I am a Henry owner (one, a BBB .357 and really like it)
The tube load issue is not a problem for me as there are advantages to it with PISTOL cartridges - but a gate is much better for he longer, rifle length rounds.
I like the looks of the new side loader and it's obvious why they took the 'dive' into this model and the hope is they expand into other calibers as well.
There are some scattered reports from a few first owners but not enough to form an opinion yet. One mentioned the load tube spring seemed very stiff and hopefully this can be remedied by clipping coils off until the desired tension is obtained.
The only thing I see as a POSSIBLE problem is the relatively thin spot between the top of the load gate opening and the chamber opening.
I could be entirely wrong but to me this looks like an area that could possibly crack.
I have got mixed opinions about it on a couple other forums so if anyone here has an opinion please express it!
I did not know they were offering a side loading gate. The tube loading is the main reason that I have not purchased one. I hope this works out well, I would love to have one in .41 Mag.
Tim
The tube loading is the main reason that I have not purchased one.
This is understandable although I have mentioned many times the tube load system is advantageous with shorter, pistol rounds - but I would NEVER have it with a rifle cartridge model.
I suspect IF Henry does expand the side gate to pistol round models there will be a lot of good used tube loaders for sale!
I am really surprised one of the initial offerings was NOT a pistol caliber - just to see how sales might differ between it and the rifle caliber models.
Lots of positive responses about the three they are offering however.
I am really surprised one of the initial offerings was NOT a pistol caliber - just to see how sales might differ between it and the rifle caliber models.
Lots of positive responses about the three they are offering however.
I understand why it was one or the other.
To do both would require re-engineering two different receiver designs, two different new sets of parts, two different methods of assembly, etc.
This way they only had to change one and will see where it goes.
The longer cartridges going first will probably make a bigger sales impact than pistol calibers would have
That said. like tt66 I would like to have one in 41 Magnum
This way they only had to change one and will see where it goes.
Good point - makes sense!
Seems to be a lot of positive responses to the new side loaders.
I do find it interesting however how many are saying they are going to buy one of the new side loaders (on various forums) - yet admit to never having owned any other side loader before.
Henry has developed an interesting market demographic.
Not to demean Henry (heck I own one) but there are plenty of leverguns already available (IE Winchester and Marlin) and I would recommend that route for a levergun to start with.
The side load Henry is too new and not many in the hands of owners yet and with a lot of reported problems with some of their other models I would wait a while before deciding on one.
Henry Side Gate Lorder?
Linear Mode
