New Henry Long Ranger (5.56) range report: huge disappointment

[NHshtr]

Just for folks thinking of getting a Long Ranger, I recently got one in .243 Win (late December). It works really well and it shoots tight groups with the load I've worked up. No feeding or extraction problems.
The only thing I'd improve is the magazine release. The release mechanism is a hokey design, and difficult to work when a scope is mounted. But not that big a deal, and I'd certainly buy again.

I'm sure returning to Henry will get a good result.

[John E Davies]

The only thing I'd improve is the magazine release. The release mechanism is a hokey design, and difficult to work when a scope is mounted.

That is strange, why does a scope make it harder?

Can the chamber be single loaded with the mag in place, or removed? A single shot tray would be nice for bench shooting and load development. Maybe somebody could 3D print a replacement mag follower, or a complete dummy mag like this one. ... https://www.ebay.com/itm/CZ-455-457-17 ... 1438.l2649

John Davies
Spokane WA

[Vaquero]

Hey Toy first off sorry to hear of the problems.
Like you said I'm sure the rifle was test fired, but
that being said I know that most companies only test fire 2 rounds.
So the mag. was most likely not filled to capacity.
Just my two cents worth on that part.

RP

[NHshtr]

John Davies,
Having a scope mounted makes it difficult, sounds strange, I know. pressing the release button should allow the magazine to drop out. But mine at least, doesn't. The magazine has to be pulled out while pressing the button. If carrying the rifle and wanting to remove the magazine, it would be easiest to get an over the top grip while pulling the magazine down with the other hand. But the scope prevents an over the top grip. I polished the sides of the magazine to allow it to drop out a bit easier. Works OK, but the design could be better.

To answer your question as to single loading with the magazine in, yes, it's easy to load one at a time.
Hopefully My Toy will get quick turn-around service from Henry. They have a good reputation for that.

[My Toy]

Update on returned to factory Henry Long Ranger in 5.56: Henry sent me a return label and I was able to drop it off at ups on 2/9/21; tracking and Henry repair order said it arrived in WI on 2/15/21. Got an update this morning on the on-line repair order with a tracking number for return of the rifle on today's date (2/17/21). No information on my on-line repair order as to what the problem was or what was done to fix it. I'm guessing it was a problem with the bolt carrier. That seems like an incredible turn around time. Has anyone here returned a Henry rifle and gotten an explanation as to what was fixed?

[BigAl52]

There will be a work order in your box as to what was done. Thats what took place last time I returned one.

[JEBar]

I didn't receive any details about the repairs from Henry .... what we did get was a smooth shooting rifle ...

[joc1212]

I'm very disappointed in the accuracy of my Long Ranger in 308.
I've tied 7 different factory loads and get patterns not groups.
The rifle has been sent back to Henry and they seem to think the accuracy is OK.
I don't know how to post photos on here but would be happy to do so.
I traded in a great Browning BLR for this Henry......big mistake!!!
If anyone knows of a factory load that will come close to a 2" group I'd really appreciate knowing what it is.

[BigAl52]

How about giving us a clue of the 7 different loads you have tried.

[leverjc]

Welcome to the forum. I would contact Henry again with pics of your groups and the loads you used. I have own two henry's and returned them to the company nine times. Henry will eventually make it right or return your money. If the rifle is shooting patterns it probably is not the load but something wrong with the rifle. I can't explain how to load pics but I think there is a section that explains it.