Henry Rifle Forums

Question for those with a pistol grip. How does the lever feel to you when cycling the action?

I've held several and the stock feels great. But the reverse curve of the small lever just don't feel right to me with my big bear paws. To cycle I have to roll my hand quite a bit with the lever. With the straight stock and the large loop I don't roll my hand. I just keep it flat and work down and forward and let the lever roll around it. Feel much more natural.

But I haven't actually shot a pistol grip Henry.

A mention elsewhere about the problems of making a large loop for them got me thinking about this.

I have the pistol grip stock on my Henry .45-70 steel. I do not have large hands and I don't really notice much difference cycling it vs. my Big Boy .44. I do prefer the look of the straight stock. I do not have a large loop on any of my Henry rifles. My hands are small enough to operate them with gloves on but with gloves the large loop would be better.

I have a straight stock with large loop on our Big Boy Steel 44 Mag .... we also have a pistol grip stock with standard loop on our Color Case Hardened .45-70 ....I can and do work both but to me the best combo would be a pistol grip stock with a large loop lever

Let me take this a step farther. For those that have both straight and pistol grip. Aside from the recoil pad can you tell a difference in the way the gun feels or reacts when you pull the trigger? Taking caliber into consideration of course. More muzzle lift or felt recoil with one or the other ect?

speaking for myself, I find a pistol grip stock to be easier to hold onto .... that has to be one factor in perceived recoil

That's the kind of info I was thinking about. Enough opinions might help some folks trying to decide which model new Henry to buy might find it useful. Now that Henry pretty much has both styles in gun series.

I think pistol grips are better for shooting but straight stocks are better to look at on a lever action.

I agree, i think the straight stocks look better, but they also seem to be faster handling to me also.

All of my Marlins have the pistol grip stocks. All my Henrys, Winchesters, & the one Rossi all have straight stocks.
Can't say that one is better, but will say that I think the straight stocks look a lot better.

The classic straight stock appeals to me personally.