Lever gun sight-in fiasco

[LHSmith]

Attempted to sight in a hunting buds new Henry Lever action in .357. Range 50 yards. Factory Rem 125 JSP. Factory iron sights. Barrel cleaned. Solid bench, mechanical rest and well fitting bags. With the rear sight on bottom notch of ramp it printed 8" high of bull. Moved the ramp to catch the top notch and of course it printed 3" higher. Windage was dead-on from factory. I've sighted in numerous lever guns in the past - Win. 94's, Marlin 336's, Savage 99"s without difficulty. Is this known Henry thing? We both shot and made note of how we were holding, and our shoots grouped tight together.
And NO the barrel was not resting on the front bag.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Try some 158 gr hp/sp ammo. The slower, heavier bullet may allow for actual zero of the sights.

 

[tmwinds]

My first call would be to Henry. They have excellent customer support. It sounds like you need a taller front sight. Maybe they offer one. If Henry can’t help you give Skinner Sighs a call. They make replacement blades for the Henry in about a dozen heights. Cost is about $17.

 

[Tommie]

Their rear sight is lame. Just sayin’

 

[dellet]

Check the rear sight, some of the Henry’s, maybe all, have a screw in the side of the rear sight so that the V or Diamond can be moved to set for a Zero elevation, then the ramp can be used more or less as your quick elevation adjustments.

Might be in the instructions, but that’s no fun

 

[Ron IA]

Never had any problems with mine call Henry they will help you out

 

[Rook 6]

After checking and trying what’s been recommended, if it’s still printing high, you might need a taller front sight.

 

[chop house]

does poi move down if you actually either rest or hold the forearm in your palm, in a more typical hunting style hold?

 

[LHSmith]

does poi move down if you actually either rest or hold the forearm in your palm, in a more typical hunting style hold?

Leaning the rifle against the roof support post it did not change POI. Apparently they don't test for accuracy before shipping.
I guess the answer it's a Henry thing. $1100 and your buying aftermarket parts for it to be functional.

 

[LHSmith]

Their rear sight is lame. Just sayin’

I thought the same ....... lots of wiggle ...like sights you'd find on a Daisy.

 

[Fast14riot]

Zero at 100y?

 

[Adam in WI]

Leaning the rifle against the roof support post it did not change POI. Apparently they don't test for accuracy before shipping.
I guess the answer it's a Henry thing. $1100 and your buying aftermarket parts for it to be functional.

I'm no fan of Henry. To me they're a chunky, poorly executed knockoff of Marlin.

But, I think you're being a bit harsh. No, most manufacturers don't accuracy test they gun off of the line. Call them up and explain the issue. Give them a chance to fix it. Hell; I've currently got an issue with a rifle from a well known maker that's almost double the cost of your problem child. I'm not going to drag them up and down the Internet though until they've had a chance to address my concerns.

 

[clowdis]

If you're 3" high at 50 yd. then you may be close to zero at 100 yd. You need to try that before you start to badger anybody. You may also need to get a taller front sight and some files to get it zeroed at 50 yds. A non-adjustable iron sight can only be zeroed for one range, whatever line you choose, but you have to use files and drifts to get it on at that distance.

 

[Ron IA]

I have two Henry's 44 golden boy and a 357/38 steel not one bit of problems out of them the OP asked for some advice I don't think he was looking for a trash the Henry response call Henry see what they say about your gun problems I'm sure they will be more then helpful

 

[charlie b]

I've only shot Win94's but I always shot them with my hand under the forearm. It was something Paco Kelly recommended for all tube action rifles.

Also think the 100yd suggestion and heavier loads are good ones. The 357 Marlin my FIL had did not do well with the smaller bullets.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I have a Henry 44 mag and never liked the open sights, so I just put a Leupold Red dot Delta Point Pro on it and it really helped me. It you are going to hunt.

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

I would throw a peep on it, which might still require a taller front sight. I've done this on two Henry's.
I usually recommend Williams, just because they're easy to source up here in Canada, but if I were in the states, I'd probably get a Skinner.
A peep is such a huge upgrade, especially if you are past 40.

 

[CCM]

If it has this style of sight, which most newer Henry's have, put the sight elevator on the lowest position. Then adjust elevation with the sliding plate in the center of the blade.

 

[JMayo]

Pumpkin on a post aiming !

 

[Hipshoot]

Try a heavier bullet and/or a higher front sight!