Long Ranger problems repaired: Customer Service & rifle report

[Gregorsway]

A Henry Long Ranger followed me home late November. I tried to frighten it away...but it followed me like a hungry, stray animal.

What can I say? I was intrigued by the sleek design of the Henry Long Ranger. I'm a .308W bolt guy from way back...probably own 8 or more of them so it was time to go lever gun. The Henry Long Ranger fit the bill.

After scoping it out, I hurried to my 100-meter range to sight it in. The bore sight put me on the paper on my first shot at 25 yards. Two shots later I was printing low and to the right at 100. As I was sighting in after each shot, I noticed my spent cartridges weren't extracting and kicking out- but I attributed that to being on the bench rest. So I shot my final 3 shot grouping with single rounds. The groups were not exceptionally close- but I've yet to work with any other loads yet. I would have hunted with the rifle that day.

It was then I decided it was time to stand and fire rapidly cycling through four rounds. After the first shot, I quickly worked the lever and that is where my troubles began. Apparently, a gear sheared during the process leaving my bolt rearward with no purchase of the gears to send it back into the chamber. Was I disappointed? Sure I was! But my rifle had shot well and I am not one to give up that easily.

I left the range and made a call to my local gun shop and they said to STOP what I was doing and bring my Henry back in its original box. I did just that and also sent an email to Mr. Anthony Imperatore telling him of my situation. It didn't take long to hear back from Henry! Just like he promises, Mr. Imperatore stands behind his rifles- mine would be no different.

I impressed upon him that I was a "hunter" and not a "collector" of firearms, and it was nearing the end of my big game season. All points were taken..and not lightly. Not a day or two later, I received an email stating that I had some gear coming at no charge from the Henry Pride Store. This gesture of goodwill sutured up my wounds nicely and gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. No manufacturer of anything I've ever owned has done such a thing! It was great! My local gun shop was floored by my treatment.

After that, it was let the waiting game begin. I played email tag with one of his customer service reps and they were nothing short of fabulous answering my questions and keeping me abreast of my rifles status. It did take two weeks to get it back- but I can report it is now functioning as it should and feels just as slick as it looked the first time I saw it. The Made in America and backed by a stand-up owner really means something to me...and I wanted to pass the good karma along.

If you are thinking about a Henry I can unequivocally say GO FOR IT!! It tested my patience but was well worth learning about Henry's invaluable customer service and warranty work! I will have future range reports hopefully with photos for posterity...maybe even a nice buck underneath my Henry!

[CT_Shooter]

... I will have future range reports hopefully with photos for posterity...maybe even a nice buck underneath my Henry!

Great story, Gregorsway. Thanks for sharing it with us.

I look forward to your range reports and photos of that buck.

[Deadwood Dutch]

Thanks, that is a great report. Glad to hear that the problem was resolved quickly and efficiently. That's what they do. I wish you good shooting and hunting with your rifle.

[PT7]

Your well-stated report/compliments to Henry and Anthony Imperato didn't surprise me in the least...and I did enjoy reading it a lot.
It is a reverberating echo that floats around our Forums quite often. Henry has got it all together to the Nth degree with their quality rifles and exceptional CS.

Glad your Long Ranger is ready for the hunt. Definitely would like to see your rifle posing with a deer harvest!
Enjoy.

[Steve51]

Very glad your problem is resolved!

None of like to have problems with a new firearm purchase but it does happen and seems to be more frequent nowdays but I do believe HRAC is really serious about satisfying their customers.

I also received personal communication and gift items from Mr. Imperato when I had a problem with my .45-70 mag tube. Henry redesigned the mag tube and upgraded my rifle and I have been perfectly satisfied with it.

[Sir Henry]

Great story but it is what we now expect from Henry. Their customer service is creating a cult following.

[biglever]

What yr were the mag tube problems.
Iam looking at a used Henry 45-70,
Have to Go back and take a close look at. It.

[Hack]

Great story. Customer service is what we have all come to expect from Henry along with the way their products have a tendency to follow many of us home.

[PMC]

What yr were the mag tube problems.
Iam looking at a used Henry 45-70,
Have to Go back and take a close look at. It.

Mag tube issues happened when the first 45-70s came out. Some had issues where the mag tube would get bent at the end of the tube. The tube was not beefy enough. Henry redesigned and switched to buckhorn sites. I hear if you have one or buy one with the old tube that Henry will replace the tube/barrel with the updated beefy version and buckhorn sites. If you google search Henry 45-70 tube issues you should get plenty of info.

[biglever]

Thanks for the info, middle of the week , going back to check it out.

[Dub]

Outstanding resolution to your issue.

Thanks for the update. It inspires me to go with future Henry guns. I have been wanting a lever .308 WIN and a .45/70 for years....I'd always sorta just thought I'd get a BLR and an 1895 Marlin. Well, two refinements to my plans....1) 2017 will be the year I add both to my meager arsenal 2) both will be Henry's

Glad to hear it worked out well for you and I'm confident if I ever have any issues that they'll take care of them in similar fashion.

[Gregorsway]

Thanks for your comments, Dub. You know this problem could have turned south if Henry didn't respond in the way they did concerning my problems.

I'm happy to report, my Long Ranger is grouping tightly at 100 meters with the limited time and ammo selection I have at this time. The events of the holiday season seem to sap most of my time and energy in other areas- but I've stolen a few moments on the range with my Henry and it is functioning as it should and producing better than acceptable groups. One group with Black Hills ammo produced an honest cloverleaf with 3 shots and I had a flyer of course to bring me back down to earth.

I just love the handiness of the Long Ranger- it fits so well in the hand and readily shoulders and aims so well. It's raining here in NC as I type and I am not taking my new Henry dancing in these conditions. She's just too pretty to get wet. I have other rifles for inclement conditions.

Proceed with great confidence and post your rifle after you do! Cheers!

[Dub]

Cool.


BTW.....born and raised in Eastern NC.


Vinegar sauce on my bbq is how I roll.

[Gregorsway]

Vinegar base is how we like it here as well...I grew up on Lexington BBQ- some of the best in our State! Small world isn't it?