Henry Big Boy in .357 Mag....Love this Rifle!

[Bowhunter57]

I love this Henry rifle! I loaded up 2 different loads with 125gr. JHP Hornady XTP and both groups are inside this single hole @ 25 yards.


I had a 9.0gr. of Unique that's at the bottom of this grouping, from a 10 o'clock position to a 4 o'clock position.
The second load of 9.5gr. of Unique are along the top edge of this grouping.

I'm going to load up a box of the 9.5gr. of Unique, go back out to the range, adjust the sights and go hunting. I just had to pass along the good news.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[357magrifleman]

These rifles really shoot well!!!

[GH1]

How does the Henry .357 compare to the Marlin in terms of accuracy, smoothness of operation, fit, and finish?
GH1

[Bowhunter57]

How does the Henry .357 compare to the Marlin in terms of accuracy, smoothness of operation, fit, and finish?
GH1

GH1,
I've not been on this forum for a while, sorry about the delay in a reply to your question.

Marlin makes a fine rifle and I don't think you'll be dissatisfied in it's performance. However, Henry rifles are a step above all others when it comes to the "entire package" of accuracy, smoothness in the action's operation and especially the fit and finish.

The Henry Big Boy rifles are so good looking, that it's hard to believe that I'm actually taking it hunting. Even so, their performance on the range will convince anyone to go hunting...with confidence.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[GH1]

Thanks for the reply.  I actually bought the Marlin, for a few reasons.
 First, I couldn't find anybody that had anything bad to say about them, and second, they're a little bit less expensive than the Henry.  The biggest reason though, is this gun is going to be a hunting weapon, and I just couldn't see climbing tree stands and walking through brush with a gorgeous Henry.  I'd be sick if I scratched that pretty brass receiver.
GH1

[Daman]

Precisely the reason I am buying a Marlin instead of a Henry.

Daman

[357magrifleman]

I own a Marlin 1894 CS and a Henry rifle.  They both shoot well but I hate to compare.  Marlin has several models and if you buy one with a octogon barrel (cowboy edition) doesn't that boost the price way up? $981 on gun genie and herny I paid < $700 at Wal mart.

[Bowhunter57]

GH1,
Nothing wrong with the Marlin and I have to agree with you about the looks. I cringe every time I take mine out hunting, but that's what I bought it for and hope to get some blood on it, soon. After the foilage gets thicker, I'll switch to the Henry Big Boy instead of my scoped Stevens in .25-06, for coyotes.

Even so, I'd still like to have the Marlin 45-70 Cowboy...maybe someday.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57