Henry Collector Spotlight – Gene R.
1. How many Henry firearms do you currently own?
Seventeen (17)
2. What is it about Henry that made you want to start collecting them?
I bought my first Henry H001 Classic Lever Action .22 rifle twenty years ago. It was made in Brooklyn, NY and has a low serial number which dates it to March 24th, 1997. It missed the first shipment by days.
The Classics can be easily modified and not ruin the value. I think in another ten years the Henry H001 series will become the 10/22 of the world with many aftermarket products like steel receiver covers, and large loops like the Rifleman will become more mainstream. Already standard items like globe and tang sights are being made. Custom leather wraps and slings are also making their way onto Henrys.
3. I believe we first met at henryrifleforums.com. What can you tell everyone about the community there, and why should they join?
The Henry forum is the only dedicated forum for Henry Repeaters. We do not allow political, sexual, or religious posts. The forum is about Henry Repeaters and our lives. The Henry forum is a fun place whether you are new to firearms or have been around them all your life. I have known a few people on it for more than ten years and have visited several. We are family!
4. What was the last Henry you added to your collection? And do you have any plans for the next one?
My last Henry is a Long Ranger in .223. Sixteen of my seventeen Henrys are rimfire. I have no immediate plans for a new Henry, although I like even numbers like eighteen. I have at least one rifle in all of the H001 series. Most I have in several calibers of rimfire.
5. If you could design the next Henry rifle or shotgun what would it be?
I would like to see a .410/.22WMR over/under repeater. Has anyone ever made a tube fed over and under where you get more than just one round in each caliber? I certainly haven’t seen one.
6. If you could go to the shooting range with any one person, alive or dead, real or fictional, who it would be?
Henry President, Anthony Imperato, of course.
7. Do you hunt? If so, what’s your favorite season? If not, have you ever eaten wild game like venison or quail?
I do not hunt but am the first one on your doorstep should you harvest a deer. I love venison.
8. Which Henry would you recommend to someone who is looking to own their first?
Without knowing anything about their needs I would recommend an H001 Classic Lever Action .22 or a Small Game Carbine in .22LR.
9. What’s the most unique Henry in your collection?
The picture I included is of a Mare’s Leg made from a Mare’s Leg receiver and a shortened .22 WMR frontier octagon barrel. It has a Skinner receiver sight mount with a Steven’s three-hole peep, a Lyman globe front sight, a custom large loop and a buttstock wrap. The receiver cover also has a custom antique finish. This would make a nice pickup truck firearm for a ranch. Since it is a pistol it can be loaded inside the truck. A perfect firearm when you need a rifle when mending fences.
10. Any shoutouts you’d like to give, or anything you want to tell everyone? Now’s your time to shine!
To all my friends on the Henry forum I would like to thank for being my friend.
P.S. I have a question for Henry. What thing does Henry wish they had made different about the Classic? It is perfect to me.
From Dan Clayton-Luce, Communications Director – Having spent lots of time behind the sights of The New Original Henry, it’s difficult to think of anything that could have been done differently. The sheer enjoyment of shooting this rifle is unrivaled. If I had to pick something, I think it would be interesting to try a “distressed” or aged version so that it looks exactly like the 1860’s-era rifles that we see today at auction. Guitar companies do this a lot and it lends a certain character to the guitar without having to spend years on the road. We could beat up the wood a little bit, maybe patina and scuff up the brass, etc. Seems counterintuitive to take something so beautiful and beat it up right off the assembly line, but I think the end result could look pretty convincing.
