Using the new side loading gates?

[PATOKARI]

Now that there are more "new" Henry side loading gates out there, will any of you post your reviews of using them? I've had other lever rifles that seemed to be finger pinchers and some were annoyingly a pain in the rear. Although there are times that I wished my Henry's had side gates for just one more round or two at the range. I certainly enjoy the ease of loading and unloading my Henry's by the use of the mag tube. Hopefully the new side gates will be easier to use than the other models I've had so we could have best of both worlds!

[Oksrt]

Still waiting on my side gate. My marlins have Ranger Point loading gates, much better. Would like to hear reports as well.

[wolfman]

The one on my 357 X is a hair lighter than on my Marlin 94, & definitely less finicky about getting the cartridge angled just right.

[wjv16]

Use one round to push the one in front of it in. Prevents the finger pinch.

[Steve51]

I recently purchased the BBS .44 Carbine with the side gate. I may be odd but I never had a problem with the Henry loading tube. I had a Braztech R92 for a while and I hated the side gate. I even did a Steve Gunz job on that rifle including removing part of the loading gate spring. It still pinched my fingers.
I have used the side gate on this new Henry some and it has pinched my fingers some. I still like the loading tube best but I am sure that I will use the side gate also.
The Henry side gate models probably reduced the values of my pre side gate models but I never planned to sell them anyway.

[markiver54]

The Henry side gate models probably reduced the values of my pre side gate models but I never planned to sell them anyway.

Ya never know...might increase the value some.

[fortyshooter]

Depends on the rifle. I have a nice Uberti/Winchester 1873 in 45 Colt and it loads like butter....no pinch. Have the Rossi Ranch Hand and it can be an issue sometimes. Think they cut the gate a bit short for 45 Colt.

[Conax]

The Henry side gate models probably reduced the values of my pre side gate models but I never planned to sell them anyway.

Ya never know...might increase the value some.

I think it will reduce them for now, but as the tube loaders become scarce, and Henry finally stops making them the collectors will want to have one and the prices will recover. It makes no difference to me. My Henrys aren't for sale.
Fact is the ability to top off the magazine would be most important to General Custer's last couple troopers.
Me at the range or out deer hunting?

nope.

[fortyshooter]

Maybe modify the tube only loaders with a bottom gate to load like a Remington 870 !

[markiver54]

Maybe modify the tube only loaders with a bottom gate to load like a Remington 870 !

Now there's a thought!

[geezerjohn]

As mentioned in another posting....

My first Henry - a 30-30 H009X - has what I perceive to be a rather high loading gate spring tension. Combined with what I also perceive to be some sharp edges, and you have a less-than-pleasant loading experience.
Plan A is to order a back-up loading gate or two and then do a slow & controlled removal of part of the spring. Some sandpaper and a wooden dowel section should help with the sharp edges.

And.... does anyone out there have an idea if any of the Marlin 30-30 replacement gates out there (RPP?) might fit, or be adapted????
TIA

geezerjohn

[jrc111]

Here’s the trim on my H012X loading gate:

[GFK]

Looks study. Have you modified it some?

[geezerjohn]

THANKS!
Exactly the info I was looking for!
Now if only some of the online ammo places would get back to me regarding the waiting list for 30-30:)

geezerjohn

[GFK]

Looks study. Have you modified it some?

I think that I see the filing now. The two photos look very different. Thought two different items. Guess not.

[jstanfield103]

When filing the edge especially. Make sure there is no filing marks left. That will be where it is the weakest points and cause a stress fracture.

[Grunt67]

I've only used one side gate rifle. I borrowed a 30-30, think it was a Marlin, not sure. That gate was hard on fingers. Did kill a deer
with it, cleaned the gun & took it back home.

[brianpa]

I cut my teeth on a Mod.94 30-30 and have never had a problem with any side gate pinching my finger and now I have the Henry 30-30 side gate and haven't pinched a finger yet the spring is a little on the stiff side but it should loosen with time.

[Kissmybrass]

My 45-70 out of the box loads easy with the push-a-cartridge with a cartridge technique. The last one goes in fairly easy with my thumb. Guessing it'll ease up a bit through the years? I tried tube loading but the tube was really hard to get through the 4 cartridges without shaking and rattling the rifle. Got a little annoyed with that. Glad it side loads