Henry Rifle Forums

Hi,
I'm thinking of picking up either a Big Boy Steel or color case hardened rifle in 45lc. Issue is I need 13 inch length of pull. No one near me ( northern California) has one to try. Wondering if with the straight stock the 14 inch would be a problem.
Thanks

Welcome to the forum from CT. I'm sure someone here will give you some useful guidance. Glad you joined us.

Welcome to the forum from Kansas. Wish I could help you with the length of pull but most of my guns are in my Sons safe while I am moving.

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum. I think it all depends on how you like to shoot. Sorry you can’t get your hands on one as that is the best way.

See if you can find a Gun Fitter (not a gun smith) in your area. See this for an explanation:

https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/length-pull-matter/

If 14" turns out to be too long, you'll have to have the stock cut down, or have a custom butt stock made which may include having a higher or differently shaped comb. Don't try to do this yourself unless you're an experienced stock maker. If you decide to have a fitted stock set made be prepared to spend several hundred $$. Much like the difference between a tailor made suit, and an off the rack suit from mens wearhouse.

welcome to our forum, delighted to have you join us .... your concern is understood .... over the years, I've found it to be much easier to adjust to firearms with a bit shorter trigger pull than with those with a bit longer .... with wood stocks, I've had no trouble finding a gunsmith who could cut them down to fit .... conversely, I've also not had any problem finding one who could lengthen a stock by adding shims and/or thicker recoil pad .... once again, WELCOME ABOARD

As Sir Henry notes, length of pull on a rifle is personal preference to some extent. Really depends on much you are willing to change your form to accommodate a LOP other than one you want. I agree with others that you really need to try before you buy, though I understand that may not be an option. Remember, though, once you do any mod on a stock, you kill resale value. Don't be in a hurry to start cutting.

Welcome to the forum. Have you checked any local pawn shops to see if there might by chance be one there.

Length of pull will also effect the balance. I have some SGC’s that have a better balance with a youth stock and a longer Frontier that needs a longer stock.

Shooting offhand or bench can also change my feelings for LOP.

I have always had to cut down every rifle that I buy to a 12.5" LOP. I am only 5'5" tall and a full length stock just won't due. Right now I have nine lever guns that have had the LOP cut down to 12.5", after a while you get good enough to do it and no one can ever tell it was done. I don't care how old the rifle is, I have a 1955 39A Mountie, 1966 39A Mountie, Winchester 9422 made in 1978, a 1968 336RC and more that as soon as I get them home the stock comes of and is cut down.

Here is the 1955 39A Mountie after the stock was cut down.

I recently purchased an all weather 357 and had same issue due to (short arm syndrome)like the big boy steel it has a recoil pad. I took the butt plate off my marlin 336 and it's about a perfect fit on the henry and shortened LOP 5/8" . I reinstalled butt plate on the 336 and ordered a new 336 butt plate with a deer head logo off eBay for $12. I'll have to drill two new mounting holes to line up the new plate but MUCH easier than cutting a stock.

Oldbrass,
Just use some tape around the stock when fitting the new butt plate and go slow. Take your time on getting it fitted.

What I've done is pick up a sacrificial stock to cut. I didn't want to cut the plastic stock. I haven't yet done this, but will be doing it this fall. I prefer a shorter stock, especially for bear country and cool weather. I find the long stocks get caught in clothing etc. and when you are dealing with a grumpy bear, you don't want that. I even went as far as contacting Henry, and they have zero interest in offering youth or ladies stocks. Almighty short sighted if you ask me.

You brought up a good point about clothing changing your desired LOP.

Changing your LOP yes, but in a crisis situation, snagging on the coat is absolutely dangerous... It's amazing to me how only that extra inch affects snagging. You tall people don't know the struggles... LOL

I agree with you. I’ve got a Remington 20 gauge that has a length of pull 14” I’m not crazy about but when I use it I’m usually in lighter clothing, generally bird hunting. I did use it las couple of year deer hunting with slugs. Now I want a regular deer rifle and have decided on a Henry .243 in youth model. The length of pull is 13” if I find it a little short I’ll put a white spacer in there 1/4- 3/8”. My Ruger American .22 is 13-3/4” work fine but then again usually wear light clothing. I feel I’d rather have it a little short rather than too long. Anyone have and better ideas I’m open to listening.

Guide

Repost guy's sorry

Why don’t you call Henry Customer Service and see how much a replacement stock cost.
Then you can experiment with your LOP.
They might even send you a better looking stock than you have now.