Gunner Quinn
Changes
During the production run, many small changes were made to the frame and collectors considered there to be four distinct models of Henry. The rifle pictured in this story has a serial number of 20343 and was made in 1869, making it a Second Model. At this point, the drop in front of the hammer had been softened to a graceful arc and the frame flared to meet the forearm.
The first thing to note: Our test rifle is still in the original .44 Henry rimfire configuration. To improve the reliability of the rimfire cartridge, the Winchester has two firing pins 180-degrees apart. Later on, many rifles had the bolt and firing pin reconfigured to allow the use of centerfire cartridges.
Since the Henry Improved wasn’t a new design, Winchester didn’t restart the serial number. In fact, both the Henry and Henry Improved were made concurrently for a period and it’s evident from examining frames both could have come from the same casting mold.
While we all like to romanticize the lever-action as a cowboy rifle, this particular rifle most likely didn’t see any time on a horse. The sling mount on the forearm cap would have chewed up any leather scabbard and there is no evidence of pommel wear on the forearm. It was common for explorers in dangerous country to ride with the rifle across the saddle and ready for action. Rifles with heavy saddle use often have the wood worn down to the magazine from abrasion by the saddle leather.
The rifle does not have the Winchester name anywhere. However, the work of Henry and King was honored by the barrel markings: HENRY’S – PATENT – OCT. 16, 1860 and KING’S – PATENT – MARCH 29. 1866. The octagonal 24″ barrel wears a sporting leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 900 yards. With the leaf down, the sight was useful for close and fast shots.
Original examples command a premium when they come on the market, and original ammunition can run thousands per box but those wanting to experience a small part of the Old West can take heart. Companies like Cimarron Firearms, Taylor’s and Company, and even Winchester offer a modern version in standard pistol calibers such as .38 Special and .45 Colt.
It doesn’t matter if we call it the Henry Improved, the Model ’66, or Yellow Boy, Winchester’s first lever-action rifle will always hold a place as an icon of the American West.
Subscribe To GUNS Magazine
Read the full article here