Henry Rifle Forums

I have a Marlin 1894 FG in 41 Magnum that I am not overly content with, and decided that I "need" a BBS in 41 Mag to go with my Ruger Blackhawk Bisley. I know the carbine has the shorter barrel, which I am sure will only have a minimal/ marginal effect on ballistics. Any other considerations you have found? If you have a BBS in either format, how do you like it? If you have both models, which do you like better, and why? What kind of accuracy are you getting from your BBS? Like most 41 Magnum lovers, I reload for it, so if you have a favorite load, don't be shy about sharing! Not adverse to getting one in 357, but want to get the 41 Magnum first. Any inputs are welcome!

I have the BBS in 41 mag and its the full size model. I havent shot it alot but I do like it. I have used Unique with most of my loads and a copper plated berrys bullet. I also have some of the Missouri cast 220 grain loaded up but they are a longer bullet and one must pay attention to OAL when loading them or they come out to long. I havent ever gone far enough with it to find any hunting type loads for it yet. But if I were to do that I use 2400 and a 210 Hornady. I at one time was going to buy the carbine model in the brass but there have been other wants that have derailed that decision. But Im also curious as to why you are dissatisfied with the Marlin?

Full sized vs. Carbine is totally personal preference. Both will shoot well, based on my 357 BBS and what other owners of the 41 Mag (such as Al) have reported.

Same rifle, except for barrel length and loop size.

You can't go wrong either way, and since you'll end up with a 357 some day as well, might as well get the 41 in full size and the 357 Carbine later (or vice-versa)!

I have a 41 BBS with the 20" barrel, got one of the first 250 produced.
Had I known, they said the weren't, they were going to make one in the carbine I would've waited. But,
like Esquared said, the difference between the two is more of the personal preference thing.
Myself I like short barreled leverguns.
I even had a like new Marlin 35 Rem. shortened a year or so ago.
Very handy and didn't affect the accuracy one bit.
But, that said I love this rifle, and it shoots like a dream.

Sadly I haven't worked any true loads up for it yet.
Mine hasn't seen a jacketed bullet since I got it.
Will say that the Carbon 250 gr HC group very well at 50 yds.
I just recently picked up a 268 gr Accurate mold so that is where I will concentrate my load efforts.

I also own a BBB 44 mag, now it's a little heavier but still carries very well.
Like them both, only thing about the steel models is that they don't have the nice bluing the the BBB's have.
As to a favorite, that would be hard to pick.

Now to that Marlin of yours, what is it that you are not liking?
As I always wanted one, to go with the BH.
Should have gotten one a few years ago while they were still affordable.

RP

The first Henry centerfire lever action that I ever handled was the BBBR .357 belonging to a friend; I liked it a lot but it was so heavy. I bought a BBSC in .357 and used it to take 3 whitetails last season. Late summer I bought the same rifle in 41 magnum and it has noticeably more punch. My 41 is extremely accurate and I used it a few days ago to take a buck. The performance was perfect in this sample of one. So my vote would be for the carbine; handiness is paramount in a woods rifle imo. The steel target shows 3 bullet strikes near touching at 104 yards using Lil Gun powder under Speer 210 Deep Curls. The DCs edge out the Hornady XTPs by just a bit in my carbine. The BBSC in 41 is a heck of a rifle.

Can't argue with that.^^^ Nice buck and nice rifle.

I have the carbine, my friend has the full size. Full size shoots a tad better, but i like the carbine handling.

From last year.

Usafa71,

First, I agree with ESquared that it is really "totally personal preference." I've had both the BBB 20" and BBS carbine, and the Carbine was the favorite.

The other Henry comparison models I've hand are in rimfires: the H001 classic, and my current SGC (H001TLP). I'm basing my preference comments to you on the .22 rifles, which I've shot much more, and I prefer the Carbine with the shorter barrel because of its (to me) perfect balance and excellent handling.

Then on the other hand, a very good friend of mine bought the 24" H001TLB model for his first Henry rimfire, the Frontier Model Long Barrel. It carries an octagon barrel, and feels "muzzle-end-heavy" to me. He loves the looks of that barrel, and likes the extra weight, too. And what a difference in the sight radius compared to my 16.5" SGC! He and I sure prefer different barrel lengths on our rifles.

I trust you're enjoying your comparison shopping. Will be interested to learn of your final choice.
Have fun!
PT7

Usafa71 wrote:I have a Marlin 1894 FG in 41 Magnum that I am not overly content with, and decided that I "need" a BBS in 41 Mag to go with my Ruger Blackhawk Bisley. I know the carbine has the shorter barrel, which I am sure will only have a minimal/ marginal effect on ballistics. Any other considerations you have found? If you have a BBS in either format, how do you like it? If you have both models, which do you like better, and why? What kind of accuracy are you getting from your BBS? Like most 41 Magnum lovers, I reload for it, so if you have a favorite load, don't be shy about sharing! Not adverse to getting one in 357, but want to get the 41 Magnum first. Any inputs are welcome!

We have a BBS Carbine and a BBS all-weather rifle in 44Mag - both are excellent. Personally, I like the balance and feel of the 20inch "short rifle" over the 16.5" Carbine, but it is just a personal preference. The Carbine comes with a large loop lever. You should handle both to see what you like - can't go wrong with either one...

.357 Carbine here. Love it. Best long gun I’ve ever owned!

For me the BBS rifle in .357mag. Is perfect for Pennsylvania Whitetails. You won't go wrong with the carbine. Just a matter of taste. I doubt it would even matter ballistically for a woods gun.

...and Greetings from the Show-Me-State, Woodsman. Your first post has racked up another winning point for the BBS .357 Magnum. As you read more on the Forum (or if you have already), you'll see how popular this rifle is for a number of Henry Folk. Enjoy!
PT7

Pa. Woodsman wrote:For me the BBS rifle in .357mag. Is perfect for Pennsylvania Whitetails.

Welcome to the forum from CT, Woodsman. Glad you joined us.

Thank you so much. Love my Henry's. Gotta go. Work, work,work. Pa. Woodsman.

Pa. Woodsman wrote:Thank you so much. Love my Henry's. Gotta go. Work, work,work. Pa. Woodsman.

welcome indeed .... thanks for posting your pictures and comments ....looking forward to seeing many more .... please take a look at our How Many ? thread (link below) and add your Henry rifles to our community's total

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 841#p76841

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Welcome from the TV Oregon!

Pa. Woodsman wrote:For me the BBS rifle in .357mag. Is perfect for Pennsylvania Whitetails. You won't go wrong with the carbine. Just a matter of taste. I doubt it would even matter ballistically for a woods gun.