Henry Rifle Forums

When loading though the tube or gate, should the action be open or closed with hammer down?
I realize when topping off through gate it is a different situation.

First, I recommend consulting the owner's manual for a more technical approach. Second, I offer two methods. One, a round can be loaded in the chamber with the action open. This method is probably useful for the rifle bring loaded to maximum capacity. It may also be useful for a quick shot. Two, the action should be closed when loading via the tube or gate. This reduces the possibilities of accidentally hitting the primer, thus ensure safe handling of the ammo and cycling. If you are experiencing an issue with the lever opening during loading, try rotating the tube while inserting it.

The manuals for my two Henrys say to load with the action closed. However, the range where I regularly shoot requires that the action be open while loading. At first, I protested, siting the manual; but they insisted that I follow their rules or leave-- so I do it their way. The ROs are happy and it doesn't seem to matter, at all.

we don't have one with a gate, so all of ours are tube fed .... as noted, for a max load I insert the first directly into the chamber through the ejection port .... close the lever and put the safety on .... the rest are then inserted into the tube .... if using the tube only, I do so with the lever closed and the hammer in safety position over an empty chamber

Jerrysea wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 8:40 am

When loading though the tube or gate, should the action be open or closed with hammer down?
I realize when topping off through gate it is a different situation.

I posted again on this topic. Seems like it was lost. I am trying again, hope this shows up.
Thank you for responding.
I quoted some info. from my manual about loading. That was the reason I asked, about proper loading. It seem to say two different things.
I am understanding now, that the action per Henry should be closed.
I also shoot at a range that they want actions open, so apparently it will do no harm to load with the action open.

Ive always loaded mine with the action closed. Marlin and Henrys.

Very likely, your post wasn't lost -- it just wasn't ever submitted. Occasionally, we can submit a post to a thread at just the same moment that another member is submitting or a moment after another member has just submitted his/her comment. When that happens, the screen refreshes and it may look like our post went through normally, but it didn't. We would need to click "submit" again. I know it sounds weird, but it's the result of dueling, simultaneous submissions.

If you notice that this has happened after you have moved on to another screen, just use the back button on the browser a few times to return to your editing window. Your comment should still be there and it can be re-submitted.

Jerrysea wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 10:29 am

I posted again on this topic. Seems like it was lost.

Yes, the simultaneouseous submissions do happen( I've done it!). As per loading, I'm with BigAl and others, action closed.

Jerrysea wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 10:29 am

I also shoot at a range that they want actions open, so apparently it will do no harm to load with the action open.

I've had a round to get jammed when loading the tube with the action open and getting it loose proved to be a challenge .... given, it doesn't appear to be common but there have been other reports of the same on this form .... hence, the reason I load our with the lever closed

Interesting. I have not been at a range (public, private, military or state) that went against a firearm manufacturer's recommendation. I guess it is like reloading. It can be done safely. But, a firearm manufacturer's may not assume liability for any damage or harm caused by the use of them. It seems like a range may be heading down a road that could open it up to liability, by going against firearm manufacturer's recommendation and requiring people to load with the action open.

Closed action. IMO.

I load action closed.

I have shot Marlin 22s since the early 70s and always loaded action closed, do the same with my Henrys. Never had a problem.