Henry Rifle Forums

Me and my hubby went out shooting on Friday night. I was super excited to shoot my new Henry, and it was a great shooting gun. After the first 20 shots the bolt would freeze for a few seconds, then release. This began happening after every 4th to 5th shot. Other than this, shoots like a dream. Is there a break in period that I should know about?

Dahliathemeh wrote:Me and my hubby went out shooting on Friday night. I was super excited to shoot my new Henry, and it was a great shooting gun. After the first 20 shots the bolt would freeze for a few seconds, then release. This began happening after every 4th to 5th shot. Other than this, shoots like a dream. Is there a break in period that I should know about?

I am no expert. But, could this be a result of metal expanding and contracting as it heated or cooled? I thinking the bolt may heat faster than the receiver. Like I said, I am not an expert though.

Refresh my memory Dahliathemeh. What model Henry do you have?

Glad you and your hubby got out to do some shooting. It's a great having a hubby as a shooting partner! We have lots of fun.

No, your Henry should not be doing that. It sounds like there's burr on one of the parts that needs to be removed and, yes, it will probably smooth itself out over time, but that's not something you should have to settle for. It's something Henry is obligated to fix.

Thanks Northern country girl!
Wrangler I have an all weather 3030

Dahliathemeh, seems like several folks with the All Weathers are having minor difficulties with rough or 'sticky' bolts. I would suggest simply lubing the bolt and shooting it some more to allow the parts to wear in and 'mate' together. Look for any burrs as well. If the problem does not go away, contact HRA and they will take care of it. That is one thing I can say about HRA, they DO care about their customers and will do what it takes for the customer to be happy. Removing the bolt for inspection and cleaning and lubing is easy. Try that first.

Rifle all cleaned and lubed, gonna give it some time to break in. If the issue persists I'll have Henry look at it. Ammo isn't cheap in our county. The most inexpensive is about a dollar a bullet. It'll take time for me to get back out there. I'll keep everyone posted

JNG3 wrote:Refresh my memory Dahliathemeh. What model Henry do you have?

Last Saturday I went to the range after Xanadu (My rifle's name) was all cleaned and lubed. Hornady rounds were giving me some problems, they were the 3rd box of ammo I was using. The binding on my bolt was not as pronounced the first time I was shooting her. You could feel some light sluggishness in the action. Federal ammo didn't give me any issues either. The best rounds for this rifle I have found to be Herter's 150 grain ammo. Zero problems and a ton of fun to shoot. The biggie in this city, is this ammo costs only $15 a box. I will be going again in the next couple of weeks as soon as the better half gets his rifle finished. total amount of rounds before sluggish action, 45 or 50.

Sounds like it's loosening up!

While you're watching TV, just sit and work the lever back and forth about 1-200 times...a little lube, etc. Sounds like you got a good tight rifle from the factory...it'll break in the more you shoot it...PS: I don't mean to be a "spoiler" but you obviously had a loaded gun while you were taking your picture (above). ALWAYS keep the action open so everyone can see your rifle isn't in battery. BobGinVA

Thanks Bob, but I assure you my rifle isn't loaded in that pic. We were done for the day, and I was packing up. Im a stickler about making sure everything is empty, cleaned, and locked tight when my range time is over.

Hello all! Took my rifle out again, and wouldn't you know it, the BOLT WAS STICKING AGAIN!!!!! This time I called Henry and sent it out this Saturday, *sigh* report to come soon...

sorry to hear you had to send it in but have no doubt that Henry will take care of the issue and get it back to you soon

Bummer! Please keep us posted on what the issue turns out to be (if they tell you). Will be interested to see if it's an All-Weather-specific issue, a 30-30 caliber issue with that bolt, or what.

30-30 is on my radar, and the All Weather has always appealed to me. Super-rugged.

Ya what esquared said. Let us know the outcome.

ESquared wrote:...30-30 is on my radar, and the All Weather has always appealed to me. Super-rugged.

The AW does look sharp, but the brass .30-30 is drop dead gorgeous. The pair like a sharp dude and a gorgeous dame.

Mags wrote:

ESquared wrote:...30-30 is on my radar, and the All Weather has always appealed to me. Super-rugged.

The AW does look sharp, but the brass .30-30 is drop dead gorgeous. The pair like a sharp dude and a gorgeous dame.

Man, you're right, and even the Steel 30-30 is nice, and has the checkered stocks as bonus! How to choose, how to choose....

And then there's the Color Case (with checkered stocks, too!). THAT one is growing on me, too.