Henry v. Winchester lever action rifles

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goose204

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Hey can anyone tell me is there a big difference between the Henry brand and Winchester. I read some of the history. Both seem to come with the same options and similar or the same calibre. The only difference I can really find is the price of a Winchester is about $400-$500+. Maybe because it used to be sold as the gun that “won the west”... not worth the extra money just to say that. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
 
The Winchesters went up a lot in price when they reintroduced them. Just my opinion, but I feel the Winchester 92 and 94 are overpriced for what they are. Kind of a Marlin guy for lever actions. But I do like Henry guns, too. The build quality, operation, and Henry's warranty is top notch. My Henry is a brass frame Big Boy.

What chambering are you looking at? New or used guns?
 
The Henry is a marlin style gun not a Winchester type. But the trigger plate is not flush like a marlin and the way it fits to the butstock is different it looks kind of clunky I.m.o. Compared to the marlin.the 73 is the gun that won the west but I think you are talking about the 94. I have a Japanese 94 I can’t compare it to a Henry which I don’t have but when you look at what goes into making the 94 I don’t think you can complain about the price of the well made gun, the Japanese Winchester 94 that is.
 
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I don't have a Winchester, but my opinion is the new Winchesters are in a different league than the Henrys, I have two Henrys and one JM Marlin, I like my Henrys and am probably not willing to pay the extra money for a Winchester, I don't think the price difference is about the Winchester name but rather the quality.
 
You’re looking at a big difference in quality, bigger than the $400-500 difference. Miroku in Japan manufactures the current lineup of Winchester lever guns and singles (and some Brownings, shotguns etc) and make better guns than just about any American plant, they equal or better my JM Marlin (pre-Remington, no longer made, Marlin has since slid in quality). A Henry doesn’t compare well to a current Winchester, though they work.
 
I’m not opposed to used firearms. I was also looking at the .44. I was talking with an employee at a local gun store today about the Marlins and he said they used to have some issues but have fixed most of them. Still he said there is a reason the Winchester’s are $1400+ because they are excellent quality.
 
I too prefer the side loading gate as opposed to the Henry method. I’m just not sure about the Marlin quality. They are far cheaper than Henry or Winchester so that’s why I was asking on here. They all seem to have their positives and negatives.
 
If money is no issue, go with the Winchester. The quality is exceptional.

If money is an issue and you want a good functional gun, go with the Henry.

If you want to spend as little as possible, and don't care whether or not it works properly, go with the Marlin.
 
Winchester, Marlin and Henry...same argument as Ford, Chev and Dodge.
They have all been around for a long time, and they all have their pros and cons.
Winchesters definitely have a history and class that the others cannot quite match and have carrying/handling characteristics that cannot quite be matched by the other two. Angle Eject models came about later in order to be able to mount scopes. Many prefer certain older years of manufacture for their steel parts and quality finish.The newer rifles made in Japan are of very good quality, fit and finish.
Marlins also have a history and are noted for their action strength that neither Winchester or Henry can match, and have also been slightly modified to be able to mount scopes (top of action drilled and tapped). With the price of Winchesters where they have been for some time, people started collecting the Marlins and we have seen an increase in price here. When Remington bought Marlin and moved production, they went through several years of production problems and many will not touch a "Remlin". Apparently they have fixed the problems and newer rifles are of better quality.
Henry's also have quite a history. I have not handled or shot their older rifles, but their rifles of the past 20 years have pretty slick actions and I have heard good reports on their performance.

At the end of the day, you have to decide what your priorities and budget are, and make your choice as to which rifle(s) to buy and own. There really is no wrong choice, and as long as you are happy with the rifle(s) you get, that is all that matters.

I have a personal history with Winchester and Marlin, as I harvested my first whitetail and black bear with my Grandpa and Dad's 30-30 rifles, in this order, respectively. Today, I own 12 lever action rifles between these two manufacturers and am very happy with all of them, for their own merits and my own hunting history with them. I have not owned a Henry to date, but would not hesitate to buy one, if I found one in the right caliber at the right time.
 
I personally like the action on my Henry more than my Winchester. I find it smoother and more positive/responsive, even thought the throw is longer. Both stocks are good quality American walnut but the Winchester edges out the Henry in fit and finish. I prefer the tube vs side gate loading but I remember seeing last year that Henry has a new rifle with both a removable tube and a side gate. Best of both worlds.
 
Luckybeer said:
Actually, a JM Marlin is a better gun than a Winchester or a Henry in every way..
Click to expand...

For me at least, the Marlins I've owned hunted with didn't carry as well as my Winchesters and the Micro-Groove rifling sucked for warm cast boolit loads.
Handled a few Henry units over the years and they are good, but they just don't feel as natural to hunt with as the Winchester 92 & 94 for me.
 
Luckybeer said:
Actually, a JM Marlin is a better gun than a Winchester or a Henry in every way..
Click to expand...

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Luckybeer: I am interested in your rationale that a JM Marlin is better than a Winchester, or Henry. Plus: why? The purpose of this forum(and thread) is to (hopefully) inform and educate others. I've either owned or shot examples of each brand, fairly extensively. I am curious, that's all. Would appreciate your take on it.
 
I managed to get my hands on pre 64 model 1984. I've owned a Marlin and own a Henry frontier .22.

If you are looking for a hunting rifle the Winchester wins. It is perfectly balanced and slim, just a pleasure to carry in the woods.

If you're looking for a sharp shooter, I'd go marlin. They seem much heavier than the Winchester (could just be a balance thing), you can mount a scope easily and the micro groove barrels are excellent.

I don't have experience with any center fire Henry rifles however, the .22 I own is my favorite plinker by far however. But not having a feed gate is kind of a deal breaker for a center fire for me
 
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