An American Legend: A Look at the Henry Lineage
The crack of the .22 long rifle, a sound as familiar and comforting as a summer breeze. It’s a sound that echoes through generations, a testament to the enduring appeal of a simple yet effective firearm. From backyard plinking to teaching the next generation the fundamentals of marksmanship, the .22LR has earned its place as a beloved staple. And when you combine this classic cartridge with the iconic silhouette of a lever-action rifle, you’ve got something truly special. This review delves into the Henry 22LR lever action, a rifle that strives to deliver this classic experience to modern shooters. Is it the perfect plinker? Let’s find out.
Before we get into the specifics of the Henry 22LR lever action, it’s essential to understand the legacy of the Henry name. The original Henry rifle, a true marvel of its time, was a pivotal weapon during the American Civil War. Its reputation for reliability, its high capacity, and its rapid-firing capabilities, made it a weapon highly coveted by soldiers and frontiersmen. The modern Henry Repeating Arms Company, while distinct from the original, carries the torch of quality and American craftsmanship. They’ve built a brand that values both tradition and innovation. Henry rifles are known for their attention to detail, their use of high-quality materials, and their commitment to customer satisfaction. Their 22LR lever action continues this tradition, aiming to provide the same enjoyment and reliability that has made the Henry name synonymous with the lever-action experience.
Classic Design and Solid Build
The Henry 22LR lever action is an attractive rifle. The classic lines of a lever action rifle are instantly recognizable and appealing. The most common models feature a beautiful American walnut stock, which adds warmth and a touch of elegance to the rifle. The wood is typically well-finished, with a satin sheen that brings out the natural grain. The receiver is often constructed from alloy steel, and is blued to provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish that complements the woodwork beautifully. A brass receiver is an available option, offering a further touch of elegance.
The fit and finish of the Henry 22LR are typically excellent. The parts fit together seamlessly, with no obvious gaps or imperfections. The action itself, as we will see later, is smooth and precise. The controls are well-placed and easily accessible. It’s a rifle that feels good in your hands, a testament to Henry’s dedication to quality manufacturing. Handling the rifle is a joy, a testament to the thoughtfully considered design.
From an ergonomic perspective, the Henry 22LR lever action also scores well. The stock offers a comfortable cheek weld, and the length of pull is suitable for a wide range of shooters. The lever itself is well-shaped and easy to operate, even for shooters with smaller hands. The rifle’s weight is reasonable, making it easy to carry and handle for extended periods. This weight is a perfect balance, allowing for a stable shooting platform while avoiding being cumbersome.
Putting It to the Test: Performance and Handling on the Range
The true test of any firearm is its performance on the range. For this review, the Henry 22LR lever action was put through a series of tests to assess its accuracy, reliability, and overall handling characteristics. The range session provided a variety of .22LR ammunition from different manufacturers, to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Accuracy testing was conducted at a standard distance, a common distance for small-bore rifles. The targets showed the potential of the rifle. The groupings demonstrated impressive accuracy. The Henry 22LR is capable of producing consistent groupings, easily capable of putting multiple shots through the same hole at a reasonable distance. The accuracy will, of course, be influenced by the shooter’s skill and the quality of the ammunition.
The recoil from a .22LR rifle is minimal, and the Henry 22LR is no exception. The rifle is very comfortable to shoot, even for extended periods. The stock design helps to absorb any remaining recoil, making for a pleasant shooting experience for shooters of all ages and experience levels.
The lever-action mechanism itself is a delight to operate. The lever cycles smoothly and reliably, feeding rounds into the chamber with consistent precision. The loading process is straightforward and intuitive. The rifle’s tube magazine design is easy to load, and loading the rifle is usually a quick and efficient process. During the test, the rifle demonstrated exceptional reliability, exhibiting no malfunctions of any kind. No jams, no misfeeds. The Henry 22LR proved to be a consistent and dependable performer. The action’s smoothness contributed significantly to the overall shooting experience.
The sights on the Henry 22LR are typically open sights. The open sights provide a decent sight picture, allowing for quick target acquisition. The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing shooters to fine-tune their point of impact. Some models feature grooves on the receiver for scope mounting, which expands the rifle’s versatility significantly, allowing for greater accuracy at longer ranges.
Key Functions: Examining Features and Functionality
The heart of the Henry 22LR lever action is its lever-action mechanism. This is a classic design, well-executed. The lever is connected to a system of linkages that cycle the bolt, extracting the spent casing, and chambering a fresh round. The mechanism operates smoothly and efficiently, and the design provides excellent reliability. The operation of the lever action adds to the enjoyment of the rifle.
The trigger pull on the Henry 22LR is generally quite good. It provides a crisp, clean break, with a reasonable amount of travel. This enhances the accuracy potential of the rifle. The consistent trigger pull contributes to improved shot placement.
Safety features are paramount, and the Henry 22LR incorporates a cross-bolt safety. This safety is conveniently located and easy to operate. The cross-bolt safety enhances the rifle’s safety profile.
The Henry 22LR incorporates the unique feature of being able to load directly into the magazine tube without needing to work the lever. This system provides a safer and quicker loading experience.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
The Henry 22LR lever action rifle offers a compelling package, but, like any firearm, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
The benefits are numerous. Accuracy is consistently good, making the Henry 22LR a great choice for plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting. The build quality is excellent, with attractive and durable materials. The rifle is also easy to clean and maintain, minimizing maintenance requirements. The lever-action design is simple, reliable, and fun to operate. The value for money is another significant advantage, offering an excellent balance of features, quality, and performance. The classic lever-action design is very appealing to many shooters.
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Magazine capacity, though adequate, might be lower than some other .22LR rifles. If the iron sights don’t meet your needs, they may require an upgrade.
Value and Price Point: Assessing the Investment
The Henry 22LR lever action provides a compelling value proposition. The price point is reasonable, particularly when considering the high quality of the rifle. The combination of excellent build quality, solid performance, and the classic lever-action design makes it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and enjoyable .22LR rifle. The Henry 22LR generally holds its value quite well, making it a worthwhile investment.
Who Will Appreciate This Rifle?
The Henry 22LR lever action will appeal to a broad range of shooters. It’s an excellent choice for target shooters of all skill levels. It’s a perfect plinking rifle, offering hours of fun and enjoyment on the range or in the backyard. It can be a good choice for small game hunting, though shooters must, of course, adhere to all local regulations and safety protocols. The Henry 22LR is also perfect for those looking to own a classic rifle design. The rifle is suitable for introducing new shooters to the world of firearms. The simplicity and ease of use, combined with the low recoil of the .22LR cartridge, make it a great choice for training.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The Henry 22LR lever action rifle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and fun .22LR rifle. It delivers on the promise of the classic lever-action experience, with a design that is both functional and beautiful. The rifle’s build quality, performance, and overall value are all commendable. It’s a rifle that is easy to recommend.
The Henry 22LR lever action earns a very solid rating. It’s a rifle that is sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone who appreciates the simple pleasure of shooting.
If you’re considering adding a .22LR lever action to your collection, the Henry is definitely worth a look. Share your experiences with the Henry 22LR or other lever-action rifles in the comments below! Let us know what you think!
