Henry Rifle Forums

good read, thanks for posting the link

The first two paragraphs of the review are very revealing and prophetic - and paraphrase what I believe - and have been saying for MANY years.....

Okay, I’m sold. Now where do I get mine?

I just saw 4 in 44 mag on Gunbroker with really nice wood on a couple of them. There was 2 in brass and 2 in steel. I like the looks of both models and just dont know if I want one in 44 mag. But I sure do think I am going to buy one or two or maybe even 3 eventually. Oh the 4 on gunbroker there gone now they sold quick. Al

As with all Chuck Hawk's articles, he makes observations I agree with and some that I don't. One in particular that is way off the mark and simply false is this one.

"The single shot rifle niche has only one serious competitor, the Ruger No.1, and they are now outsourced to a specialty shop and sold as distributor specials."

Rubbish. All the imported single shot rifles, aside, he totally ignores the long history of American single shots, such as the H&R/NEF single shots and, especially, the many forms of the Thompson Center single shot rifles which are alive and well and still being made, thank-you.

This inaccuracy takes nothing away from the Henry single shot. It's precisely because it is so affordable that it is a very welcome addition to the single shot market. I plan to get one, even though we have a safe full of TC and other single shots. What is even more important is that Henry has had the courage to introduce a new single shot rifle in this day and age of semi-auto rifles. I'm hoping this new Henry single shot will lead to a resurgence of interest in single shot rifles. That's why I plan to do my part and get one.

The Chuckhawks article is marketing molasses. I agree that the H015 rifles do have above average esthetics, but under the makeup the construction has production-grade welds, stampings and MIM parts, and liberal over-greasing to help add some smoothness to the function. The 5.5# trigger info is a stretch, no mention of the H015's excessively stiff hammer pull, and the claimed 100yd bench-rifle type accuracy hints of a selectively prepared test rifle.

A knowledgable gunsmith can lighten the hammer and trigger by tweaking the hammer spring guide and using a single spring, but that shouldn't have to be an additional consumer cost. If Savage can include the AccuTrigger in their similarly priced MK-1 FVT, Henry's engineers could do similar magic.

Criticism aside, my H015-223 has become a favorite. Single-shot actions are just plain fun. Unlike an AR which can burn through a LOT of lunch money on range day, the H015 lets you stay longer and not go hungry. And, there is more reward from a well aimed single shot.

"but under the makeup the construction has production-grade welds, stampings and MIM parts, and liberal over-greasing to help add some smoothness to the function. "

I'm pretty sure my new pickup has pretty much the same under all the nice paint. And it cost over 100 times more, yet I still trust my life in driving it.

Hmm Northern Firearms on Gunbroker sells these Single Shots for 369.00 Shipped. Im not sure what one would expected from that amount of money on a Single Shot. I havent seen one in person nor have I handled one. But in the pictures I have seen of them they look pretty nice for a 369.00 gun. Im not sure Henry would specially set one up for Chuck Hawks. No one has anyway of knowing that for sure its pure speculation. Al

Time will tell.

Single-shot actions are just plain fun. Unlike an AR which can burn through a LOT of lunch money on range day, the H015 lets you stay longer and not go hungry. And, there is more reward from a well aimed single shot.

I agree - and really enjoy my .223 Handi-rifle at range or field. I never did understand the 'draw' of blazing away a 1000 round can of ammo as fast as one can. I suspect there are probably more 'modern sporting rifles' collecting dust than are being shot due to the high cost of feeding them!

in thinking back, I well remember my progression in developing preferences for and against certain types of firearms .... my first was a single shot 12 ga H&R Topper .... other than muzzle loaders, I haven't owned another single shot firearm .... with shotguns I went from the Topper to a side-by-side, to an Ithaca pump, to a Remington 11-87 semi auto .... while I do have an over & under, other gauges, other actions that pretty much stay in the vault .... if I need a shotgun, I take the 11-87 .... with with hand guns, early on, I purchased a 1911 ... wasn't comfortable with it and moved to western style single action revolvers .... again, I wasn't comfortable with the way they handled so I moved double action revolvers .... that is all I've used every since ....with rifles my first love was and still is a lever action .... over time I tried pumps, semi autos and bolt actions and I still prefer bolt and lever actions .... I have friends whose deer hunting rifle of choice is an AR type rifle, mostly chambered in 308 .... its a good thing that there are many options available because one size most certainly doesn't fit all ....

JEBar wrote:so I moved double action revolvers .... that is all I've used every since ....with rifles my first love was and still is a lever action....

I seem to prefer double action revolvers as well. I think it is the simplicity that appeals to me for use in a crisis. Simply, point and shoot. As for lever actions, I too have seemed to have been partial to them since childhood. I think it is the smooth motion of loading the chamber. Unless one is in a war (or law enforcement), 6 shots should do the job. If not, the wrong firearm is being used or not being used appropriately.

All I can add is that my Henry single shot fits right in with the Ruger #1 falling block and Brno Effect Kipplauf that it shares the safe with, and it cost a lot less than either of them. Obviously, not the same type of action, a much more simple rifle to build, but it's really nice for what it is.