So I've got a Henry Lever Carbine .22 on the way. It's meant to be a purely fun gun...although I may hunt with it on good days. I got it liking the compact size and knowing that it would be a good one for my smaller people (kids) to shoot.

So do I scope it or not? I'm going to play with it before I decide, but I wanted your opinion. If I do scope it I want a scope that isn't going to add bulk or lots of weight and still needs good eye relief for the younger shooters. The FX-I (4x28) is one that came to mind.

Suggestions of scope it or not and if scope it, what scopes would you recommend. Thanks.

They have low combs and are stocked for open sight shooting. I would at least, try it without a scope for a while. I scoped a Winchester 94/22 for a while, but ended up going back to the open sights. Handier, better balanced, and easier to carry without a scope.

Thanks, Danny. I'm going to play with it (shoot with it) for sure before deciding anything.

I put a Redfield 2-7 on my 17hmr and the comb wasn't a factor. Nor is it on my 1894M or Mountie. I've since sold the Henry and the new owner still has the same scope on it. My 94/22 and BL-22 wear burris fastfires... Fast and fun....

I thought about a fastfire (or similar)...so you're much faster with it vs scope? That's what I'd assume.

No. I'm faster with it than with the irons......The 'old eyes' thing.

Might want to consider the quick detach scope mounts. I have a .44 lever that is fun to shoot open sighted, but with old eyes, I shoot better with the scope. I was doubtful at first as to whether the scope would hold zero, but it sure seems to, and gives both options very quickly. Good luck.

I'm new to lever guns, so please tell me more. Same as a bolt gun or are there things you have to do differently?

I have a night vision scope on my Henry in-the-corner tactical model.

Lol...very funny. I just picked up my Henry last night! Very excited to play with it.

I had a scope on my Marlin 39, didn't care too much for the scope on a lever. JMO

The Golden Boy .22's are have even lower combs.

Yet they seem to function fine..aint like you're going prone with them or bench shooting with it. Mine is comfortable with a scope, non-issue.

Sorry so long getting back to you. The base mounted on the receiver is low enough it doesn't bother the open sights, and only takes a few seconds to attach or take off the scope with the quick detach rings. Might want a hammer spur too if you are going to scope, I don't have a Henry, don't know if they come with one or not.

I had a Leupold 4X rimfire special on my 94-22 mag.

Pulled it off and put a Skinner peep sight on it.

The gun handles/points faster for ME this way.

I have other rimfires with scopes.

Virgil B.