wood back to life! This one rivals my Long Ranger, just from memory, so I need to do a side-by-side. Really like how the elongated ring of the grain seems to perfectly follow the top of the comb (hope I used that term correctly - do I still get the "new guy" mulligan?).

The other thing I've learned over my time here is how to scrutinize a Henry, and the fit is just really, really good. Had to put an accessory on it, so there's the GroveTec hammer spur. Also included a pic of the folding rear sight, which I'd never really seen/noticed before.

It'll be a week before I can snag some range time, which is killing me, but I'll just leave it out and look at it for a while. One of the pics of the butt-stock is in the harsh workbench light, so I moved it upstairs with something less fluorescent - nothing like a good, low-voltage incandescent!

Lots to like for <$400 out the door!

[Ojaileveraction]

Beautiful rifle. Nice wood, fit look great.

A WEEK!
that's a long time.
Tim

[tractortad]

Nice looking rifle, Evan. Welcome to the Singles club - gotta warn you though, they are addictive.

[ESquared]

Beautiful rifle. Nice wood, fit look great.

A WEEK!
that's a long time.
Tim

More like THREE weeks. Commitment issues? I don't think so. Just a ponderer sometimes. And, had to adhere to my "gun comes in, gun goes out" discipline; sold a super-sweet Sig that I never shot. Not looking back!

[ESquared]

Nice looking rifle, Evan. Welcome to the Singles club - gotta warn you though, they are addictive.

Based on my track record, they're ALL addictive, Tad! I'm the classic case of, "This is my last one...I don't even know what I'd WANT to buy next..."

Which lasts for about 12.7 days, and then I'm cruising the usual "Henry Addicts" places, starting here. And ending here.

I really mean it this time, though!

[Mags]

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Nice good fitting wood. Looks like you're in the 'pink' and ready to go shoot! You notice the folding sight insert is adjustable for elevation? It was days before I noticed that on my LR.

pinkchk_xsm.png (558 Bytes) Viewed 3391 times

...included a pic of the folding rear sight, which I'd never really seen/noticed before.

[Mistered]

Well it passes my inspection!
I couldn't wait a week ! I wouldn't have to of course but will admit to taking longer to shoot a new gun. Sometimes commitments, other projects and weather have gotten in the way.

[ESquared]

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Nice good fitting wood. Looks like you're in the 'pink' and ready to go shoot! You notice the folding sight insert is adjustable for elevation? It was days before I noticed that on my LR.

pinkchk_xsm.png

...included a pic of the folding rear sight, which I'd never really seen/noticed before.

That sight has TWO adjustment screws, which I haven't spent enough time with to figure out yet. Really like the sight picture!

Doesn't much matter, as Markiver's Buckmasters 3-9X40 is going on very soon!

[BigAl52]

Atta boy another Henry towards the big 1000. Looks good Evan and like tad says welcome to the singles club. Im liking the Single Shot action here. Need to get that Single shot area pumped up a little more. It wont be long you will be drooling over another one. Like a 357 cant have to many 357's. Wood looks better at youre place than it did at there place. Whats the trigger pull like?

[ESquared]

Atta boy another Henry towards the big 1000. Looks good Evan and like tad says welcome to the singles club. Im liking the Single Shot action here. Need to get that Single shot area pumped up a little more. It wont be long you will be drooling over another one. Like a 357 cant have to many 357's. Wood looks better at youre place than it did at there place. Whats the trigger pull like?

Thanks, Al. Trigger pull doesn't seem too bad, but the hammer pull is a major chore! Will definitely take you up on your generous offer! And I'll need to find that great post you did on how to swap 'em out. Great pics and explanation on that one!

You still stalking a Brass SS?

[BigAl52]

I have 2 saved in a watch list now. I can walk you thru it on the phone but its in the Single shot area of the forum. That spring will change the hammer pull by alot.

[ESquared]

I have 2 saved in a watch list now. I can walk you thru it on the phone but its in the Single shot area of the forum. That spring will change the hammer pull by alot.

2 saved, huh? What caliber(s)? Could it be a "two-fer"?

[dddrees]

Very nice, Congrats.

Yeah, when you keep stalking a particular gun whether it be Gunbroker or somewhere else there's but only one thing you can possibly do. LOL


I too have purchased from Northern on Gunbroker and have been extremely pleased with the whole process.

[Yornoc3]

Really nice looking rifle you bagged, there. Henry sure has been putting quality Walnut on these rifles; I've seen semi fancy blanks for sale that aren't as nice. I haven't shot my 30-30 yet ( picked up in February), either, but I have sort of an excuse. Gettin' 'er done in a week is good .

[BigAl52]

I have 2 saved in a watch list now. I can walk you thru it on the phone but its in the Single shot area of the forum. That spring will change the hammer pull by alot.

2 saved, huh? What caliber(s)? Could it be a "two-fer"?

Both 357 no 2 fers. Just choices to be made.

[inspcalahan]

Good to hear much of the info about these single shots. I picked up a .243 over winter and plan on making a Caribou gun out of it. I put a leather cheek rest/ammo holder on it, have the scope base..just need to put glass on it and get to the range! The trigger is "rough" but doable and hopefully will break in a bit after a few boxes of ammo.

[Rifletom]

Evan, that looks great! It all just seems right. You'll enjoy that one too. On a bit of another note here, I've switched gears on a SS. I'm nosing around for another .357 lever rifle. Something lighter than my BB brass. Possibly a BB steel carbine.
I keep seeing flashes of pink in your pictures. What could that possibly be!?

[ESquared]

... nosing around for another .357 lever rifle. Something lighter than my BB brass. Possibly a BB steel carbine.

Your note made me look it up.

If you have the BB Classic Brass, the BB Steel carbine weighs just over 2 lbs less.

Sounds like a a good path to me. What's the popular saying around here?

"You just can't have too many .357s..."

[Brother_Love]

Very nice rifle, congrats! I have one SS now but it wont be long before I get another one. I want one in 30/30 to go with my 357 Max.

[ESquared]

Very nice rifle, congrats! I have one SS now but it wont be long before I get another one. I want one in 30/30 to go with my 357 Max.

Thanks, appreciate it! The SS seems like it will be a lot of fun. Nothing rapid fire, to say the least, but an opportunity to try out a popular caliber and work on some scope skills. The brass has me intrigued, but am playing the wall-flower on that one for now...

I remember you posting about that 357 conversion. Assume it turned out okay for you?