Deciding on first Henry

[JCast265]

Hey everyone, new to the forum and looking to get my first Henry. I've decided on the Big Boy Steel in .357 Magnum but can't make up my mind if I want the Carbine or Rifle version so I'm looking for input.

The primary use for this gun will be fun times on the range punching paper, I may hunt with it at some point but not the primary purpose, any hunting would be within 100 yards. I'd also like it to a good rifle for my wife and eventually daughters to become acquainted with shooting, my wife has only shot her 10/22 and my daughters are several years away from shooting.

Because of this I'm leaning towards the Catbine, it's lighter and I've read on here that it is well balanced and handier, just don't want recoil to be too much or too much muzzle blast and not the craziest about the big Loop but that's something i can change.

So what do you guys that have Carbines think? And of course pictures are welcomed.

[Travlin]

I wouldn't worry about recoil from a .357 rifle unless you are very light weight and vertically challenged.

[tractortad]

I started out with a brass 357 BB and then picked up a brass 44 BB about a year later. I really like the way the carbine handles compared to the full length rifle - if I could only pick one it would be the carbine. The 44 carbine has a lot more recoil than the 357, but that's something I really like about it. If you are worried about recoil with a 357 steel carbine you can always load 38 sp or 38 +P....

[RanchRoper]

I have the classic Big Boy with 20" barrel and I find it quite compact for handling. I have lots of books on the old west and late 1800's and many of them refer to rifles that length as "saddle carbines". I have not seen a Henry carbine with the shorter barrel up close but I don't think the recoil would be bad. Good luck and enjoy your new Henry. Pics when you get it!

[Rugerfanboy]

Hey everyone, new to the forum and looking to get my first Henry. I've decided on the Big Boy Steel in .357 Magnum but can't make up my mind if I want the Carbine or Rifle version so I'm looking for input.

The primary use for this gun will be fun times on the range punching paper, I may hunt with it at some point but not the primary purpose, any hunting would be within 100 yards. I'd also like it to a good rifle for my wife and eventually daughters to become acquainted with shooting, my wife has only shot her 10/22 and my daughters are several years away from shooting.

Because of this I'm leaning towards the Carbine, it's lighter and I've read on here that it is well balanced and handier, just don't want recoil to be too much or too much muzzle blast and not the craziest about the big Loop but that's something i can change.

So what do you guys that have Carbines think? And of course pictures are welcomed.

I don't have a Henry carbine length rifle, both of mine are rifle version length. I don't hunt with my Henry Big Boy 357 Mag but I do with my Henry Big Boy 44 Mag. But, it seems you really want the carbine length and that is what I'd go with. As for the large loop lever, you will most likely eventually start liking it cause it will come in handy during the winter months when you wear gloves. All Henry rifles are just not spring, summer and fall rifles. Once you buy one, you will definitely want to shoot your new Henry rifle during the winter as well. And since you have children, they will want to shoot during the winter months as well. Trust me, a Henry rifle will grow on you. The urge to buy another will probably show it's face after you buy your first one. They are just that nice of a rifle. As for your children and your wife shooting, you can always buy some 38 Special ammo for them to shoot for reason of low recoil.

For me, I bought my Henry Big Boy Steel 44 Mag rifle length barrel (20") for hunting. I also wanted a rifle version for accuracy, so that added to the decision also. Plus....I wanted the somewhat added weight for recoil for the 44 magnum cartridge. Since my 44 Mag rifle was a success, when it came time to buy the Henry Big Boy Steel 357 Magnum, I purchased the rifle version with the 20" barrel. First thing I did to both rifles, I changed to the large loop lever cause of winter shooting with gloves.

Which ever rifle you choose to buy....you will not be disappointed in your purchase. Henry makes awesome rifles and they stand behind them 100%. Below....I included a video of a carbine being shot during a youtube video. It's not the 357 Mag...but you will see some of the carbines aspects.

Enjoy and welcome to a Henry Rifle Forum Board.

Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine - .44 Magnum - Fun, Fast & Accurate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMP-NlxIVxU

[JCN]

For the steel model, I prefer the rifle length model. The extra capacity is nice at the range and it feels very well balanced.

In terms of hearing the carbine feels better balanced, I think that is definitely the case with the brass model because of the heavy octagonal barrel. With the steel model, I don't think it's necessary to cut back on the barrel length and weight.

My first Henry was a Big Boy steel in .357 in rifle length and I think it is perfect.

[Rugerfanboy]

For the steel model, I prefer the rifle length model. The extra capacity is nice at the range and it feels very well balanced.

In terms of hearing the carbine feels better balanced, I think that is definitely the case with the brass model because of the heavy octagonal barrel. With the steel model, I don't think it's necessary to cut back on the barrel length and weight.

My first Henry was a Big Boy steel in .357 in rifle length and I think it is perfect.

Good points. The rifle...which weighs 7 lbs versus the carbine which weighs 6.59 lbs. I don't think the shooter is going to feel the difference between the two rifles.

Big Boy Steel.....Made of Steel, Now In Rifle And Carbine
https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/henry-big-boy-steel/

[clovishound]

I have the BB steel in .357, rifle length. I would opt for the longer version. If you wanted the octagonal barrel model, then the carbine might be preferable. I prefer the weight and balance of the steel over the standard BB. I haven't had a steel carbine length in hand.

Go to a local store that has both and handle them. You will likely find out which you like pretty quickly.

I agree that recoil is not a big issue. Especially with the nice recoil pad that comes on the steel. I find that .38 lower recoil target loads don't have enough recoil for me to enjoy the shooting experience as much as the .357 target loads.

[Steve51]

I have the .357 BB steel with the longer barrel because that is my personal preference. I am almost positive you & your family would be happy with either one.
As far as the large loop goes - I do not have a large loop on any Henry rifle, but wish I did. If you do much cold weather shooting, the large loop would be well suited when using gloves. I shoot mine with gloves in the winter but it ain't pretty.

My advice - get the one that appeals the most to your eye. Once you have one, it will not be long and you will have to have another.

[PT7]

I'm a former owner of the Bronze Big Boy (H006M) and the Big Boy Steel (H012M). BBB had 20-inch octagonal barrel, and the BBS had a 20-inch round barrel. Both lever actions were as smooth as silk, and both rifles were very accurate shooters. Which did I like best? I'd say the BBS because of the lesser weight at 7lbs. The BBB weighed 8.68 lbs, which is due to the better-looking octagonal barrel. Both had standard-sized levers. So really it's up to what you like in looks. Both are excellent rifles.

I'm mainly posting to say you'll not have recoil issues with any of the .357 Magnum Henrys. It is a great caliber, strong enough to hunt white tail deer, and will be excellent for your planned target shooting. If you shoot .38 Special rounds, it will almost feel like you're shooting .22 Magnums -- it's that easy to handle.

Finally, the choice of a carbine. I'd definitely try to find both rifles at your LGS, and just handle them. You'll know then. I now have a Small Game Carbine in .22LR with an octagonal barrel, and absolutely love the balance to this rifle. But I've had the H001 also in a 20" barrel --- both are great, but I prefer the carbine. If I were to get another .357, I'd opt for the carbine in that caliber.

So you have a lot of fun ahead as you decide which .357 Magnum to get. You'll make a great choice with any Henry .357 Magnum Big Boy model. Enjoy-enjoy!

[tractortad]

I'll chime in again about large loop levers. I think they make a Henry rifle's lever easier to cycle - with or without gloves on. When you cycle a Henry with the standard (smaller) loop, you have to move it kind of down and away. When you cycle the large loop you can just kind of push forward - to me it seems easier and more comfortable on the fingers. It may be a personal preference, but you should try cycling both if you can before you choose...

JCast265 - this is a nice little thread you started here. Lot's of good info and advice from dedicated Henry owners. Almost comes across like the "why I own a Henry" videos on HRAC website. I've got two brass big boys and reading this thread has got me thinking now I may need a steel big boy to go with them....

[Sir Henry]

I wouldn't worry about recoil from a .357 rifle unless you are very light weight and vertically challenged.

I agree plus if you are only plinking then 38 special works just fine.

[Sir Henry]

I'll chime in again about large loop levers. I think they make a Henry rifle's lever easier to cycle - with or without gloves on. When you cycle a Henry with the standard (smaller) loop, you have to move it kind of down and away. When you cycle the large loop you can just kind of push forward - to me it seems easier and more comfortable on the fingers. It may be a personal preference, but you should try cycling both if you can before you choose...

JCast265 - this is a nice little thread you started here. Lot's of good info and advice from dedicated Henry owners. Almost comes across like the "why I own a Henry" videos on HRAC website. I've got two brass big boys and reading this thread has got me thinking now I may need a steel big boy to go with them....

I cycle my large loops the same way and after learning how I now cycle the small loop the same way even though I don't need to. It makes it really slick and fast. Its almost like short stroking a lever.

[JCast265]

I'm not worried about the recoil for myself, just for them as they aren't used to rifles. Hearing that the recoil feel is similar to a .22 Mag is nice to hear though.

Yeah I guess I could get used to the big loop, just not something in used to. Definitely need to get out and put hands on some but haven't had the chance yet and wanted to hear from guys who have the hands on with them. Glad to see how quick the thread is progressing, keep it coming.

[Bish1309]

Not to sound like a Debbie downer but I just am not getting used to the larger loop. It's a visual thing for me. Just never liked the look. I may have to pick up a Henry with the larger loop just to debunk how my visual opinion affects my overall opinion.

[clovishound]

I was in the opposite camp. I thought the large loop levers looked cool, but was afraid they would be awkward, unless you needed to wear gloves while operating the lever. I ended up receiving one gratis for my H001. I looks really cool, as I thought it would.

lever by Douglas Boehme, on Flickr

To my surprise, I also found that I liked the way it felt in the hand as well. Do I like it better than the standard loop? Not by a lot, but yes. I am considering buying one for my .357 BB steel.

[Henry88]

I was in the opposite camp. I thought the large loop levers looked cool, but was afraid they would be awkward, unless you needed to wear gloves while operating the lever. I ended up receiving one gratis for my H001. I looks really cool, as I thought it would.

lever by Douglas Boehme, on Flickr

To my surprise, I also found that I liked the way it felt in the hand as well. Do I like it better than the standard loop? Not by a lot, but yes. I am considering buying one for my .357 BB steel.

Pretty nice wood right there. Not what you would expect on a $280 rifle these days.

Not to sound like a Debbie downer but I just am not getting used to the larger loop. It's a visual thing for me. Just never liked the look. I may have to pick up a Henry with the larger loop just to debunk how my visual opinion affects my overall opinion.

As for the visual, those of us up in age are reminded of the TV shows and movies of the 50's and 60's featuring the big loops.

Probably doesn't mean much to the younger crowd.

[clovishound]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdOf5eCuK8g

[Bish1309]

Not to sound like a Debbie downer but I just am not getting used to the larger loop. It's a visual thing for me. Just never liked the look. I may have to pick up a Henry with the larger loop just to debunk how my visual opinion affects my overall opinion.

As for the visual, those of us up in age are reminded of the TV shows and movies of the 50's and 60's featuring the big loops.

Probably doesn't mean much to the younger crowd.

I wouldn't exactly say I'm part of the younger crowd. Knocking on the 60 door here in a couple weeks. I still remember the Rifleman in B&W. Just sayin'.

[RanchRoper]

Not to sound like a Debbie downer but I just am not getting used to the larger loop. It's a visual thing for me. Just never liked the look. I may have to pick up a Henry with the larger loop just to debunk how my visual opinion affects my overall opinion.

I looked at one in the LGS that had a large loop on it and it's not for me. I'm a factory sights, stock lever guy.