Henry Rifle Forums

other than the obvious (the Carbine being .41 lbs lighter and holding 7 rounds) what, if any, major real world positive or negative difference is there between a H012M Henry Big Boy Steel 357 Rifle and a H012MR Henry Big Boy Steel 357 Carbine .... we are trying to decide which one to order and would appreciate recommendations from anyone with hands on experience with either/both rifles

info at this site===> [b] https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/ ... teel/ [/b]

You would get about 60 more FTS muzzle velocity from a 20 inch barrel vs a 16 inch.

Jdl447 wrote:You would get about 60 more FTS muzzle velocity from a 20 inch barrel vs a 16 inch.

for deer hunting inside of 100 yards, would that make much of a difference

I think the .357 is a 100 yard and under rifle anyway,it's what I shoot.
With at least a 158 grn such as federal American Eagles and good shot placement.
I'm sure either one would get the job done.

Jdl447 wrote:I think the .357 is a 100 yard and under rifle anyway,it's what I shoot.
With at least a 158 grn such as federal American Eagles and good shot placement.
I'm sure either one would get the job done.

agree .... do you think would 60 fps make much difference in trajectory

I think that you should go to your H.R,A. dealer , handle both and see what you like about them.

JEBar wrote:

Jdl447 wrote:I think the .357 is a 100 yard and under rifle anyway,it's what I shoot.
With at least a 158 grn such as federal American Eagles and good shot placement.
I'm sure either one would get the job done.

agree .... do you think would 60 fps make much difference in trajectory

With a zero at 50 yards a 158 grn at 1800fps (I have chronoed AE from my 20") would be
1.8 inches low at 100 yards. My ballistic calc. says same bullet at 1750fps would be 2" low.
So not enough to notice when hunting.

Travlin wrote:I think that you should go to your H.R,A. dealer , handle both and see what you like about them.

agree that would be a great idea .... unfortunately, in our area 357's are scarce .... I haven't seen one on the shelf in months

Jdl447 wrote:

JEBar wrote:

Jdl447 wrote:I think the .357 is a 100 yard and under rifle anyway,it's what I shoot.
With at least a 158 grn such as federal American Eagles and good shot placement.
I'm sure either one would get the job done.

agree .... do you think would 60 fps make much difference in trajectory

With a zero at 50 yards a 158 grn at 1800fps (I have chronoed AE from my 20") would be
1.8 inches low at 100 yards. My ballistic calc. says same bullet at 1750fps would be 2" low.
So not enough to notice when hunting.

most helpful info .... .2" at 100 any distance wouldn't make any difference .... that's more accurate than I am

Agree 100% with what Travlin recommended -- get them in your hands and see what they feel like. That's the best and really the only way you'll know for sure. I waited quite a while to handle the rifle when I was looking to buy a steel .357. I had the steel .357 Big Boy (H012M), but cannot compare that experience to the steel .357 Big Boy (H012MR) Carbine model, since I've not had that rifle. I really liked my H012M -- easy to shoot, accurate, and a looker -- especially the fine checkering on the wood furniture.

One of my Henrys now is the .22LR Small Game Carbine (H001TLP). If I had the pleasure, as you do, of looking at the two .357 rifles you are considering, I'd really be interested in the carbine. If Henry designed the .357 carbine in the same way as my SGC is made, I do know that the balance and accuracy of my carbine is incredible. Especially the balance. That's the closest I can come to any type of evaluation, although I know I'm dealing with different calibers.

The best I can say about moving ahead with your decision is that no matter which you choose, you'll have a quality Henry .357 rifle. I'm certain both models are excellent. Have much fun on your quest!

Jdl447 wrote:I think the .357 is a 100 yard and under rifle anyway,it's what I shoot.
With at least a 158 grn such as federal American Eagles and good shot placement.
I'm sure either one would get the job done.

JEBar wrote:

Travlin wrote:I think that you should go to your H.R,A. dealer , handle both and see what you like about them.

agree that would be a great idea .... unfortunately, in our area 357's are scarce .... I haven't seen one on the shelf in months

My local gun store will call me if he gets anything I would be interested in. In some cases on special firearms he might call a few people to let them hold it if the new owner doesn't mind. I mention this because the hold and balance is everything.

Re balance, Remember that with a tube full of ammo, the balance is going to be a little more muzzle heavy.

Sir Henry wrote:

JEBar wrote:

Travlin wrote:I think that you should go to your H.R,A. dealer , handle both and see what you like about them.

agree that would be a great idea .... unfortunately, in our area 357's are scarce .... I haven't seen one on the shelf in months

My local gun store will call me if he gets anything I would be interested in. In some cases on special firearms he might call a few people to let them hold it if the new owner doesn't mind. I mention this because the hold and balance is everything.

good point on the balance ... both my Henry 44 and 45-70 seem to be a bit barrel heavy .... that hasn't been a problem, in fact, it helps with recoil/barrel jump

stopped by a local firearms dealer and got my hands on a Henry 357 rifle .... on paper it weighs the same as our 44 but somehow it seemed heavier .... I'd been considering getting one for my wife to shoot on family outings but there is no way she can handle the weight .... will have to continue looking