Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General Henry Big Boy

Wanting to pick up a lever gun in .45 for my son. I'm a Marlin guy, but I'm skittish of Marlin's quality these days. Anyone have a Big Boy in .45? Impressions?

Also, if there's someone who KNOWS that I shouldn't be worried about Marlins these days and can explain why, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks.

Oh, should also add that I really want it to be American made. So suggestions to buy something else will only help if it's American. Thanks.

P,

Things are looking up for Marlins..

That's good to hear. The only place local to me that carries Marlins is Big 5. And those are the special run "for Big5" guns that have some differences from the "normal" models. Although, I have one and it's a tough gun as well, just nothin fancy. As far as I can tell, they're still being made exactly the same as they were several years ago. Don't know where they were made though.

Still would like some info on the Henry Big Boys though. Variety is the spice of life they say.

all i can say as NO bs with henry's warranty. they sent me a new gun when they couldn't fix my old one. hard to beat that.

A local shop has about 20-25 new Marlins on the rack. Everything from .22 to 45-70. All I can say is that the fit and finish is atrocious. The wood does not look to have finsih at all. The wood to metal fit is very bad. I did not even bother to check the actions or barrel index, sight index issues. Maybe Marlin is getting its act together, but I would not buy one of the new ones until I see a ton of improvment. That being said, there are plenty of nice used Marlins out there, but the ones chambered in 45 seem to going through the roof in price. As for the Henry, they seem solid a very well made, but ar VERY HEAVY and feel clunky in hand. Their lines are very unattractive to my eye as well.

I have the Henry Big Boy in 44mag, and am quite pleased with it, once I got over the price of it. Fit and finish is excellent, shoots pretty accurately and smooth action. Yes, its heavy. That said, I also picked up an unfired new Marlin 35Rem made in 1966, that shoots the lights out.It is just beautiful! I just couldn't resist. Had I been able to get an older minty Marlin in 44mag, I would have gone that route, instead of the Henry, because I love them Marlins.

I understand there people out there who love the Big Boy. With Marlin in the shape they're in, I guess one would have to give the Henry a look.

I never could warm up to their lines and heavy, clunky feel. I've never shot one.

If in the market, I'd be looking for 30+ year old Marlins in good shape.

IMHO,

DF