Need advise on action problem with 357 Steel Carbine

[MadCityJack]

Today while at the range for the third time with my new Henry Steel Carbine in 357, I noticed the lever action started to have problems. I had to work the action harder to seat a round in the chamber and a couple of times a round became caught in the receiver and I had to wiggle it free. Definitely not as smooth as when I first got it. I thought it might be due to using Hornady Leverevolution cartridges but it also did it with Sellier & Bellot .357, 158g cartridges. The action "catches" or meets resistance now on closing the lever even with no rounds in it. I will inspect the bolt to see if there are any obvious problems, but please provide direction. Thank you, Jack

[CT_Shooter]

The action "catches" or meets resistance now on closing the lever even with no rounds in it. I will inspect the bolt to see if there are any obvious problems, but...

That's a bummer, MCJ. I know what it feels like when something goes wrong with an otherwise beautiful Henry. A quick call to Customer Service on Monday morning will provide you with the best advice, but it does sound to me like your carbine is about visit the factory for a checkup.

[MadCityJack]

Good news. I took out the bolt, cleaned it, wiped off factory grease and cleaned with Ballistol, and also cleaned out the chamber (and while at it, the barrel), and put it back together and cycled the action repeatedly. Result: smooth again. However, I do think it odd that it became so rough. I do have an email in to Henry Customer Service. I inspected the pieces I could see and saw no significant evidence of metal rubbing.

[JEBar]

good to hear that cleaning seems to have resolved the issue .... I know that with ours that, over time, the actions become much smoother with use

[ditto1958]

Jack, while you're sitting in your recliner, watching old Deadwood episodes, work the action. After awhile, clean and lube it, and work it some more. Over time, it will get really smooth.

[MadCityJack]

Unfortunately, after cleaning, lubing and a beautiful range to shoot on (Sheriff allows public to use law enforcement training facilities on the weekends!), the Henry jammed again after about 30 rounds. Firing was not continuous. Looks like the extractor got caught on the edge of the receiver. To get out the cartridges (a spent one and a live one), I had to pull back/bend the retractor and dig out the cartridges. So, sent the Henry back to Rice Lake, WI facility to see what they could do. Was shooting 158 g, 357 American Eagle (Federal Ammo).

[CT_Shooter]

...sent the Henry back to Rice Lake, WI facility...

Keep us posted. I'm pretty certain you'll be satisfied with the result.

[MadCityJack]

...sent the Henry back to Rice Lake, WI facility...

Keep us posted. I'm pretty certain you'll be satisfied with the result.

I picked up my Henry steel carbine at UPS today. It was repaired by H.W., "DEBURRED, ALSO SMOOTHED OUT ACTION, FEED RAMP AND CHAMBER." The extractor had caught on the edge of the receiver a couple of times so I thought that would have had to be replaced; it wasn't. Nonetheless, the action feels very smooth and I am eager to get out on the range with this rifle and shoot at 50 and 75 yards. I have been working with my new Marlin 336s 30-30 and I am liking it but there is something very special about the Henry. Will get back after some range time.

[JEBar]

looking forward to your coming reports