Henry Rifle Forums

Hi - thanks for taking a minute to look. I’m about to buy a Henry big boy classic but I’m torn on the caliber due to uncertainty about recoil.

Is there a distinct difference between the 44 , 41 and 45 ?

Kitch wrote:Hi - thanks for taking a minute to look. I’m about to buy a Henry big boy classic but I’m torn on the caliber due to uncertainty about recoil.

Is there a distinct difference between the 44 , 41 and 45 ?

There are members who can advise you, who will be along shortly.

In the meantime, welcome to the forum from CT. I look forward to your next report about which of those calibers you decide to be your first Henry.

I had a BB 45 Colt. Great shooter with little recoil. Bullets leave big holes.

I have a Big Boy Brass in 357 magnum and the recoil is very light. If you shoot 38 specials it’s like shooting a 22.

I don't think you have to be too concerned about recoil in any of the calibers you are considering in a classic (brass?) Henry. We have a few steel and brass 44Mag Henrys and the recoil hasn't been an issue in any of them, but then again, felt recoil is really subjective. Best advice is to go shoot one. The brass Bigboy is such a heavy rifle that the recoil is not really much of a factor in any caliber other than 45-70...

The exact load for any caliber has a lot to do with recoil. Heavier bullet, higher mv will always result in more/sharper recoil. I have a .41 carbine. The 210gr +P ammo has significantly more recoil than the 190 gr, std velocity for example. Both are quite manageable however.

Here's a decent write up on how recoil is calculated. Bear in mind this is according to Newtons 3rd law. Felt recoil is another matter, and cannot be accurately computed, but generally speaking the calculated recoil is a reasonable substitute to make a purchase decision on.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/gu ... oil-energy

None of those really have any great recoil. but
if I were to rate them, the 44 edges them, then 41,
and why the 45 last?
Most 45 colt factory ammo is loaded light in case it were to be put in an older fire arm.
I have a 44 Bronze, a 41 BBS, and a Marlin Cowboy 45 colt, (very similar in size) if you aren't familiar.
All are about the same to me...

My two favorites are the 41, and the 45 though, but....
I do load my own.

RP

Thanks for all the responses , I’m leaning towards the 41 mag

Would love to shoot one first , I can’t find anyone in the DFW area I know that has one

Kitch wrote:Thanks for all the responses , I’m leaning towards the 41 mag

It's a great caliber, often overlooked however. Factory ammo can sometimes be hard to find at your local shops, and you certainly won't find it at Walmart and the like. Many .41 fans reload it for that reason, and cost. Cost wise, it's usually $1/round or more.

I would NOT recommend the 41 magnum unless you reload, as mentioned. Factory ammo is always hard to find and always expensive. Great cartridge that really should be more popular, but the ammo thing is a real negative.

The 44 mag will have recoil, but in a rifle like the Henry, I would rate it as manageable. Then, too, you can also shoot 44 Specials.

The 45 Colt would be my choice of those three. Very pleasant to shoot when you go with standard 45 Colt rounds or cowboy action ammo, but it can be loaded up to 44 mag levels in your Henry if you ever need the power.

As mentioned, though, the 357 always comes in first for affordability and availability of ammo and lack of recoil. It's certainly useable for hunting, too. Any place that sells ammo will have 357s and 38s.

I second everything NCG said above.
The 41 mag was the caliber that finally made me take the plunge into the reloading game.
Wish I had done it sooner.
Now I reload for everything I shoot.

RP

I reload for .41 and am putting together target stuff that costs me about as much as a cheap box of 9mm-but I had to spend a few bucks on brass and what not to get started.If you reload go for it-I enjoy shooting mine and its the BBB carbine.

Thank you all for the insights

41 mag is without a doubt my favorite of the 3 but I also reload. NCG is spot on with her recommendations. If you dont reload get the 357. I wouldnt even suggest 44 or 45 either if you dont reload. The recoil will be more severe in your pocket book than it ever will be on you shoulder with any of the 3 you asked about to begin with.

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Nothing I can offer on this one, except welcome to the forum from the TV Oregon.

Kitch wrote:Thank you all for the insights