Quality of new Henry lever actions

[u/Visual-Improvement-2]

I’m considering picking up a new Henry 30-30 for a bush gun, I’m interested to hear anyone’s thoughts on the new Henry’s quality, reliability etc.

Better to buy new? Or better off finding a good condition older model.

[u/Swellchapo95]

I have one I got a couple years ago brand new and it’s completely fine, no issues with it what so ever, if they didn’t start making them with the side loading gate I likely would have never bought one so good thing they added those

[u/floppy_breasteses]

My .44 is about 2 years old. Several hundred rounds through it now and it runs like new. Some people have complained about fairly minor fit and finish issues but I haven't seen any myself. I know a few others locally with new-ish Henrys and they don't have a single complaint.

[u/Taro619D]

Every company can have a lemon ... I remember watching paul harrell a few years back where he had a 357 mag henry that jammed 3 times in a row and failed to hit a chest size meat target at 25 yards. Really comes down to the luck of the draw ¯\ (ツ)/¯

Edit : that video was from 7 years ago so things could have changed

[u/Massive_Expression_2]

In February 2025I bought a Henry big boy in 357. It runs great, looks great, and the fit and finish is really good. If I had to knit pick , I would say the eject is a little weak if I don't really throw the lever firmly.

[u/swhissell]

Henry has a ton of company pride, so their quality control is pretty important to them. I had a .357 that was great (mind you this was years ago).

Their moto is “made in America or not made at all”, so their guns are made to rep their country and not so much the guns themselves, which I believe means you’re very likely to get a good functioning rifle. Of course like everything there is always the chance of getting a lemon.

[u/Happytanker7]

I love my homesteader, it’s been a solid firearm and I have seriously thought about picking up one of their levers. They also have great support, seems like just about every gun store carries them.

[u/DifficultReference99]

I bought one..basic wood model. Works fine! Im not a fan of the iron sights tough. Buckhorn sights are just hard to use in general

[u/Swellchapo95 → u/DifficultReference99]

I put a skinner on mine almost immediately after buying

[u/DifficultReference99 → u/Swellchapo95]

Where did you order yours from? Did you replace the front sight aswell?

[u/Swellchapo95 → u/DifficultReference99]

Ordered right from the skinner sights website and yes I replaced the front sight with a taller one, I believe it was .600 ish if I can remember correctly

[u/superdrupal]

I bought the H009 Protector in 30-30 a couple weeks ago and have no complaints. It was manufactured mid year. I have put about 100 handloads through it. I also own a JM Marlin in 45-70 and can't say I have a favorite.

[u/LumberjackCDN]

New/jm stamped Marlin>Henry>Canuck=s&w>anything else turkish imo

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/LumberjackCDN]

You rank canuck on par or better than SW?

[u/LumberjackCDN → u/HappyCan7250]

I mean maybe we got a bad batch at the store, but they dont cycle very nicely out of the box. We've got 1 left and I wont restock them because of it.

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/LumberjackCDN]

Interesting. I always thought they were top tier. I've been eyeing those Canuck ones too, theyre beautiful looking rifles at a good price. Just bought myself a H009B (older model  no side gate) brass Henry 30-30, that has reignited my love of lever guns. Might have to add a 45-70 at some point, but it is brutally expensive to shoot.

[u/HappyCan7250]

I have a Homesteader in 9mm, and the few minor issues (not even Henry's fault) and they've actually mailed me replacement parts for free from the US, no other gun company has done that for me.

I also just recently got a brass 3030 with the octagon barrel and it feels very well made, action lockup was a little bit stiff at first but after putting a few rounds through it is loosening up. Absolutely beautiful rifle too.

Even if you ran into an issue, Henry 100% backs their products. Lifetime warranty if i recall correctly, but i dont know if it is transferable or not, so a used rifle might not have warranty

[u/carlosmysantana]

I personally own the classic .22 & a beautifully finished 45-70. Never had an issue with either of them. I personally think Henry is still one of the few manufacturers that doesn’t skimp out on quality. Also can’t beat a lifetime warranty if anything comes up.

[u/ltcmotherteresa]

I bought a .357 a couple of years ago and it's been fantastic to shoot with zero issues, well-built and completely reliable in my limited experience. My dad and brother-in-law also bought Henry's in the last few years and to the best of my knowledge neither of them have had any problems.

[u/MRcrete]

My 357 Henry has seen several thousand rounds in the 3 years i've owned it, it's a great firearm.