Side Gate vs Tube Feed

[Mistered]

If I had to ever 'kick' myself for NOT buying a lever gun it was a 1950s era Winchester Mod 64 (I think it was a 1951) that was also for sale from the guy I bought my '66 100 Year Commemorative from a few years ago.

A Mod 64 is not something I was particularly interested in but I wish now I had done it as his was in beautiful condition and I think he only wanted a $1000 for it which was very fair.

The mod 64s were kind of a 'hybrid' rifle combining a lever action with a pistol grip stock with an interesting half-length load tube and a forestock with different style of nose cap. They also had ramped front sights with a rear sight that was typical of the style WInchester was putting on Mod 70 bolt action rifles at the time.

I'll admit I considered it briefly, and wouldn't have had any qualms about asking if I could have 'crashed' on his couch in his shop/gunroom etc. for the night to hit the bank in the morning but I was happy with the deal I made on the '66 and hit the road for home - later than I wanted as we had a nice conversation and meetup for the sale and I saw his entire collection but it was worth it!

[Vaquero]

I never under stood why all the dislike for the tube feed.
like's been said quicker to load and unload.
Stupid excuses about dropping the tube or it getting bent and such crap.
Heck let that screw for the loading gate get loose, see what happens then.
Look I'm a long time Marlin fan, had one all my adult life.
Growing up the only rifle Dad had was a Winchester 94 so I've been using a loading gate all my life.
And it still doesn't bother me one bit, that the Henrys had the tube.
Well know if a hoard of zombies were attacking I can see where the loading gate would be handy to top of quicker.
Other than that I don't understand.

RP

[Mistered]

Heck let that screw for the loading gate get loose, see what happens then.

It would be a rare event for this particular screw to become loose as it is under angular spring tension and I have NEVER seen one come loose in 45 + years of load gate experience - but I can sure show you the screws that do come loose on my Henry BBB after only a shooting session or two!

I never understood why all the dislike for the tube feed.

Neither have I and have often espoused the advantages of the tube feed with PISTOL caliber cartridges - but a side gate does favor rifle length cartridges.

[RanchRoper]

One of the rifles on my bucket list is an 1866 Yellowboy Trapper so I would be ok with a side gate too.

[Mistered]

so I would be ok with a side gate too.

I'll take a guess and assume you have never owned a side gate load rifle before?

[RanchRoper]

Correct...a Big Boy at one time, and then an old .22 that someone gave us one time many many years ago that was a tube loader too....Marlin maybe? Can't recall, it was in pretty rough shape, not even sure what happened to it, wife's brother might have it still.

[Rifletom]

Have had Marlin's, actually still have a 39A, have a Mod 94 30-30, two Henry BB's and a Ruger No.1B. Falling block I know, but, lever operated. Oh, and my trusty Daisy "Red Rider". I don't have a problem or issue with any of 'em. Tube fed or side gate, they all work as advertised. No charging Indian's, so speed isn't a consideration. And, they're all fun to shoot.

[Grunt67]

My only experience with a side gate, was with a borrowed 30-30. Didn't really like it, a bit cumbersome for me. Have a .22 with the tube, works better for me. Think Henry had the better idea.

[mournak]

I like a side gate to top off a rifle. Or when I am loading just a couple shells. I do not like range sessions with a side gate. I really like how henrys are getting both.

[JEBar]

I like a side gate to top off a rifle. Or when I am loading just a couple shells. I do not like range sessions with a side gate. I really like how henrys are getting both.

well understood .... having the option most certainly expanded Henry's market

[Team Roper]

I'll be truthful. I have JM model Marlins in 30-30, 35 Remington and a 45-70 Guide Gun. I have one Henry, a Big Boy Steel in 44 magnum. I never gave any thought to which one is better, side gate or loading tube. Neither presents a problem to me. I did buy a new Remlin in 44 magnum first, before the Henry but that thing went back the day after I bought it because it would not feed properly. I took a loss on that thing and had my friend at the LGS order me a Henry BBS in 44 magnum. This thing is a shooter, which is important to me, because it gets used for hunting. I never load more then 5 rounds in the tube anyhow, never. At the bench, which is quite often, I only shoot 5 rounds for groups. Here in Ohio, you are, by law, only to have three rounds in the rifle for deer hunting. My only worry with the Henry tube magazine is that one day, the weak steel tube will split. I have heard this happening on the 45-70's and the 44 magnums. That's the only fault, I see happening, but it's a big one.

[BigAl52]

If it does happen it will be fixed for free and returned in a very short time. Some of the older ones have had issue with the tube. But I know of only 2 of the members here who have had that issue. I have Marlins and one Remlin also. In a 357. Never again and now there bankrupt and being sold. Couldnt be because there customer service was terrible.

[Team Roper]

I just looked at a new Henry in 45 Colt. Henry really beefed up that area surrounding the pin on the loading tube. I doubt there could be any problems associated with recoil now. Good job Henry!

[mrmag00]

I have an old Winchester ( handed down from my grandfather) in 30-30 that is a pain to load thru the side gate. Tube loading is just easier for me and my big hands.
Never really gave much thought to the strength issue with a side gate.