The Henry 410 lever action side gate rifle has quickly become a favorite among hunters, plinkers, and collectors alike. Its compact size, manageable recoil, and classic lever-action design make it incredibly appealing. But is it the right firearm for you? This comprehensive review will dive deep into the features, performance, and overall experience of owning a Henry 410.
What Makes the Henry 410 Unique?
Several features set the Henry 410 apart from other .410 shotguns:
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Side Gate Loading: Unlike traditional tube-fed lever-actions, the Henry 410 boasts a side gate loading system. This allows for quick and easy loading and unloading, a significant advantage in hunting situations. It also makes clearing malfunctions a breeze.
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Compact and Lightweight: Its smaller size and lighter weight compared to other shotguns make it exceptionally maneuverable in tight spaces, perfect for navigating dense brush or smaller hunting areas. This also reduces fatigue during extended use.
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Classic Henry Quality: Henry Repeating Arms are renowned for their build quality. The Henry 410 lever action lives up to this reputation with a robust construction and a beautiful, polished finish. You can expect years of reliable service from this firearm.
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Accurate and Reliable: Many users report excellent accuracy with the Henry 410, especially at closer ranges. The simple action is also exceptionally reliable, contributing to its popularity amongst shooters of all experience levels.
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Variety of Models: Henry offers several models of the 410 lever action, including different barrel lengths, stock configurations, and finishes, allowing you to choose a rifle that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
Performance and Handling
The Henry 410 is surprisingly accurate for a .410 bore shotgun, particularly when using appropriate ammunition. While not suitable for long-range shooting, its accuracy at closer ranges makes it ideal for small game hunting and informal target practice. The manageable recoil makes it suitable for new shooters and experienced hunters alike.
The lever action is smooth and intuitive, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The side gate loading system significantly speeds up reloading compared to traditional tube-fed designs. This is a huge advantage in quick-shooting scenarios.
Who is the Henry 410 For?
The Henry 410's versatility makes it appealing to a broad range of shooters:
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Small Game Hunters: Its compact size and accuracy make it perfect for hunting rabbits, squirrels, and other small game.
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Home Defense: While not a primary home defense weapon, the Henry 410 offers a viable option for close-quarters self-defense.
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New Shooters: The manageable recoil and simple action make it an excellent choice for novice shooters.
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Collectors: The Henry 410's classic design and quality construction appeal to firearm collectors seeking a beautiful and functional piece.
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Plunkers: Its manageable cost and smooth action make the Henry 410 enjoyable for casual target shooting.
Potential Drawbacks
While largely positive, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider:
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Limited Range: The .410 bore is inherently limited in range compared to larger gauge shotguns.
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Ammunition Cost: .410 ammunition can be more expensive than some other shotgun calibers.
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Capacity: While the capacity is acceptable for most uses, it's not as high as some other lever-action shotguns.
Conclusion
The Henry 410 lever action side gate rifle provides an excellent combination of classic design, modern features, and reliable performance. Its compact size, manageable recoil, and smooth action make it a versatile firearm suited to various shooting disciplines. While it has some minor drawbacks, the overall experience of owning and shooting a Henry 410 is overwhelmingly positive, making it a strong contender in the .410 market. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, a new shooter, or a collector, the Henry 410 deserves serious consideration.
