How to remove bolt from new side gate BB models

[gregw72]

I've seen this question posted several times on the net and never saw an answer: how do you remove the bolt from the new Big Boy Side Gate models. I have 2x Henry Big Boy Steel in the non side gate version and all you do is remove the lever, hold the hammer back and pull out the bolt and ejector. Not so on the new 357 Mag side gate that I have. The hammer will not go down far enough to allow the bolt to come out. My new 44 Mag Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate in 44 Mag does come out properly. My 7 other Marlins come apart just like my non side gate Henry's too. I really want to clean the bore better than with a bore snake as I am using lead and do not want to clean from the muzzle. Conversely, I do not want to have to take the gun apart to get the bolt out. I am comfortable taking Marlins and Henry's apart to the last bolt, but would prefer not to. It seems Henry left too much meat on top of the hammer to me.

[Kissmybrass]

That's odd – My 45-70 side gate bolt removal is as easy as the older tube loader .357
They must have changed the hammer shape or is there no channel in the bottom of the bolt so it all slides out?
I just researched the other complaints and wow there are a lot. Hope they fix this issue. Some say live with it but I really like having the bolt coming out the back without taking the whole gun apart. Henry will definitely fix any and all problems though.

[gregw72]

I hope you are right. Just got the gun and was going to clean it before taking it to the range. I've started a warranty claim. It took a LONG time to get both the 357 and 44 Mag Big Boy Side Gates due to COVID. I sure hope their CS department is not backed up.

[Kissmybrass]

I'm emailing my guy there and he replied pretty quick but added the non-side gate video. I asked him to physically grab a side gate big boy in .357 or .44 and get back with me and he will within a day or so. I have my sights on a x model and they are doing the same thing from what I've read.

[Kissmybrass]

Here's the response...

If you were to have a problem removing the bolt from your side-gate rifle, you would be able to send the gun back for our repair shop to inspect and repair under warranty.

To file a claim, please go to our website and file a new warranty claim by following the instructions there to create a new request:

https://www.henryusa.com/henry-warranty/

As soon as we are able to approve your claim, a prepaid UPS return-shipping label will be generated and an email sent out with it to cover the cost of shipping the rifle, which includes insurance. You will also receive another email with an HWS claim # and shipping instructions.

Please note: Due to local and federal COVID-19 virus condition restrictions, and resulting delays, there is a considerable backlog of claims and inquiries that we must work through. As a result, UPS labels and servicing may take longer than normal until the public health issue is resolved.

We ask for your understanding in these unprecedented times and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Kind of generic responses but at least it's covered for the life of the rifle. Gotta love that.

[gregw72]

Cool. Thanks for that info. It's encouraging they know they have a problem and will fix it. Waiting for my claim to be approved.

[Kissmybrass]

Please contact me and lemme know how that all went

[leverjc]

I wonder how the factory installed the bolt in the first place. When I reassemble my BBS after disassembly for cleaning I always slide the bolt in last.

[gregw72]

If you watch the Henry video on how to disassemble and assemble your ride, the bolt and extractor are the first things to go in. Next is the lifter and bolt block, then the whole trigger group with hammer. Last is the hammer spring and stock.

[gregw72]

Got the rifle back and Henry replaced the hammer. Now the bolt comes out as it is supposed to.

[Kissmybrass]

Got the rifle back and Henry replaced the hammer. Now the bolt comes out as it is supposed to.

Awesome! The turnaround wasn't too bad was it?

[gregw72]

No, it wasn't. Took about 3 days each way from Oregon to Wisconsin. Henry had both rifles for under 3 days. CS was good, just wish I didn't have to use them.

[bailagent100]

Gents, I'll use my first post here to ask if there's any information that confirms Henry is no longer shipping the Big Boys in .357 Magnum with over-sized hammers? I'd like to think my recently produced unit was shipped without that issue. Thanks for any insight you might provide. (Just trying to avoid opening up the rifle 'til I get some more rounds through it, if possible.)

[DsGrouse]

Interesting, I pulled my 45lc bolt out without issue. It had some nasty sticky oil on it. I did not clean it before shooting like I normally would. I am glad to read that Henry took care of the problem.

[fortyshooter]

A bit off the topic but is Henry making the side gates in the CCH finish? I have yet to see one.

[DsGrouse]

I thought there was a guy on here with a 357 and a CCH finish.

[pennsylvaniapete]

Pennsylvaniapete residing in Texas territory just took deliver of a new .357/.38 rifle. It is CCH, side gate loading, 20 in octagon barrel. Straight stock. It was made in the middle of June. No problem with removing the bolt.

Took it to range yesterday…..no problem with .357 ammo or .38 ammo

[jstanfield103]

One thing about Henry. For the most part they will do their best to satisfy any problems that they have caused and most problems that you have caused. Great company.

[Ernie]

[quote=fortyshooter post_id=197260 time=1650632545 user_id=2338]
A bit off the topic but is Henry making the side gates in the CCH finish? I have yet to see one.
[/quote

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Here is my 357 carbine.

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