So earlier this month, right before SHOT, two new Henry lever action rifles were announced for the Henry Repeating Arms line-up. Now, I have always had a soft spot for lever guns; I won’t deny it. There is something about them that just oozes cool. It feels like you just stepped out of a spaghetti Western when you rack the rifle. So, needless to say, I am always a little pumped when I see more of them hit the market. Now, I mentioned that they are releasing two variants, the Long Ranger Express and the Brass Axe .410. Today we’re going to talk shop about the Long Ranger Express chambered in the oh so reliable .223 Remington.
All Aboard the Long Ranger Express
Henry has said that the focus of the New Long Ranger Express is a perpetuation of their emphasis on customer feedback. Their object was an adaptable, quick-to-handle carbine focused on predator hunting, varmint control, and property defense. A neo-good ole boy rifle, if you will. A smidge of the tradition you need, and some of the new features you want.
It comes to standard with a Picatinny rail mounted on the black anodized “aerospace-grade” aluminum receiver. You know, if you feel the need to put an Eotech or a Holosun on the top of your lever gun, it’s your America, I won’t tell you how to freedom. It also uses a 5-round steel magazine. The new Henry lever action rifle is a 16.5″ blued steel sport barrel threaded for muzzle devices or suppressor usage.
The Specifications
- Action Type: Lever Action
- Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56 NATO
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 16.5″
- Barrel Type: Round Blued Steel
- Rate of Twist: 1:9
- Overall Length: 37″
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Receiver Finish: Hard Adonized Black
- Sights: None
- Scopeability: Picatinny Rail Included
- Scope Mount Type: Ring/Mount for Standard Picatinny Rail
- Stock Material: Birch Laminate
- Buttplate/Pad: Black Solid Rubber Recoil Pad
- Length of Pull: 14″
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Extras: 5/8×24 Threaded Barrel, Swivel Studs, Hammer Extension Included
It seems like an overall pretty accessible and all-purpose rifle with some character. Henry put it pretty well on their product page for the lever gun, “For the fox in the chicken coop, the hog rooting the crop, or whatever you may find at the edge of your property line and beyond, the Long Ranger Express is prepared to go to work.”
Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten the chance to put my hands on the rifle yet, but I sure hope I have the opportunity to soon. The rifle’s Henry Long Ranger Express’s recommended retail price is $1,235, just a smidge pricey and, even worse, one digit away from $1,234.
If you’re interested in learning more about this lever-action, check it out on www.Henryusa.com.
