Henry Rifle Forums

So... this has been rolling through my mind.
All of my Henry's are pre-side gate. Would it be possible for Henry to offer original customers the opportunity to send in your pre-side gate rifle and have a side gate installed?
If it is feasible, would there be interest? And if I (or you) were interested how much would I (or you) be willing to spend for this service?
I think that if I could get a side gate cut into my Henry Steel Big Boy, for let's say $250, I would probably go for it.
Any thoughts?

I think it’s a good idea. All mine are pre-gate as well. I would think long and hard before I did a conversion, but I don’t know where I’d land on it in the end.

I believe the receivers are different, seems I read that they had to beef up the receiver to except the sidegate.
So you're looking at swapping the complete receiver.
It is a nice thought but likely not an option.

RP

Redthies wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 21, 2023 2:27 am

I think it’s a good idea. All mine are pre-gate as well. I would think long and hard before I did a conversion, but I don’t know where I’d land on it in the end.

I dont think that I would do it on my color case hardened rifles... But I would like it if my Big Boy had a side gate. Might just have to buy another!

Not a bad thought GH , for those that really miss having the side gate. Personally, I don't mind having just the tube to feed. Who knows, maybe some day our pre side gate rifles will be worth more...maybe not...dunno.

I compared my Henry X45 to my other Henry 45 Colt without side gate and there is some difference in the case lifter. I took some pictures of it and posted it here on the forum. I did not see where the reciever was any thicker in areas I could measure/see.
Really don't see Henry offering a service like that since they are really busy cranking out the new stuff. However somebody out there may try a conversion. Cutting the slot would not be too difficult.

You nailed it 40. I doubt Henry would ever consider doing it. Too many what ifs. If I had to choose from only having a side gate or tube feed for ALL my levers, (Marlin and Winnie included) I’d probably go tube. I like being able to load and unload quickly. The “topping up” thing is never an issue for me.

Greyhawk wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:27 am

... But I would like it if my Big Boy had a side gate. Might just have to buy another!

That's the spirit