Reader Forum

Henry Long Ranger Bolt Removal I am looking for information on removing the bolt from the Henry Long Ranger so as to avoid cleaning from the muzzle end. I’m familiar with Henry’s other rifles but this model is different and more resembles a Browning BLR (Browning Lever Rifle). Dennis Author Mark Hollensen responds. I agree it is better to remove the bolt for better cleaning of any lever action rifle, especially if you shoot it often.

I recommend contacting Henry (HenryUSA.com) to obtain an owner’s manual for your specific rifle. In nearly every case, this will have proper takedown procedure for cleaning and am certain they’ll describe how to remove the bolt. Should the manual not include that information, contact Henry’s technical staff for details of the procedure. It is very common to remove the bolt from lever guns to aid in cleaning and I see no reason why that Henry wouldn’t be forthcoming with those details. Author RK Campbell responds.

Henry has an Instructional Video Series on their website but doesn’t include the Long Ranger yet. You’re correct in identifying your rifle as similar to the Browning BLR with both based on a geared (rack and pinion) lever action that operates a bolt with a rotating, multi-lug head that locks into a barrel extension via cam action when the lever is closed.

It’s also worth considering that using something like a Hoppe’s Bore Snake or Otis (Cleaning Kit or Ripcord) through the ejection port is another cleaning alternative. AG