Henry Rifle Forums

I just picked up my new Henry BB Steel carbine in 357
The finish is great, the fit-sightly uneven matching of wood to metal-nothing to be concerned about
I am however puzzled by the loose wiggle of the lever when open-is this common?
I have tried tightening the screw that holds the lever to the action

Check out TriggerShims.com if you want to take out the play in your lever. I've got their shims in three of our Henry levers. Nice mom & pop outfit - made in the USA.

It's safe to say that it's normal for there to be some play when the lever is open. The shims are an interesting thought to me, too.

Plus one on triggershims.com. Have used their products and they are very nice folks.

The wiggle is normal and dare I say NEEDED. Over tightening the foremensioned screw is NOT the proper fix. If the wiggle or slop is excessive or if it bothers you, buy the shims.

thank you to everyone!-and North Country Gal I remember your good advice from the Ruger Board!

All mine have it as well. The large loops seem to be worse. I intend to install some shims as well soon in mine.

thank you I have the large lever
according to Henry Customer service it is common and not an issue

Remember, the tighter the fit between parts, the less room there is for crud/dirt/carbon/etc. Tight fitting parts also have a tendency to bind and or gall if improper lubrication is used. A little slop can be desirable for reliability. I'm not saying the fit should be excessively loose, but a little clearance is a good thing. For example a USGI 1911 rattles like a bag of bolts. It should however keep going even when absolutely filthy. A hand fitted custom 1911 that is tight as a drum might be satisfying to handle but it most certainly does not have the reliability of the USGI. Just something to consider.

From someone who's first levers were post 64 Winchester 94's, I don't think the Henry's wiggle much at all.

Although the shims might feel like an improvement, I don't think they add any real advantage.

I guess my Henry center fires have a little wiggle but I never really noticed it that much. It is nice to know about triggershims. There is a wealth of knowledge shared on this sight and I really appreciate that.

thanks to everyone!