The Henry 44 Mag is an American-made, classic lever-action rifle that provides high-quality craftsmanship, accuracy, and reliability to its users. However, while it is a popular choice among firearm enthusiasts, it does come with its own set of unique challenges and problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the various issues faced by Henry 44 Mag owners, shedding light on the root causes, possible solutions, and even preventive measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience. We will cover everything, from feeding and extraction problems to maintenance and aftermarket part compatibility, ensuring all possible queries of users are addressed.
Feeding and Ejection Problems
Jamming Issues
One of the most common problems with the Henry 44 Mag is related to feeding and ejection. Some owners have reported facing jams where the gun fails to load rounds properly or eject spent casings smoothly. There are several potential reasons for this issue:
1. Incorrect ammunition: Ensure that you are using the correct caliber and type of bullets for your specific model. This information can be found in your owner’s manual or engraved/printed on the gun itself.
2. Damaged or dirty magazine tube: Inspect the magazine tube for any visible damage, dents, or debris. Clean the magazine tube and follower. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to replace the magazine tube if it is bent or severely damaged.
3. Weak or worn extractor spring: A weak or worn extractor spring can cause failure to eject spent casings or feed the next round properly. In this case, replacing the spring should resolve the issue.
Difficulty Levering
Another feeding-related problem that users of the Henry 44 Mag may encounter is difficulty in levering the rifle, which can lead to failures to feed new rounds. This issue could stem from the following reasons:
1. Lever tension adjustment: The tension of the lever might not be set correctly, causing the lever to either be too tight or too loose. Adjust the tension according to your preferences by loosening or tightening the tension screw, located on the bottom of the receiver.
2. Broken or bent lifter: The lifter is responsible for lifting the cartridge from the magazine to the chamber. A broken or bent lifter can cause failures to feed new rounds. Inspect the lifter for any visible damage, and if necessary, replace it with a new one.
Maintenance-Related Issues
Difficult Disassembly and Reassembly
While the Henry 44 Mag is an extremely reliable rifle, its design makes field stripping and cleaning more complicated compared to some other firearms. This can lead to frustration for users who are new to this specific model or inexperienced with firearms in general. Here are some tips for making disassembly and reassembly a smoother process:
1. Read the owner’s manual: Familiarize yourself with the steps and components of the gun by reading the owner’s manual and watching tutorial videos.
2. Take your time: Don’t rush the disassembly and reassembly process. Be patient and pay close attention to each component and its placement.
3. Practice makes perfect: The more you disassemble and reassemble the gun, the more comfortable you will become with the process.
Rust and Corrosion Issues
Like any firearm, the Henry 44 Mag is susceptible to rust and corrosion if it is not properly maintained and stored. In order to combat these issues, there are several preventive measures that you can take:
1. Regular cleaning: Clean your gun thoroughly after each use and lubricate all moving parts with a quality firearm oil.
2. Dry storage: Store your firearm in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity. Consider using a dehumidifier or silica gel packets in your gun safe or storage area.
3. Protective coating: Apply a light coating of oil or a rust-preventive solution to the exterior metal surfaces of your gun to ward off rust and corrosion.
Aftermarket Parts and Accessories
Stock Compatibility
Some Henry 44 Mag users may want to replace the factory stock with an aftermarket one, but it is crucial to verify that the aftermarket stock is compatible with your specific model. Most aftermarket stocks will list the compatible rifle models in the product description or on the manufacturer’s website. Always double-check the compatibility before making a purchase.
Scope Mounting Difficulties
Mounting a scope on a Henry 44 Mag can be a bit more challenging than on other firearms, especially if the rifle is a top ejection model. There are specialized scope mounts designed to work with Henry firearms, but it is vital to verify compatibility with your specific model. When choosing a scope mount, ensure it is the correct type (e.g., top ejection, side ejection) and designed to fit your rifle.
Sights
Another area where users might want to customize their Henry 44 Mag is in the sights department. Some owners have reported dissatisfaction with the factory iron sights and have opted to upgrade to higher quality aftermarket sights. Once again, compatibility is crucial. Check with the sight manufacturer to ensure that their sights are designed to work with your specific firearm.
Conclusion
While the Henry 44 Mag is an exceptional firearm, it is not without its problems. By addressing feeding and ejection issues, maintaining proper care of the gun, and selecting compatible aftermarket parts and accessories, owners can better enjoy their shooting experience and maximize the performance and longevity of their rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry .44 Mag Problems
What is the effective range of a 44 mag rifle?
Most .44 magnum rifles have an effective range of around 100-150 yards for hunting purposes, though some skilled shooters may be able to push that range a bit further.
How accurate is a Henry 44 mag?
The accuracy of a Henry .44 mag rifle will depend on a variety of factors, including the individual rifle, the quality of the ammunition being used, and the skill of the shooter. However, many owners report that Henry .44 mag rifles are quite accurate, with some being able to shoot groups of less than 1 inch at 100 yards.
Why are Henry rifles out of stock everywhere?
Henry rifles have become incredibly popular in recent years, and the company has struggled to keep up with demand. Additionally, COVID-related disruptions to supply chains and production capabilities have further exacerbated the shortage of available rifles.
How accurate is a Henry rifle?
The accuracy of a Henry rifle will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific model of the rifle, the caliber being used, and the quality of the ammunition being used. However, many Henry rifles are known for their excellent accuracy, with some models being capable of sub-MOA accuracy.
What are some common problems with Henry .44 mag rifles?
Common problems with Henry .44 mag rifles can include issues with feeding and jamming, as well as occasional accuracy issues. However, these issues are generally uncommon and can often be resolved with proper maintenance and use of high-quality ammunition.
What is the difference between the Henry Big Boy and Henry Golden Boy .44 mag rifles?
The Henry Big Boy .44 mag rifle is a lever-action rifle with a larger, heavier profile and a tubular magazine. The Henry Golden Boy .44 mag rifle is a lever-action rifle with a smaller, slimmer profile and a magazine that is loaded through the butt of the rifle. Additionally, the Golden Boy features a beautiful brass receiver and other decorative features, while the Big Boy has a more utilitarian appearance.
Can a Henry .44 mag rifle be used for self-defense?
While a Henry .44 mag rifle could certainly be used for self-defense in certain situations, it may not be the most practical choice for many people due to its size and weight. Additionally, depending on local laws, a rifle may not be legal or practical for self-defense purposes.
How does the recoil on a Henry .44 mag rifle compare to other rifles?
The recoil on a Henry .44 mag rifle can be quite stout, particularly when using heavier bullets or loads. However, many shooters find the recoil to be manageable, especially when using proper shooting techniques and appropriate recoil mitigation devices such as a padded buttstock or shooting vest.
What kind of scope should I put on my Henry .44 mag rifle?
The type of scope that you should put on your Henry .44 mag rifle will depend largely on your intended use for the rifle. For hunting or long-range shooting, a scope with a higher magnification and larger objective lens may be more appropriate, while for fast-paced shooting or general plinking, a lower-powered scope or even a red dot sight may be a better choice.
Can a Henry .44 mag rifle shoot .44 Special ammunition?
Yes, most Henry .44 mag rifles are also capable of shooting .44 Special ammunition. However, it is important to note that .44 Special cartridges are significantly shorter and lighter than .44 magnum cartridges, and may not cycle reliably in some rifles. Additionally, using .44 Special ammunition in a .44 magnum rifle may lead to accuracy issues and decreased performance at longer ranges.