~By Fred K. Aron
As I was looking for a trail gun in non-griz country, I looked at alot of guns, and shot most of them. It was down to the S&W 629 Mountain Gun and the Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 in the 4 5/8ths barrel.
I chose the Ruger for many reasons. Its a stronger design, its simple, and I like the Single action grip frame better for recoil issues. I had never owned one of these 'Cowboy type' guns, so I really didn't know what I was getting into. I got it home and quickly swapped out the factory springs with a Wolff Kit to lighten the hammer and trigger pull, then ran to range like the little kid I can be to run 200 rounds though it.
Amazing. I have now put about 3000 rounds through it and love it more every trigger pull. I mainly shoot my 300 grain pleasent loads with 8-10 grains of Unique though it, but have thrown a few nastys and it handles better then my Super Redhawk with the 7 inch barrel.
My wife went out and purchased a set of Elk grips made by Eagle which compliment the blue hogs leg so nice. I carry it often, and shoot it every chance I have to make a range trip.
If you are looking for a single action 44mag that is easily packed on the hip, and shoots straight...this is a real good bet...see my photo's in the gallery of my favorite pistol.
Feel free to email me with any questions.
Fred
~By Capt Walt
I needed a Big Game rifle for my son that was capable of taking whitetailed deer, Black Bear and Moose but it had to be easy to handle, low recoil, reliable and affordable for the young shooters first big game rifle as well as classy enough for any shooter with fine taste.
Priced at $775.00 at Maines largest gun dealer it is an exceptional value for the money.
This is an American made rifle with its history dating back to the time of the Civil War, or the war of insurection for folks south of the Mason Dixon line.
When President Lincon was seeking any advantage to help the union win the war; a newly invented idea was presented to him. The Henry Lever action repeating rifle.
It was the first of its kind to be produced with other gun manufactures taking to the idea and producing there own versions the lever action it played an important part in helping the Union win the war and was part of the our countries history of how the west was won. To this day cowboy re-inactors use the Henry as part of their authentic getup for events.
This rifle not only looks good with its Solid top brass receiver, brass buttplate and brass barrel band it hits the nail right on the head staight out of the box. With standard adjustable Marble semi-buckhorn rear with white diamond insert and brass beaded front sight I have the feeling that Henry takes care to make sure that this rifle will pop bullseyes at 50 yrds and 100 yards without a lot of trial and error.
The tube magazine holds an amazing amount of bullets; more than most hunters will ever need. Henrys motto was quoted form old Honest Abe "Load on Sunday, Shoot all week long"
The guns powerful bullet selection will take down any game animal in North America.
Safe shooting practice is enhanced in that the tube design must be loaded with the reciever chamber open. Dont forget to lever it clear when loading! This safety procedure makes the lever action an exceptionally safe design as you can show clear.
Weighing in at 8.68 lbs this isn't the lightest lever action rifle made but the extra heft goes a long way in absorbing recoil of even the roaring 240 gr. Super-X® Hollow Soft Point loads.
Unlike many short lever action hunting rifles that kick like a mule this Henry tends to roll with the punch more like a shotgun, Certainly a big plus for all hunters.
The quality of materiels and workmanship is top notch with excellent fit and finish of both machine parts and good quality wood stocks. This rifle ejects on the right hand side with a nice downward case throw making it a good choice for both right handed shooters and southpaws. I especally like being able to retreive the brass without looking all over for them. A good feature for reloaders. The action was smooth and functioned flawlessly from the first shot. Its getting even better after shooting a few hundred rounds and cleaning out all of the packing grease.
The pride in craftsmanship is displayed in all dealiungs with the Henry company. They treat Evey customer like you are their most important. That kind of service is exceptional in todays market.
This rifle like all high tolerance fine machined tools works well lubricated with a very low viscosity machine/gun oil. The rifle was tested in below freezing weather in coastal Maine in December with salt spray in the air. Not the kindest enviourment for any hunting equipment and certainly a vigourous testing ground for a Deer Rifle.
My 12 yr old son used winchester 240 gr. USA Jacketed Soft Point ammo for his first try on using a large caliber rifle and did as well as if he was shooting his .22 bolt action. Having used this Henry .44 Mag makes me wish that I also had their .22 lever action for small game and plinking. This rifle is one that will give a lifetime of hunting service and can be carried by shooters of all ages. Few firearms these days fall into the Hierloom category as well as being serviceable hunting weapons. This Henry rifle meets a lot of requirements in a fairly priced package.
My only regret is that I had not shot one a long time ago.
Capt Walt
Master Maine Guide, New England Charters & Guide Service LLC
~By Capt Walt
The Game Getter with accessories in its case. | Remington power loads for power-actuated tools |
Sized buck shot pressed into the mouth of the Game Getter modified cartridge. |
El Oso again with a new product everyone should try. I saw an add for Hoppe's Elite Bore Ceaner and thought if its from Hoppe's it's worth a shot. I sent for a free sample to avoid spending my cash as long as possible.
When it came in the mail I couldn't wait to give it a try. My S.S. Vaquero was chosen as my test subject, so I went out and got it dirty with some nice lead handloads. When I thought it was dirty enough I came in and took it apart.
When I opened the new cleaner I noticed something was wrong, where was that famous Hoppe's smell? Thinking this was not my normal Hoppe's I turned to the directions (this is not something I normally do) it said soak a patch run it through the bore and let sit a few minutes.
I then hit it with the bore brush a few passes then another patch. The patch came out filthy so another soaked went down the bore, this one was just lightly soiled. A dry patch that was next came out clean.
I sprayed some on the top strap and front of the cylinder, let them sit then hit them with a brush and wiped all the grime away. The cylinder looker new I couldn't believe it. I have to say if gun cleaning is not at the top of your list of fun chores give this Hoppe's Elite a try.
We do need to see if they can add that wonderful Hoppe's 9 smell, then it would be perfect.
El Oso
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |