Henry Rifle Forums

I,ve got 2 Big Boys that I would like to hopefully retro fit with Henry's new side loading capability. Any body think thats possible? I contacted Henry last week and got no reply

it would be interesting to see what / if any difference there is in machining the receiver .... I suspect that some aftermarket outfit is already exploring the possibility

I'd also be interested in this.

Jim0249 wrote:Any body think thats possible? I contacted Henry last week and got no reply

JEBar wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:36 am

it would be interesting to see what / if any difference there is in machining the receiver .... I suspect that some aftermarket outfit is already exploring the possibility

I would guess that any modification to a Henry that is performed by anyone other than HRA or their business partners would nullify the Henry warranty. I expect Jim will get a response from Henry. Please let us know what they have to say. Thanks.

JEBar wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:36 am

it would be interesting to see what / if any difference there is in machining the receiver .... I suspect that some aftermarket outfit is already exploring the possibility

Maybe an 80% receiver?

What would you fit Gene they dont have a 41 yet

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:29 am

What would you fit Gene they dont have a 41 yet

One can hope.

I have looked into this and talked with Henry when the X models first came out. They told me it couldn't be done since all their structure is setup for producing new rifles. Would be great if they would start up a custom shop for special request like that.

As far as a DIY project... it's all about getting the correct location of where to cut the loading gate opening and locating the screw hole for whatever gate you would use. I don't think Henry will be selling any individual parts needed for this anytime soon.

If someone here purchases a new Henry side gate loader it would be nice to have a picture of the lever and shell lifter to see if there is any difference compared to the tube feeder.

Machining the slot is no big deal with rifle properly setup on a milling machine and laying out the location lines. It doesn't have to be the exact shape and could be a simple opening like on a Winchester or Marlin depending on what type gate you use.

Would love to do it on my Henrys though!

Liable to be a while on getting the new side gates.

What's going to happen is around the time they're readily available Ruger/Marlin will have a few surprises, I can't believe Ruger was in the dark on there main competitions big reveal. The pandemic will be over ,many of the first time gun owners will sell there unfired weapons for political correctness and the market will be flooded.. we've seen it before.. be patient my friends and don't hack up a perfectly good tuber

https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/mess ... gBOIBLXli4

See above Henry says no can do

Just talked with a well known shop that does work for Henry about converting the tube feed rifles.

He said it won't work since Henry had to make some strength improvements in the receiver to go along with the side gate.
What they were was not mentioned. So if anyone here get's one a look inside would be cool!

At this point I don't see myself selling the ones I have or buying the same calibers again just for the side feed.

What will the new side gate rifles do to the resale value of the tube only rifles?

Jim0249 wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:32 pm

https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/mess ... gBOIBLXli4

See above Henry says no can do

That link took me to MY mailbox. No email from Henry for me.

GunnyGene wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:23 pm

Jim0249 wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:32 pm

https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/mess ... gBOIBLXli4

See above Henry says no can do

That link took me to MY mailbox. No email from Henry for me.

Got the same thang, Gene.

RP

But the side gate hasn't ever been a deal breaker for me.
Otherwise I would not have a couple of them.

RP

Only deal breaker for me is the continuing discrimination of the 41 mag.

fortyshooter wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:13 pm

At this point I don't see myself selling the ones I have or buying the same calibers again just for the side feed.

agree, I've said it before and still don't find a side gate to be a significant factor .... yep, I do realize that most folks clearly don't agree and have no doubt that Henry will have to kick its production into overdrive to keep up with the demand .... we have 3 tube feeders and wouldn't trade any of them of the same model with a side gate

From a guy who owns both one being a 38-55, to me its a non issue. Its really just a looks thing I think.

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 4:38 pm

Only deal breaker for me is the continuing discrimination of the 41 mag.

Makes me wonder if the round itself is gradually being phased out by ammo makers. It's not a big profit maker for them. Wouldn't surprise me if some ears are being whispered into.

GunnyGene wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:42 pm

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 02, 2020 4:38 pm

Only deal breaker for me is the continuing discrimination of the 41 mag.

Makes me wonder if the round itself is gradually being phased out by ammo makers. It's not a big profit maker for them. Wouldn't surprise me if some ears are being whispered into.

Yep, and glad I load mine own and have two different bullet molds.
Hey Al, should make these a collective item down the road also.


RP