1860 Henry Rifle

Published on January 7, 2014
Duration: 23:07

This review covers the Uberti reproduction of the 1860 Henry Rifle, highlighting its historical significance as the first successful lever-action. It details the unique loading mechanism, design flaws like the open magazine, and its evolution from Volcanic Arms to the Winchester 1866. The video demonstrates its rapid-fire capability and discusses its legacy as a precursor to modern lever-action firearms.

Quick Summary

The 1860 Henry Rifle, the first successful lever-action, featured a unique loading system via an open magazine tube and a twisting barrel sleeve. While historically significant, it had design flaws like dirt ingress and a follower tab that could impede the shooter's hand.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1860 Henry Rifle & Uberti Reproduction
  2. 01:05Loading Mechanism & Design Flaws
  3. 02:20Shooting Demonstration & Performance
  4. 04:45Historical Origins: Volcanic Arms & Early Development
  5. 06:30Benjamin Tyler Henry's Innovations & .44 Rimfire
  6. 09:30Evolution to Winchester 1866 'Yellow Boy'
  7. 11:30Final Thoughts & Legacy of the Henry Rifle

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1860 Henry Rifle historically significant?

The 1860 Henry Rifle is significant as it was the first truly successful lever-action rifle. It provided a substantial increase in firepower compared to the muzzle-loading firearms prevalent during the Civil War era, influencing future firearm designs.

What are the main design differences between the original 1860 Henry and its Uberti reproduction?

Original 1860 Henry rifles were chambered in .44 rimfire. The Uberti reproduction reviewed uses the more common .45 Long Colt cartridge, and while visually similar, it incorporates modern manufacturing techniques for reliability and availability.

What are the notable design flaws of the 1860 Henry Rifle?

Key flaws include the open magazine tube, which is susceptible to dirt and debris, and the follower tab. As the magazine empties, the follower tab moves down the tube, potentially interfering with the shooter's support hand during firing.

How did the 1860 Henry Rifle evolve into the Winchester Model 1866?

The Winchester Model 1866, nicknamed the 'Yellow Boy,' improved upon the Henry by adding a wooden forearm for hand protection, enclosing the magazine tube for better reliability, and incorporating the convenient side loading gate.

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