Upgrading A Henry Lever Action

A look through the Brownells Number 67 catalog lists over 92,000 products for one’s shooting needs, including pages of gun slings and attaching swivels and studs. Even with such a vast array, gunsmiths will still challenge their ability to complete customer jobs. Recently, a hunter/shooter brought me his Henry lever action .22 repeater for installation of a sling. This seemingly easy task was attempted by him on a similar rifle and the job nearly ruined his rifle.

But this sling would be different; it was for his son on his birthday—just the ticket for the new .22 lever action Henry rifle. My customer brought in the rifle with a Brute padded sling made by Outdoor Connection, along with a set of sling swivels by Uncle Mikes. Mounting sling swivels on a rifle equipped with tubular magazine and metal forend band presents a unique task for the less skilled gun This tubular magazine, exposed hammer, lever action rifle is a very popular hunting and plinking rifle.

A good sling makes the rifle even more versatile. owner, so we gunsmiths end up with the job. Mounting The Sling Swivels Drilling and tapping the front screw hole into the forend band must be performed with utmost care at exact center of band. I used a center drill to start the hole with the stock in a padded Left and Screw hole is positioned at exact midline. Hole depth should only extend through the forend band metal. It is not necessary to remove the barrel band.

Sometimes a nylon spacer is used between sling swivel body and stock to enhance its appearance. mill/drill vise. A number 21 drill is used for the 10-32 tap. Be sure not to drill into the magazine tube or force the tap into it. Some use a form of thread cement to lock the swivel in place, however, this is usually not necessary as when the swivel is screwed in place as it likely tightens well enough to the nearest right angle position.

Below and The rear swivel base is mounted about two inches ahead of the recoil pad or butt plate. A number 7/32 hole is drilled at exact center at right angles to the stock, about 7/8 inches deep. A nail or small punch is used to screw swivel base into stock for a flush fit. Slings are used in different ways to aid the shooter. In carrying the rifle it is slung over one shoulder, Swivel must be securely tightened to nearest right angle hole position. providing freedom for the arms.

A slung rifle can be quickly removed for shooting or while resting. A sling can aid the shooter while shooting from position, including offhand, sitting, kneeling, as well as in the prone position. When buying a sling, be sure you buy the right kind (there are several kinds to choose from) and get full instructions on how to use it. AG These groups shot at 25 yards with the help of a sling readily prove this point.