OH HENRY :(

[Pat A.]

My .357/38 Spl. Henry is having some loading issues. I checked all the screws as directed by numerous websites and videos. It appears that the bullet gets wedged on the top of the receiver and will not feed fully into the barrel. This just started to happen, and it jambs with both .38 & 357 that I have shot in the past with no problems. It even happens when trying snap-caps. I had to email Henry and start a warranty repair.

Short Video

 

[nmkid]

Henry owner myself. Just asking...are you sure you are opening the action (lever) all the way down when starting the loading sequence?

 

[Pat A.]

Yes, It was working just fine last week when I took it out. Cleaned it, put safe until today. I tried 4 different bullets that I have used before without a problem including .38 Special. No go.

 

[dhagerty40]

we have had some shooters have this problem with newer henry rifles. these are rifles that have the loading gate also at top of tube. Since they are 'snowbirds' and just starting to show up, it may be a while to ask them.

 

[nmkid]

Unfortunately, calling Henry Rifles and asking about how to fix a problem is a NO GO. They will offer 2 pieces of advice: send the rifle to them or take it to a Henry authorized gunsmith. I was asking about removing the set screw holding the loading tube, and they would not help!

 

[Pat A.]

Unfortunately, calling Henry Rifles and asking about how to fix a problem is a NO GO. They will offer 2 pieces of advice: send the rifle to them or take it to a Henry authorized gunsmith. I was asking about removing the set screw holding the loading tube, and they would not help!

I have started a warranty repair request, just waiting for them to reply.

 

[joshb]

I have a slightly different gun but it’s a lever gun using a pistol cartridge. It’s a Rossi in 45 Colt. It will jamb like yours on factory loads and “short” hand loads. I figured out that if I made the COAL a little longer, ie didn’t push the bullet into the case as much, the gun worked great. It was only a tenth or so but it made all the difference. It feeds like a charm now. Might try it before you send it off.
Second idea:
You mentioned this happened after you cleaned it. I would clean it again and bore scope the chamber. Might be some gunk in there.

 

[Mittry]

I have a Henry big boy carbine in .357. It locked up on me and would not function. Turned out the firing pin broke in two and jammed things up.
I called Henry and asked them to send me a replacement firing pin.
Their answer was a categorical no way, I’d have to send the entire rifle back to the service center. I asked why they had a parts diagram and parts numbers in the supplied manual but never got an answer. I sent the rifle to the service center and got it back in a few weeks. They were good about it but I would prefer to at least be able to replace a part like a firing pin on my own. These rifles seem to have a history of firing pin failures. Otherwise it’s been a fun little rifle.

 

[joshb]

Yesterday, I ordered one of the new Ruger Marlins in 44 Magnum. It’s a bit lighter than the Henry’s and reportedly very well made. I’ll report in when I shoot it for a bit.

 

[Leo_B]

Henry CS was EXCELLENT the one time I dealt with them. I plan to buy another solely because of that.

I don't blame them at all for requiring it to be sent in. The liability risk from sending parts to unknown users is HUGE. And frankly I prefer the responsibility being on them and not me.

 

[Downhill]

Henry's look great on the outside but internally- scary rough.

 

[Tesoro]

I always thought the new Henry was top notch until I started reading about them. Sucks. Talking about 357 wanna show off my find after a year + of searching. It is an IMI ( Isreal Military Industries ) 357/38 Timber Wolf. Same company that made the Uzi, Galil and original 50AE Desert Eagle. It has a match grade bbl ( shoot sub moa at 100) with a miniaturized 870 action. It was unfired until I got my hands on it! Some mystery and confusion behind these rifles but they are top quality in all manner.