Anybody have a Henry big boy? I been thinking bout getting one in 44 mag. The carbine model. They seem to have a good rep.
Henry 44 mag
- Thread starter Bobbysixkiller
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jeff85
Member
I have a Big Boy in .357 and I love it. Well made rifle.
shotgun693
Member
For a hunting occasional shooting gun they do fine. They are far below the quality of other lever actions.
ars1876
Member
I bought my .44 last July and really like it.The action was smoother out of the box then any of The new Marlins or Wins I've bought in the last 35 years.
I bought an 1894 Marlin instead, cheaper and I liked the blued steel over faux brass (diecast) and the side loading gate. Many hate it but I like having a crossbolt safety, too.
I have a 22 Henry and it is fine. Actually too nice since I regard a lever gun as a working gun and I hate to mar the nice wood.
Collo Rosso
Member
I was interested in a Henry 44 mag till I picked one up. I think it weighs 9 pounds! I bought a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag and have been happy with it. Skinner rear peep sight has been a great upgrade.
OP
I know the Henry is heavier than the Marlin but I have heard that Marlins like .431 bullets. I reload all my 44s so I don't want to have two separate cartridges in 44 mag. I would prefer using one for all.
slickracer
Member
Care to elaborate? They seem to be pretty high quality and get good reviews from nearly everyone.
Collo Rosso
Member
Cannot fault you there. I reload also and my Marlin slugged to .431/.432. I order LSWC's sized to .432 and they shoot very accurately. It is a PITA ordering bullets for one firearm when you own several in that caliber.
OP
I do like Marlins as I have two of the OTASCO 30-30s. But I lean towards the Henry. I want the carbine model with big loop. I think the shorter barrel will shed some weight. Maybe a steel.
slickracer
Member
Just got a .357 Big Boy today. Will have a range report by the weekend.
The Marlins have a bore diameter that conforms to SAAMI specs. For whatever reason, the rifle bores are supposed to be a couple thou larger than handgun (compensation for no cylinder-barrel gap?). I've shot .430 cast magnum loads in a 432 bore and didn't see leading issues. 432 bullets shot a bit better for accuracy. I've also shot a few 432 in a handgun (throats slugged at 4297) and nothing bad happened.
So if the combo is a recent Smith and recent Marlin, I think one could split the difference at 431 and get good results in both.
So if the combo is a recent Smith and recent Marlin, I think one could split the difference at 431 and get good results in both.
slickracer
Member
Got a chance to shoot my .357 Big Boy today. It is very accurate, had a 3/4" 5 shot group 25 yards with 158 Dardas bullets pushed with 6 grains of Unique. I'm half tempted to mount my Weaver V16 temporarily to see what it will really do.
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DWalt
Member
And so does everyone else's bore. FYI, SAAMI tolerance specs for .44 Mag rifle barrel groove diameter are 0.427"-0.431" and SAAMI specs for the bullet are 0.429"-0.432" Therefore any bullet and any bore diameter pairing within those tolerances should theoretically work fine. I imagine most ammunition and gun manufacturers shoot for the midpoint of those specifications.
No personal experience with the Henry .44, but from what I've read, I've seen no complaints. My only .44 Mag rifle is a Win M94 Trapper.
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