Henry Rifles, do you prefer Brass or Steel?

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I'm currently debating whether I want a Henry Big Boy in Brass or Steel, what are the pros and cons of each?

It looks like the Brass models come with the octagonal barrels so they end up weighing quite a bit more than the standard rifles with steel receivers. Aesthetically I like the looks of the Brass but don't know how well it will hold up to wear and tear. It also seems like the side loading gate is only offered on the steel models, which is a big advantage.

Thoughts?
 
Steel. Brass is delicate and scratches if you look at it the wrong way. Brass is also heavier.

The loading gate may be handy for smaller calibres, to quickly "stay in the game", but in 45-70, 4 in the tube and 1 in the chamber is more than sufficient, plus it's super quick and easy to single load into the ejection port when you run dry, without worry of snapping your finger.

If you can find a side gate model, you have the best of both worlds.
 
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The Kurgan said:
Steel. Brass is delicate and scratches if you look at it the wrong way. Brass is also heavier.

The loading gate may be handy for smaller calibres, to quickly "stay in the game", but in 45-70, 4 in the tube and 1 in the chamber is more than sufficient, plus it's super quick and easy to single load into the ejection port when you run dry, without worry of snapping your finger.

If you can find a side gate model, you have the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...

For 45-70 sure since it's not exactly a plinking round (for most). For
357 id like the option to top up from the side gate.
 
Well like a true GunNut I will be buying one of each.

I just bought a 20in" Brass Big Boy in .357 since the 16.5" big loop steel side gates don't seem to be in stock at the moment.
 
I like the looks of the brass, and the octagonal barrel is, to me, pleasing to the eye so that's what I bought, in both 357 Mag and 45 Colt.

For my target shooting (paper at 25 and 100 yards) not having the side gate doesn't bother me. I was thinking about hunting with the 357 Mag, but I haven't figured out the best way to attach a sling. They are heavy firearms - more than I would expect.

The fact that the brass may show fingerprints or get scratched in the woods does not bother me. My firearms are for being used and I don't plan on selling them. If I did sell them, the extra few dollars for a "really nice" Henry vs a "nice" Henry won't allow me to retire any sooner.

YMMV
 
wasa said:
I like the looks of the brass, and the octagonal barrel is, to me, pleasing to the eye so that's what I bought, in both 357 Mag and 45 Colt.

For my target shooting (paper at 25 and 100 yards) not having the side gate doesn't bother me. I was thinking about hunting with the 357 Mag, but I haven't figured out the best way to attach a sling. They are heavy firearms - more than I would expect.

The fact that the brass may show fingerprints or get scratched in the woods does not bother me. My firearms are for being used and I don't plan on selling them. If I did sell them, the extra few dollars for a "really nice" Henry vs a "nice" Henry won't allow me to retire any sooner.

YMMV
Click to expand...

As someone who was first looking for a 16.5" side loading gate steel model, I was quite surprised at the weight difference between that and my 20" brass (6.59lbs vs 8.68lbs).

A 2 pound difference will surely be noticable. This will be my second heaviest firearm second to my long range bolt action.
 
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