Hey guys! Ever thought about getting your hands on a classic .22 lever-action rifle? Well, you might want to take a close look at the Henry .22 lever action. This rifle isn't just a firearm; it's a piece of American history, a symbol of quality, and a whole lot of fun to shoot. In this in-depth review, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Henry .22, from its features and performance to why it's a top choice for plinking, small-game hunting, and introducing new shooters to the world of firearms. I'll be sharing my experiences, highlighting what makes this rifle stand out, and giving you the lowdown on whether it's the right choice for you. Let's get started, shall we?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Okay, so first things first: the unboxing. The Henry .22 lever action typically arrives in a sturdy cardboard box, well-protected and ready to go. When you pull it out, the first thing that hits you is the rifle's appearance. The classic lines, the gleaming blued steel, and the rich, finished wood – it's a sight to behold. There's a sense of craftsmanship that you don't always find in modern firearms. The fit and finish are excellent, with no rough edges or cheap plastic parts in sight. Holding it, you can feel the quality. The action is smooth, and the lever cycles with a satisfying click. The walnut stock feels great in your hands, and the overall balance of the rifle is just right, making it comfortable to shoulder and aim. The sights are crisp and easy to acquire, which is a huge plus, especially if you're like me and value a quick sight picture. Initial impressions? Definitely positive. It feels like a rifle built to last, one that you'll be proud to own and pass down. The attention to detail is evident, from the checkering on the stock to the way the barrel is crowned. The Henry .22 feels like a rifle that's been made with care, and that's a great start.

Now, let's talk about the specs a bit. The Henry .22 lever action comes in a few different configurations, but the most common has a 20-inch barrel and a tube magazine that holds around 15 rounds of .22 long rifle ammunition. It’s also available in shorter barrel lengths and with different stock materials, but the core design remains the same. The action is, of course, a lever action, which is iconic and fun to use. The lever cycles smoothly, ejecting spent casings and chambering fresh rounds with ease. The receiver is grooved for scope mounting, which is a great option if you prefer optics. The safety is a simple push-button type, located on the side of the receiver, and the trigger pull is generally crisp and clean. Overall, it's a well-thought-out design that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a rifle that's ready to go right out of the box, with no need for any modifications or upgrades unless you really want to personalize it.

Features and Design

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the specific features and design elements of the Henry .22 lever action. This is where the rifle truly shines. The lever action itself is, of course, the star of the show. It's not just a cool piece of history; it's also incredibly reliable. Lever actions are known for their simplicity and robustness, which means fewer things to go wrong. The Henry's lever cycles smoothly, and the design is such that it's nearly impossible to jam. That reliability is a huge plus, whether you're plinking at the range or hunting small game. The tube magazine is another notable feature. It's a classic design, and it’s easy to load. Just pull the inner tube out, drop in your .22 rounds, and slide it back in. It’s simple, effective, and it holds a good amount of ammo. The fact that it loads from the muzzle can be a bit tricky with certain scopes, but it's a minor inconvenience. The barrel is a crucial part of any rifle, and the Henry .22 doesn’t disappoint. It's typically made of blued steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. The rifling is well-done, which helps with accuracy, and the barrel is crowned to protect the muzzle and improve the bullet's flight. The sights are another area where Henry has done a great job. The standard sights are a simple but effective combination of a front blade and a rear adjustable sight. They're easy to acquire and provide a decent sight picture for target shooting and hunting at reasonable distances. Many owners choose to add a scope for increased precision, which is easy to do thanks to the grooved receiver.

In terms of the stock, the Henry .22 usually comes with a beautiful walnut stock. The wood is well-finished, and it feels great in your hands. The checkering on the wrist and forend provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The stock is also designed for comfortable shouldering, which is important for accurate shooting. The overall design is clean and classic. There's nothing flashy or over-the-top about it. It’s a rifle that’s built to do one thing: shoot accurately and reliably. The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the way the lever fits to the quality of the bluing. Henry rifles are known for their commitment to quality, and it shows in every aspect of the design. The company prides itself on using American-made parts whenever possible, which is a nice touch. The whole package is just a well-built, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing rifle that's a joy to shoot.

Performance and Accuracy

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does the Henry .22 lever action perform on the range? The short answer is: very well! For a .22 rifle, the accuracy is impressive. With the right ammunition and a bit of practice, you can easily shoot tight groups at 50 yards and even hit targets at 100 yards, especially if you have a scope mounted. The barrel quality is excellent, and the rifling helps to stabilize the bullet, contributing to its accuracy. The trigger pull is generally crisp and clean, which makes it easier to shoot accurately. The lever action itself is also a factor. The smooth cycling of the lever allows for quick follow-up shots, which is great for plinking or hunting. The sights are another element that affects accuracy. The standard iron sights are decent, but they may not be ideal for everyone, especially for long-range shooting. However, as mentioned earlier, the receiver is grooved, making it easy to mount a scope. With a scope, the Henry .22's accuracy potential really shines. You can achieve amazing precision, making it a great choice for target shooting and small-game hunting. The rifle's overall balance and comfortable handling also contribute to its accuracy. It's easy to shoulder, point, and hold steady, which makes a big difference when trying to hit small targets. The weight of the rifle, combined with the way it’s balanced, helps to absorb recoil, allowing for more accurate follow-up shots. The magazine capacity is another factor to consider. With a tube magazine holding around 15 rounds, you can enjoy a good amount of shooting before needing to reload. This is a big plus for plinking, as it means less downtime and more fun. The reliability of the rifle is also important. The lever-action design is known for its reliability, and the Henry .22 lives up to that reputation. The action cycles smoothly, and jams are rare, allowing you to focus on shooting. All in all, the Henry .22 lever action is a very accurate and reliable rifle. It's a joy to shoot, and it’s capable of delivering impressive results at the range or in the field.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let’s break down the Henry .22 lever action into its pros and cons. This will give you a clear picture of what makes this rifle great and where it might fall short, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for you. Let's start with the good stuff.

Pros:

• Classic Design and Aesthetics: The Henry .22 lever action is a beautiful rifle. The blued steel, walnut stock, and classic lines give it a timeless appeal. It's a rifle you'll be proud to own and display.
• Reliability: Lever-action rifles are known for their reliability, and the Henry .22 is no exception. The action is smooth and robust, with few things that can go wrong. This is a rifle you can depend on.
• Accuracy: For a .22, the Henry delivers excellent accuracy. The quality barrel and well-designed sights (or the option to mount a scope) allow you to shoot tight groups.
• Ease of Use: The lever action is simple and fun to use, making it great for new shooters. The rifle is easy to load, operate, and maintain.
• Build Quality: The fit and finish are excellent. Henry rifles are built to a high standard, with quality materials and craftsmanship.
• Made in America: Henry Repeating Arms is an American company, and they take pride in producing their rifles in the USA, using American-made parts whenever possible.

Cons:

• Tube Magazine Loading: Some people find loading the tube magazine a bit fiddly, especially if you're used to box magazines. However, it's a minor inconvenience.
• Scope Mounting: While the receiver is grooved for scope mounting, the loading process can sometimes interfere with larger scopes. However, this is easily solvable with higher scope mounts.
• Price: Henry rifles are not the cheapest .22s on the market. However, you're paying for quality, and the rifle's durability justifies the price for most people.

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. The Henry .22 lever action is a fantastic rifle that's well worth the investment. It's a classic, reliable, and accurate firearm that's sure to bring you years of shooting enjoyment.

Who is the Henry .22 Lever Action For?

So, who is the Henry .22 lever action a good fit for? This is a versatile rifle that appeals to a wide range of shooters. First off, it’s a perfect choice for new shooters. The lever action is incredibly easy to learn and operate, and the .22 round has low recoil, making it a great way to introduce someone to the world of firearms. Then, there's the plinker. If you enjoy spending time at the range, popping cans, and just having fun shooting, the Henry .22 is a blast. The smooth action and high magazine capacity make it ideal for recreational shooting. For the small-game hunter, it's an excellent choice. The accuracy and reliability, combined with the .22's effectiveness on small game like squirrels and rabbits, make it a great hunting rifle. The collector will also appreciate the Henry .22. It's a classic rifle with a beautiful design, and it’s a piece of American history. It's a rifle that you'll be proud to display and pass down to future generations. For the preppers and survivalists, the Henry .22 offers several advantages. It's a reliable rifle that doesn't rely on batteries or complicated mechanisms. It's also chambered in .22, which is one of the most readily available and affordable ammunition types. And let's not forget the gun enthusiasts. If you simply appreciate quality firearms, the Henry .22 is a must-have. Its craftsmanship, reliability, and accuracy make it a standout choice for any gun collection. It's a rifle that combines classic aesthetics with modern performance.

Conclusion: Is the Henry .22 Lever Action Worth It?

Alright, guys, let’s wrap this up. Is the Henry .22 lever action worth your hard-earned money? Absolutely, in my opinion! It's a fantastic rifle that delivers on all fronts: aesthetics, reliability, accuracy, and sheer fun. This rifle isn't just a firearm; it's an investment in a piece of American history. It's a rifle that will bring you years of enjoyment, whether you're plinking at the range, hunting small game, or just admiring its classic design. The build quality is exceptional, and the attention to detail is evident throughout. The lever action is smooth and reliable, the sights are effective, and the accuracy is impressive for a .22. The fact that it's made in America and built to last is another big plus. Sure, there are other .22 rifles out there, but the Henry .22 lever action has something special. It has a charm, a character, that's hard to find in modern firearms. It's a rifle that connects you to a tradition of quality and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a .22 rifle that offers a great shooting experience, reliability, and a classic design, the Henry .22 lever action is a top choice. So, go ahead, treat yourself. You won't regret it. Happy shooting!