play in handle BB 357 (Updated with video)

[rfkhunter]

I have a brand new Henry 357, it's seems to me unless in crazy that after 100 rds the lever seems to have more play in it side to side. It's looser than it was out of the box. Screw was a little loose, but tightening it didn't change anything.

Is this normal after breaking it in?

Video link :

https://youtu.be/6uoWF9neuMs

[clovishound]

I had issues with a couple screws loosening after each range session. I bought a set of gunsmith screwdrivers and was able to properly snug down all the screws and have not had an issue since. I don't believe the pivot screw for the lever was one I had issue with.

[Mistered]

Is this normal after breaking it in?

Yes to some degree. There are typically very small, indiscernible 'high' points in the frame channel that made the lever tighter and after wearing them smooth it loosened up a bit - but it is most likely closer to 'normal' now than before. Just don't over-tighten the screw to compensate for the looseness.

[Henry88]

Not with my gun right now, but i would think if there's play, a screw is bottoming out.

Perhaps shortening the screw, or some form of innocuous washer ?

[Henry88]

I have a brand new Henry 357, it's seems to me unless in crazy that after 100 rds the lever seems to have more play in it side to side. It's looser than it was out of the box. Screw was a little loose, but tightening it didn't change anything.

Is this normal after breaking it in?

Not with my gun, but I don't remember any side to side play.

I don't think I would like that.

[rfkhunter]

Great, now im thinking i gotta send it in to Henry. At least they're only 25 min from me

[Mistered]

RFK how much 'Play' are you talking about? Can you somehow measure the 'play' so we have a manageable figure to start with? By virtue of the design there is going to be some 'play' in the lever to frame assembly - it is NOT going to be a 'zero clearance' interface. I have two essentially 'brand new' Winchester Mod 94s (a 1966 and a 1968) and they have more play than my Henry - but this is normal for a Winchester. The 'sad' thing (or good) is my 1899 Winchester Klondike Sporting Rifle has LESS 'play' than my NEWER ones - go figure.

[rfkhunter]

Just put a link in original post to a video of it

[CT_Shooter]

Just put a link in original post to a video of it

That's a lot of side to side movement. Probably too much to be alright. Henry CS should help.

[PT7]

Agree with CT -- too much play in that lever. Go with Henry.

[Rugerfanboy]

Henry Rifles Shim Kits
http://triggershims.com/henry_rifle.html

[rfkhunter]

Damn it! Hate the fact it's brand new and has to go back.

[JEBar]

Damn it! Hate the fact it's brand new and has to go back.

understandable .... on the positive side, I'd recommend you think about it and mention every concern to Henry ... you will get the rifle back in short order and history says, it will be good to go for many years

[Frontiersman]

Reminds me of a Winchester 94.

Does it still function normally?

[rfkhunter]

Yeh functions fine. I'm a stones throw from Henry, hopefully can just drive it over for a quick fix

[PT7]

How cool (and advantageous) that you can drive your Henry to Henry!
Will that stone land in the Bayonne, NJ or the Rice Lake, WI manufacturing facility?
Let us know how that in-person "visit" goes, and the repair outcome of your side-stepping lever.

Best is yet to come.

Yeh functions fine. I'm a stones throw from Henry, hopefully can just drive it over for a quick fix

[rfkhunter]

Bayonne NJ.

[rfkhunter]

Well according to tech on phone it's perfectly normal to have that play in it.

I guess i can't tell him he's wrong lol. All functions fine. Maybe i could put a small shim in between if it becomes an annoying issue lol

[JEBar]

Well according to tech on phone it's perfectly normal to have that play in it.

I guess i can't tell him he's wrong lol. All functions fine. Maybe i could put a small shim in between if it becomes an annoying issue lol

given that you live so close to the factory, if you still have any concerns, I'd strongly consider taking it to them and ask that they have someone look it over

[clovishound]

Hard to say from the video exactly how much play there is there. I looked at mine (BB steel in .357), and it looked like a similar amount of play. H001 had similar play.

Bottom line is some mechanicals have engineered play. Sometimes it is because it is cost prohibitive to reduce the slop. Sometimes there are good reasons to have some extra play.

A tight chamber seems like a good thing. Sometimes it means they are then overly picky about chambering ammo. There are always tradeoffs.