[Jeff Higgins]

I have no personal experience with anything made by Henry, so I will defer to those who do. They do get outstanding reviews from people within the industry whom I respect, and I have heard nothing but good things about them. I am not familiar with all of their models and variations. I understand some must be loaded through the front of the magazine tube, lacking a side loading gate, but I'm not sure which ones those might be, whether they are "pistol" or "rifle" caliber actions, or both. I very, very much prefer a side loading gate, so perhaps that's why they have not garnered my interest in the past. They are making a big deal about their newer rifles that do feature that side loading gate, so I think they understand how important it is to many of us.

I think my biggest "objection" (if I can even call it that) to the Henry is that it appears a blatant rip-off of the Marlin design. At least by all appearances it appears that way. Maybe there are internal differences - I don't know. I just don't like rewarding that kind of behavior, assuming that is what they really are. I know many don't feel that way, and Henry sure sells a lot of rifles, and they get good reviews.