Big Boy 45 Colt

[White Squirrel]

Stockpile is good...just talked to store and they have a BB 45 Colt, new in box, with my name on it...so far the plan is to head up to the city on the weekend.

Good news. Wish we could see the grin on your face the first time you shoot it!

[Frank V]

When you get it we'd sure like a range report.
Thanks

[RanchRoper]

This time tomorrow I'll be putting the Big Boy through its paces. Can't wait!

[Frank V]

We'll be waithing bet it's nice.

[RanchRoper]

Shot my new 45 Colt Big Boy for the first time last night. At a friends ranch not a range. He hunts with a Winchester '94 30-30 and was shooting it also. Here's a sort of range report:
I cannot believe how accurate my Henry is right out of the box. I find it very easy to use the sights, and pick up the target quickly. I'm 59 years old, and expected to have a little more difficulty with the sights due to aging eyes but only my second shot blew a hole clean through a tin can sitting on top of a fence post at what my buddy estimated at 80-90 yards. I was shooting 255 gr Hornady cowboy loads LFN, and the thump that slug makes surprised us both. I read that cowboy action loads were wimpy? I'm not an experienced shooter but it sure seemed to have plenty of power. It was taking notches out of an old fence post at 100+ yards. Reasonably accurate from what we could see up to about 150 yards (again, more than expected); after that I'd have to play with the sights. Not sure how much drop you'd get beyond that anyway. But last night was just mainly to shoot it and experiment a little with the distance. It handles well, with very little recoil. Even the noise is not an issue, which is good news for my horses. His 30-30 has a way bigger Kaboom than the Henry. I find the weight of the gun nice, it really feels substantial in my hands. The action cycles well, every cartridge fed perfectly and ejected well. You do have to operate the lever with authority though, if you wienie-arm it, I can see how it might jam. But 40 rounds went through it last night and zero issues. My buddy shot it too, and could not believe how smooth the action is. Not to mention it looks real old school cool! Look forward to taking it to the local range and will post some target/groups when I do.
What an awesome rifle! I'm pretty darn happy with my choice of caliber. Thanks again for everybody's help and $.02 worth.

ps...this is my first rifle, and other than last night I've not shot much. A common theme on many rifle forums I see is "how much stopping power?" do certain calibers / rifles have for big game (seems most everybody talks about bears). I am just guessing but the lead I was shooting last night seemed pretty darn powerful to me, and the guy I was with said so too and he's an experienced hunter. Anyhow, I'm fairly confident that this rifle & caliber are a formidable combo to carry in the back country. With luck I'll never need to prove it as I don't go looking for trouble out there and try to use my head so as not to put myself or horse at risk. But having the Henry in the scabbard won't be a bad thing for sure.

[CT_Shooter]

It's not really surprising that you're happy with it. Thanks for the great, detailed report about the first outing with your new rifle. Congratulations!

[PT7]

I can easily relate to much of what you did on your first time out with a new Henry. It was a good reminder to me of my first range times with my .357 Big Boy. Interesting. So many new-out-of-box Henrys act the same way! They work well, shoot accurately, and are as smooth as silk. Another validation post that the Henry RAC knows how to put together a rifle!

Best of all, Ranch Roper, was reading how much fun you had with your "awesome rifle," and coming away "happy with your choice of caliber." An excellent experience with your first rifle.

Enjoy and be safe. Thanks for sharing a great report on your rifle. It will do well riding along in the scabbard!

[RanchRoper]

I can easily relate to much of what you did on your first time out with a new Henry. It was a good reminder to me of my first range times with my .357 Big Boy. Interesting. So many new-out-of-box Henrys act the same way! They work well, shoot accurately, and are as smooth as silk. Another validation post that the Henry RAC knows how to put together a rifle!

Best of all, Ranch Roper, was reading how much fun you had with your "awesome rifle," and coming away "happy with your choice of caliber." An excellent experience with your first rifle.

Enjoy and be safe. Thanks for sharing a great report on your rifle. It will do well riding along in the scabbard!

....did I mention that I LOVE this rifle?

[White Squirrel]

Congratulations, RanchRoper! Great report and glad you like (LOVE) it so much. Look forward to hearing (seeing) more about it.

[daytime dave]

Thanks for your report. I'm glad it shot so well for you. A tin can at 80 to 90 feet is pretty good. That 45 colt will do fine if you ever need it in the field. I'm glad you like it.