Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots Henry Single Shot Rifle Reviews?

Now that they've been out for a little while, how do you gentlemen feel about the ones you have? I became slightly enamored with them after handling a 223 at Cabela's. Best quality I've seen at that price point.....

I have a 223. Was not real happy with it when I first got it. Trigger had to have been at least eight pounds, if not ten or twelve. Couldn't get a decent group with that trigger. I worked on the trigger. Posted what I did on Henry Rifle Forum. Got it down to about 3 1/2 lbs. With Hornady Black 75 gr 223 could get repeat groups of less than 1/2" at 75 yds. That was what the sight-in range is at our rifle club. Made it a keeper. I may do some more work on the trigger to lighten it a hair more. It isn't difficult to work on. I hunt in Western Chester Cty in SC. Got a nice eight point Saturday morning with it. One shot in the neck and dropped right there.

Since Henry has now come out with the 357 in the single shot, I expect I will get one of those.

Sounds like I had better study your trigger job post. You shooting the irons or have a scope mounted?

Scope mounted. Started with a P-223 because it was small. Problem was the crosshairs were too thick. Changed it to a Weaver 1.5-6 that had thin crosshairs. That worked well. Thinking about getting a Leupold 2-7 x 32 after deer season.

How does the scope/ mount work with the factory sights ? I've read about clearance issues on some....

Can't use my open sights on my 45-70 with scope bases. Took them off and just going to stay open sights on it

Same with mine. Can't use open sights with the scope base so will keep the scope on it.

Same here scope base blocks the open sights, also had to use a EGW rail to get the scope back far enough to work the hammer. Have a Burris 2x7x35 on it and the hammer would hit the scope with high rings and a weaver base.

Picked mine up yesterday. This one is in 30-30. Leupold M8 4X with medium rings and the hammer extension. Should work out just fine. Gotta get some range time.

A solid looking rifle. The wood has an attractive grain to it. I expect it needs to be worked in a bit. By that I mean the lock up. Clean her up and make some noise at the range.

They appear to be nice rifles for the money. The wood is better looking than any I've had on encores.
They're just very limited on calibre currently. That should improve once they've been on the market for awhile.

Don't care for Henry's, but they sure have some pretty wood

diamondjim,

Do you have any way to test the trigger pull weight?

I'm really interested in checking one out. Except I've yet to see one in person. The ones I see online look nice but I wanna fondle one..... Maybe someday.

A dealer near me has a 243 looks nice and light to handle but the wood is Plain Jane!

No sir.

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2018/9/19/hardware-henry-single-shot-rifle/

This link says factory is 5-6 lb but his test rifle was close to 9

diamondjim,

I read that. The mechanism can be smoothed, and I am hoping to hear from others to see how the triggers are, coming from the factory.

Thanks.

About all I can say is that they feel heavier than 5-6 lbs.

My brother just bought one and said it’s the worst trigger he has ever had. He is 72 and owned quite a few rifles. Ed k

Steve,

I hope this finds you well and that your weather is nothing unexpected and undesirable for this time of year.

I was thinking of commenting on the release of a rifle with a relatively poor quality trigger in today's day and age of manufacturing until I looked at some of the prices of these rifles online. Perhaps a 9lb trigger is acceptable for such a low cost? But with so many inexpensive rifles with decent triggers on the market now, it seems risky for a company to not install a crisp one with reasonable pull.

I was just wondering, never having had to do so myself, how long a "smoothing" job on such a trigger might take and what added cost to the rifle? An hour's labor? Two? An hour would not add much to cost, but tow or more would add substantially to a rifle that is advertised for $359 American.

Now, will they offer them in "interesting" calibers? Will un-chambered barrels be available for loonies to experiment with?

Enjoy the fall up there.

Geno

handled one finally today. Wood was outstanding. It was a bit heavy but balanced very well. Trigger was not the best, but was acceptable for me for a single shot. For the price, it’s a bargain given what pears to be overall quality in a blue and wood gun.

Thanks Geno.

Most trigger jobs are charged as a flat rate. Your gunsmith can quote it to you. In Canada, trigger work generally costs about $100 to re-work an existing trigger. I'm not sure what US gunsmiths charge, but the CDN rate translates to approx. $70 US. I haven't seen a Henry trigger, but your gunsmith will start by cleaning and polishing the metal parts - including flats and holes for pins - and possibly replacing springs and the pins themselves.

The work can take awhile because when you change or modify one part, it generally reacts on the whole mechanism, so you are always reassembling and tearing it down again.

Thanks Steve, much appreciate the quick informative reply. $70 US would likely work out to an hour's labor or so if that's what a guy in business would charge.

I may have to check and see if they are for sale in Kommunistifornia. They may not have enough safety doodads to please the Apparatchiks in Suctomentograd.

If I see one I will definitely take a gander.

Geno

One of these in a 35REM would be a cool deer rifle

Took a bit of looking, but I found it. Well done. I was put off a bit by the negative reports on the trigger, but that sounds easy-peasy. With the transfer bar, I'd not worry a bit about dinking with that.

You'd be a pal if you copied that and posted it here for the troops.

Was reading on the GBO forum, I think, where someone took out the two hammer/trigger springs and replace them with one Grainger 31 in-lb spring. Grainger # 54MY45 Said you had to order them in a package of ten. His trigger went down to just over 3 lbs by doing that. And, it was reliable. So, I will be getting a set of those springs and see what it does now.

It would indeed. My first thought though was to rebore a .308 to .358.

This is what I did to lighten the trigger. Hope the photos will show up.

Got the new springs today, so put one in. Checked the pull. down to 2.75 lbs consistently. Only other thing to check will be at the range, maybe tomorrow or Sunday. To make sure the strike isn't too light.



Did a little more on the trigger and took some photos. Hopefully they load in the correct order.

First one shows the pin to knock out to separate the barrel from the receiver. Use a wood dowel or Delrin punch.
Second one shows the screws to be removed. Bottom one on each side.
Third is the Allen screw inside the receiver. It is a 3/32.
Fourth is the trigger assembly. It should come right out if you pull it. There is a spring on the front that should stay in place.

Fifth is the top of the trigger blade. This is the end to smooth. From the factory, this wasn't really smooth. Polished it with 600 grit. Looking with a magnifying glass I saw that it still was a little rough, so hit it with three light strokes of a file. Then polished a little more with the 600 grit.

The last one points to the "ledge" on the hammer. Polish this with the 600 grit. I got it shiny, and didn't change the angle or really take anything off.

With this last bit of work, the trigger is between 3 3/4# and 4#. So, will be happy and leave it there. Rifle season starts for us on Oct 11.

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Made it to the range this afternoon. Ignition was fine with the Hornady Black. But, had some Monarch, which I believe is Privi Partizan re-branded. My guess is that it uses harder primers, as I tried two of the cartridges a couple of times. There was a dent in the primer, but not enough to fire the cartridge. I don't want to leave the rifle so that it only fires cartridges with softer primers. So, will see what I can come up with. I put the small inner spring back in and measured the trigger pull. It went back up to where it was. Measured the spring and wire diameter. 1.75" long. 0.24" outer diameter. Appears the wire is 0.045 diameter. Looked on Grainger and found an assortment of different wire diameters in that length and spring diameter. Will check Century, as I don't want to buy a bunch of packages of 10 to see which would work the best.

The inner spring of the two is positioned by the end of the bolt that holds the stock in. Might be able to lighten the pressure by putting washers under the head of the stock bolt so the small spring isn't compressed as much when the hammer is pulled back. Will have to see what size bolt that is. That would be the least expensive route.

After six weeks how are you liking this 30-30? What sort of groups are you getting with it?


Was looking at their H009 lever action but have been leaning much more to this single shot for various reasons, not the least of which is on line reviews are showing better overall accuracy across the various calibers than the levers. That plus you're not restricted to round nose bullets - would like to try some 125 spitzers among other things in the old 30-30. I know a fellow can single load a lever but that seems wrong, somehow.

Plus, I have a partial box of 9 rounds of factory 30-30 ammo left over from a previous rifle so I just gotta buy another rifle to use them up...

Valsdad, I've handled a Henry Single Shot at a gunshop in Orange County and also a .410 shotgun. So they are being sold here.

I liked what I saw.

The triggers seem to be getting better. I handled a 308 yesterday, trigger was much lighter than my early issue 223. Felt like about 4 lbs pull with just a little rough spot which may work out. The 223 had worst trigger I've encountered on a new gun.

Honestly, I have not had time. Between hunting and getting ready for the holiday season it keeps me busy. Hopefully some time after the new year on a nice day

I finally was able to get a Henry break action in 357 magnum. The firearm looks good & handles well, except the trigger is 8 lbs pull as measured on my RCBS Trigger pull scale.

I have followed the directions & great photos you provided to reduce the trigger pull weight, but it is still 8 pounds after four
Times disassemling sanding & filing & reassembling.

I must be doing something wrong. Since you were successful in lowering your trigger pull weight, I would appreciate any advice you could provide.

Thanks,
Ed

Go over to Graybeard Outdoors. There's a fix with a different spring.

Thanks. I appreciate your help.

Here's the trigger fix ....... https://www.go2gbo.com/forums/165-h...plete-henry-h015-trigger-hammer-fix.html

I'm with you

i live in Chester SC myself!

I saw a review/rant recently that reported stocks splitting repeatedly on a couple of these, a .44 and a .45/70. The replacements split too. Anyone seen this?

Shame to hear about the weight and trigger.

Holy fugg

The pics were pretty scary. Gotta say that's the only mention of such a thing I've seen, but it's odd that two happened to one guy, then repeated. Maybe this had something to do with the long delay getting them to dealers. Hope it's a fluke.

If this splitting only happened to one guy, and it happened twice, it suggests that he has an agenda. He doesn't like Henry. Was the reviewer someone who posted on a hunting website?

Could you provide a link?

I'll look, but he had pics. Don't wait up; I'm old and easily distracted- look, a squirrel!

Thanks. You' re making me fear turning 30.

Or a leadsled user.

Didn't think of that.

Looked a bit yesterday, but nothing yet.

I handled a 243 yesterday. I thought there is no way that buttstock is going to split especially since the dimensions are pretty generous. The trigger while not fantastic appeared to be very very workable.

I suspect Steelhead nailed it. Not gonna influence me about buying one, and neither will the trigger.

a guy that hunts on the lease had a handi rifle in 500 s&w mag that kick like a mule .he tried a lead sled an the stock started to crack on the 2et shot

Nor I. As soon as this shutdown is over, I'm finding one in 30/30

Kinda want one too...357 and ream to 357 max. Hell of a good deer rifle for the rules in ohio

Lead sled UGH

Bud's Guns and Grabagun list the 30/30 in stock.

Lead sleds are notorious for cracking all kinds of stocks.
A rifle has to recoil.....

I love my 44 mag/ spc... and it shoots my cast loads surprisingly accurate... my only grievance is I don’t like the ambidextrous hammer spur.

I've read that replacing a spring will lighten the trigger somewhat, but that the springs must be purchased in a 10 pack. For those who have done this, anyone want to sell me a spring? You should have nine or so to spare.

Yes! I’d love one in 444 marlin

I handled these and find them too heavy for single shots in any handgun calibers or 30/30. Other than a single shot for the sake of a single shot, there is no advantage in light or handy to offset the loss of fire power. They would guess it might make a fine 45/70, if that is an option, (or 405 or 444 maybe or big magnums). I see no reason to switch from a Marlin or M92/94 lever for a Henry. The Henry with a scope, might as well just get a light bolt action carbine. They look ok, FWIW.

If, as I expect, I pass my current heavy .308 on to my son, I probably will replace it with one of the Henrys to make use of the mountain of brass and bullets I have on hand. Mostly it'll be a toy, maybe a cast bullet shooter, and a testbed for some of my notions. Hard not to like a pretty attractive break-action at under four bills. If I like it, I might add a .357.

Kind of an old thread but I just ordered a 357 Mag Henry Single Shot rifle. It is to be played with as is and then rechambered to 357 x 44 Bain & Davis. After that I'll get another one and rechember it to 357 Maxi.

Steve..........

I did end up buying a 357. With a 6x scope and a randomly selected handload it shot golf ball sized groups at 75 yards while sighting in.

Couldn't ask for more.

I'm enjoying my 45/70 especially so after the trigger fix. Installed a Leupold 56515 Scope base and a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33.

Shot my new 357 the other day at the range. One thing- when unlocked my Henry will swing open with zero friction to slow the swinging barrel. Need to be careful if opening action around a concrete bench such as at the range I joined (It missed!). It’s completely tight with no movement when action is closed, but be aware there is NO ‘tension’ when the action is opened. Just an FYI, yours may be tighter(?).
I do not have a scope on mine yet.
Also, I have a 357 B&D form die if you go that route. I like both of your ideas, MAXimum and B&D. I’ve also thought maybe a 358 Win!
I plan on shooting it as is in 357 Mag with a scope before any project ideas are done.

From what I read a spring/trigger job is definitely required if anything like a decent trigger is desired.
Thanks for the info.
I have been shooting the 357x44 B&D for about 30 years now and enjoy it tremendously, I have a Ruger 357/77 chambered to B&D and sold a Marlin 94 chambered in B&D last year (had it for several years) also sold my Encore rifle barrel in B&D, just making room for more B&D stuff. Thanks for the offer of the form die but it is not needed to go from 44 mag to B&D. Wish it would make a big come, I'm helping. Heck of a Deer round out to 100 yds. or a little more. The most accurate bullet I have ever found for the B&D in all my guns and barrels was the 170 gr. Speer Gold Dot Flat Point which has been discontinued and I am on my last hundred.

Steve............

A YouTuber also pointed out that it's pretty easy to catch your hand in the forend/receiver gap when closing it. Ouch!

I recently replaced the 2.5x scope on mine with a 2.5-7. Will do some load workup when the weather breaks. I'm totally satisified so far with mine. Might buy a shotgun later.

The RCBS 357 B&D form die retails for over a Benjamin, but apparently it’s not really needed. This one was in a ‘box of stuff’ at a LGS. The owner just gave it to me.
I like the idea of still being able to shoot 38Spl if a MAXimum chamber is cut, but the 357 B&D has always been a tempting project.

I like my 30-30 just fine. The trigger is heavy, but so what? It is a <200-yard rifle. I tested a lot of loads in it and went back to a standard load of 3031 under a Midway factory seconds 150-grainer. It shoots sub-moa and I shot two big mulie does with it this fall, the farthest being 168 yards.

A YouTuber also pointed out that it's pretty easy to catch your hand in the forend/receiver gap when closing it. Ouch!................ Wish that I had seen that video before I discovered that on my own........... Ouch..... #@^&*%#!!!!!!!

I just put some money down on one. It's a .243 and the wood is awesome. If the trigger pull is too heavy we shall fix that. Gonna stick my 3-9 on it. I probably won't get it paid for until a couple months from now but no one else is getting it.

Did you check for the dimple in the triggerguard that would indicate it was a late model specimen with the new trigger already in place? If so, you’re good to go as-is.

If not, I strongly suggest you send it in for the upgrade instead if just swapping out the spring. The upgrade also improves the hammer cocking effort, more than a new spring, IME.

I bought one in 350 Legend, has killer wood on it! Trigger pull is about 3lbs I'm guessing, or less. Waiting on a talley mount and hammer extension from Henry . This one has the dimple on the trigger guard, tag said it was made nov.23 2020

My 45-70 is very accurate and with the recall trigger upgrade even better. I like the 22 inch barrel and the overall size and handiness of the rifle. However, I find the stock and especially the grip are too beefy for my taste. Mine's on consignment at the LGS - I'll stick with my No. 1SC for that cartridge.

Not perfect, but for $400, and with nice wood, I can accept less than perfection.

I’d like a few contours on the receiver and the shotguns drilled and tapped as well. Was looking at one of their lever-actions the other day and it would look much better it the forend wasn’t so square on the end, but extra touches like that add to the cost, and cost is probably a big deal in their market niche.