Henry Rifle Forums

Last Summer, I picked up a Henry .22. Always wanted one, and the forces of the universe came together and I got one. Funny thing, I had an issue with the new rifle, and went to the website to see what I might do to correct the issue myself. There on the site was Anthony's Message. I emailed him... on a Sunday Morning. I didn't want to drive the 90 minutes back to Cabala's to return the rifle, and I was the department's Glock armorer for ten years... I figured that I'd hear back from Henry in a week or two. I got a reply THAT afternoon, from Anthony, from his Hotel room, where he was chilling waiting to start his week on the Road. We chatted for a half hour, and this led to Anthony himself seeing that my issue was taken care of.

With Customer Service like that, I went right out and picked up my next Henry, the .357 Big Boy Carbine. I ordered and installed the Skinner Sights. They went on easily and were just the ticket for aging eyes. Not that I'm getting old (er), just my vision is not what it used to be. The fact that the sights look great is just a bonus. My first groups with the new .357 carbine were pretty good for an old guy with aging eyes. I ordered 250 357 cases and got set up to reload some .357... I was excited.



I was so impressed with the two rifles, that I told Anthony in an email that I would probably buy a 45-70 next, just because. I didn't need a Moose Gun... I don't hunt anymore, haven't since my time in the Corps. I don't mind those who do... I just choose not to these days. I still shoot a lot, handguns mostly, and a few rifles. But being old, and all the kids grown with their own kids, you can buy a few things you don't need these days.

But, unexpected things sometimes put a crick in your plans. In September of last year, I stepped out on the deck while we were cleaning the spa, not knowing the wife still had the bleach on the decking treating for mold. Bleach on moldy deck boards is slicker than duck snot. One step, and I was a goner. Left foot shot out like a rocket and I looked like that Hippo in Disney's Fantasia. Picture a BrokenolMarine in a Pink Tutu, sailing thru the air, just without the grace and agility of the Hippo...

Yup, I fell. I shattered my femur. A clean break just above the titanium knee, but the worst of it was the spiral fracture that ran from the just above the break all the way to the hip. When I looked down I saw the right foot pointing to the right, 90 degrees. Of course I already KNEW it was broken. I heard the snap, and FELT the break. Looking back now, it's kinda funny. (No... not really.)

Over my career, I have had 21 surgeries, including the repair on that break, but I never felt pain like this one. After my medflight, I spent a month in the hospital and the next five in therapy working on walking again. I haven't been back on the range since the fall, but things are looking up. I should be able to shoot again in the near future, as well as getting back in the kayaks to fly fish this year.

Once I am up and about, I just might be ready to add another Henry to the safe. If I do, it might just be that Big One, the 45-70, just to hear the big Boom, and wait for the neighbor to call to see what I'm shooting. He's a hunter and a shooter, and always interested. Or it might be the .223 version since I keep that ammo on hand. So many Henrys... So little space in the vault.

That is a very nice photo of you with your Henry and a very interesting read of your conversation with Anthony. Sorry about your mishap and I hope you are feeling better.

Glad to read your story, Marine --- especially that "things are looking up."

And you're spot on about Anthony Imperato's focus on great CS. He does it exceptionally well.
Plus love that .357 Henry carbine you chose. That is a great caliber, and excellent rifle.

Take care, and heal well.

Hope you recover from your injury to the point that you are "as good as new" and can get out and shoot a lot again.

Thanks to you all. I just got to the point where I can walk a very short distance with a cane. Ten to twenty yards, then a short rest is required. The knees, the right hip and femur all whine. They aren't team players. I do okay with the walker if I don't get greedy. Everything in moderation. The wheelchair is still my friend for long days. It shouldn't be much longer until I can at least roll myself out to the range with the walker. A month or so, I hope.

And I hope so, too. I greatly admire your fortitude and determination. Best of luck and keep us posted.

What a story. I laughed and I cried.

Wives can be and are dangerous. I came home one day and the wife had put the "clear" plexiglass table top on the kitchen floor. I did not know I was able to surf in my kitchen. Always killed myself flying across the kitchen floor on that thing. The wife and daughter took off running in different directions knowing they would survive their stupidity if they could stay away long enough for me to cool off.

First let me say thank you for your service. Great photos and you do have a way with words. The image of you in a pink tutu is now stuck in my head......thanks.
I look forward to your next range report just let your body tell you when it is ready.

Semper Fi buddy! Great image of you trying to defy gravity. Having worn a tutu in a comedy routine, I know just what you mean. Heal well and soon. Looking forward to more from you.

Wow, what a story. Looking forward to some range reports from you in the future!

And there is more to the story. I had recommended Henry to BOM on our woodworking forum. He ended up with a large loop !ever he couldn't use in the process of trying to fix his original .22. So, he graciously sent it to me gratis.

C!ovispup and I continue to enjoy it.

You will love that .45-70 - when you get around to it.

Cofisher wrote:Semper Fi buddy! Great image of you trying to defy gravity. Having worn a tutu in a comedy routine, I know just what you mean. Heal well and soon. Looking forward to more from you.

Really? Any chances of you posted pics of the tutu thing? I can always use an extra laugh or three.

"Kudos to you for donning the pink."

One of my former Marines, now long retired, holds an annual tutu trot in VA Beach to raise money for the "Susan B. Komen Fund."
Picture a six foot two hundred thirty pound harley riding bald bearded heavily tattooed former Marine, in a large pink tutu, leading a group of hundreds... all in tutus, on a five k charity run. Men, women, and children. They raise more money every year, and his event gets larger. (He was one of me Avionics Corporals, back in the 80s, when I was his Staff Sergeant.) I would go down and run, but...
My wheelchair is an unfair advantage... lol. I always send a check.

Thank you for your service. God bless you and yours.

Good post and thanks for sharing.

Semper Fidelis!

Cate
PS: I use a cane on and off including when I shoot at my range. http://www.wmfga.org/