Brass vs steel

[BigHoss96]

So I am given the opportunity to hunt in an area where rifles are allowed. I am stuck between buying the 3030 with a brass receiver or a steel receiver. I'm leaning towards the brass receiver but I'm worried more about how the receiver will react with the elements.

[CT_Shooter]

So I am given the opportunity to hunt in an area where rifles are allowed. I am stuck between buying the 3030 with a brass receiver or a steel receiver. I'm leaning towards the brass receiver but I'm worried more about how the receiver will react with the elements.

Welcome to the forum from CT, BigHoss.

I'm sure you'll be hearing from members who have actually taken their Brass Henrys into the field and who can give you some first hand suggestions. I'm not one; I haven't taken mine out hunting (yet). However, with a good coating of wax or other protection, I wouldn't expect that the Brass receiver would be any more vulnerable to the elements than the Steel.

[ESquared]

I've not heard anyone complain about upkeep of brass in the field, but some guys are more protective of it than others.

A couple of other considerations would be weight (the brass is about 1.3 lbs heavier, due to the receiver and octagon barrel) and checkered stocks (which the steel offers and the brass doesn't). I went through the checklist when trying to figure out my BB Steel vs. Classic in 357, and ended up with Steel.

[ESquared]

And I wanted swivel studs, which the steel has and the brass doesn't.

Prefer the unbanded barrel of the steel, too.

Was really torn, as the brass sure is pretty...

[ESquared]

AND, Welcome to the Forum, by the way! Glad you're here!

[The Wiz]

Welcome! I like bright, shiny toys.

[RanchRoper]

Welcome from Alberta.

[Mags]

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Welcome to the forum from the TV Oregon! Please let us know how you discovered our forum in this topic
http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5160

I have the brass .30-30 because I like shiny brass on my Henry. It gets heavy packing it around, so you will likely want to get a sling. As Esquared mentioned it is a little bit heavier than the steel model and doesn't come with swivel mounts. I didn't want to drill the stock so I went with a No-drill Harness Sling from Brass Stacker. I've had mine out in the elements. A good wipe down when it gets damp and buffing of the brass with Renaissance Wax keeps it shiny. Use only a cloth that is 100% cotton. Again 100% cotton. Microfiber, polyester, nylon content cloths can leave fine line scratches in the brass!

If you are interested in the Brass Stacker No-Drill Harness Sling let me know and I will give you a direct email contact. The HR94 sling Brass Stacker has on their site only supports the gen1 Henry .30-30. The tube clamp is too small for gen2 Henry .30-30. I custom ordered (at a discount) their sling without the tube clamp and ordered the right size tube clamp kit from GrovTec. [UPDATE March 5, 2019. My H009B is actually a gen1. gen1 has the larger diameter mag tube. See full update here: http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 536#p60536 ]

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So I am given the opportunity to hunt in an area where rifles are allowed. I am stuck between buying the 3030 with a brass receiver or a steel receiver. I'm leaning towards the brass receiver but I'm worried more about how the receiver will react with the elements.

[TNman]

Beautiful rifle mags...brass vs steel? ...I purchased my first Henry, a steel .357 carbine, after seeing and shooting a friend’s brass/octagon .357. His rifle was/is awesome but HEAVY imo. I went with steel for that reason and the trimmer receiver is a plus too.

[mlrifleNY]

I have a 44mag in brass and used it in rain and snow last season. Shot a 6 point and a doe. It looks as good as it did the day I bought it. I just went out last week and bought a 45/70 in brass just for hunting. It won't be a range rifle after I get it sighted in.
Jim

[Mags]

Thanks. Yup the brass Henrys are HEAVY compared to their steel counter parts. When I first got it that gorgeous shiny brass blinded me and I didn't care. My first nutria hunt was about an hour. By the end I was starting to care. Hence the sling. With the sling the weight hasn't bothered me since.

Beautiful rifle mags...brass vs steel? ...I purchased my first Henry, a steel .357 carbine, after seeing and shooting a friend’s brass/octagon .357. His rifle was/is awesome but HEAVY imo. I went with steel for that reason and the trimmer receiver is a plus too.

[BigAl52]

I like them both Color Case and Brass. But if I wanted a brass 30-30 and was going to use it to hunt with Id say by all means go get it. Especially if thats the one you want I know it will do every thing you want it to. Welcome from Colorado.

[ESquared]

I imagine I will own a Brass Henry some day, just haven't figured out which one.

I'm with you, Al, I like the Color Case, and the 30-30 seems like a good caliber for it (in my mind, anyway).

[Mags]

I'm ecstatic about shiny brass rifles! So I like to sway others toward it. If you want solid brass buy a Henry centerfire. The rimfire I understand are made of brass plated zamak.

Receivers on some Henrys are painted and others blued steel.

CC I'd have to see in person. I haven't seen a picture on the computer screen that does it justice.

I imagine I will own a Brass Henry some day, just haven't figured out which one.

I'm with you, Al, I like the Color Case, and the 30-30 seems like a good caliber for it (in my mind, anyway).

[clovishound]

I too, went with the steel in .357 magnum. I just didn't like the extra weight, and the balance of the brass. Going to a carbine length would probably take care of that, if you really want the brass.

[Rifletom]

OP, I recently bought a BB Brass .357/.38 with the 20" octagonal barrel. It is heavy, but, it will probably will never go a field to hunt. Strictly a plinker, if you will. And a fun one. I thought about a .45 Colt in a Henry but, thinking instead of another .357/38 BB Steel. These rifle's do not recoil enough to matter. A lighter rifle would be easier for my wife to shoot if she chooses. Do like my brass one tho. Fun gun.

[ESquared]

I'm ecstatic about shiny brass rifles! So I like to sway others toward it. If you want solid brass buy a Henry centerfire. The rimfire I understand are made of brass plated zamak.

Receivers on some Henrys are painted and others blued steel.

CC I'd have to see in person. I haven't seen a picture on the computer screen that does it justice.

I imagine I will own a Brass Henry some day, just haven't figured out which one.

I'm with you, Al, I like the Color Case, and the 30-30 seems like a good caliber for it (in my mind, anyway).

Bummer, you just burst my bubble. I was scoping out a Golden Boy in 17 HMR. Didn't realize the receiver wasn't 100% brass. Will have to peruse the centerfires more carefully (again!).

I agree on the CCH. Probably the best picture of the way the finish actually looks are on HRA's website (big surprise!). Really wish I could find one around here to look at in person. The big box guys don't seem to want to stock them and they might be too pricey for the smaller shops.

[bobtodrick]

Went with the brass because it is so pretty.
Had it out (the 30-30) a half dozen times hunting, some in inclement weather.
Looks as good as the day I brought it home.

[Mistered]

I Bought my BBB .357 partly because it was brass AND steel was about a year away. My point being if I really wanted the steel I would have waited but I really like the brass. Weight is not an issue as I carry mine in the field regularly. Also if the brass starts to tarnish or I get a minor scuff or scratch I can polish it out easily - and it is in need of a polish session. Another point is it was THERE, in the store when I discovered it and it probably wouldn’t have lasted long.
I will admit when the steel did come out and I finally held one I really liked the way it felt, the balance and the slightly less weight and if I had to choose at the time I really don’t know which way I would have gone. I am glad i didn’t have to choose - heck I probably still wouldn’t own one.

[Vaquero]

My first centerfire Henry was/is a used 44 mag.,
the brass was already a little faded.
I wasn't really concerned a lot about it as I bought it to hunt.
And I kinda like it, gives it that look.
Then the second, well I went with the steel version in 41 Mag.
I have it scoped at the moment, looks like the one Mags has on his 30-30.

Guess I weren't much help as I have one of each.

RP