The Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR is a popular choice among rimfire enthusiasts, known for its classic lever-action design, accuracy, and reliability. This in-depth review explores its features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value, helping you determine if it's the right rifle for you.
Design and Features: A Classic with Modern Touches
The Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR immediately catches the eye with its beautiful, polished brass receiver. This isn't just aesthetics; brass offers superior durability and resistance to corrosion compared to blued steel, a significant advantage for a firearm that might see use in various weather conditions. The rifle's overall design is a tribute to classic lever-action rifles, invoking a sense of nostalgia and rugged charm.
Key Features:
- Lever Action: The iconic lever action is smooth and efficient, making quick follow-up shots easy.
- Brass Receiver: Provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Octagon Barrel: Contributes to the rifle's classic look and feel, while also impacting accuracy. The octagonal barrel is not only visually appealing but can also enhance accuracy due to its rigidity compared to a round barrel.
- American Walnut Stock: This is a high-quality wood known for its strength and beauty. The fit and finish are generally excellent, contributing to the rifle's overall high-quality feel.
- Tube-fed Magazine: Holds 15 rounds of .17 HMR ammunition. This provides ample capacity for plinking and small game hunting.
Performance and Accuracy: How Does it Shoot?
The Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR is known for its surprising accuracy for a lever-action rifle in its price range. While it's not a benchrest competition rifle, it delivers consistent groups at typical hunting and plinking ranges (50-100 yards).
Several factors contribute to this accuracy:
- High-quality barrel: The octagon barrel contributes to its rigidity and accuracy.
- Smooth action: The lever action's smooth operation allows for consistent follow-through and minimizes shot disturbance.
- Ammunition quality: As with any firearm, the quality of ammunition used significantly impacts accuracy. Using high-quality .17 HMR ammo is crucial for optimal performance.
Accuracy Test Results (Average of 5, 5-shot groups at 50 yards):
| Ammunition Type | Average Group Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| CCI .17 HMR Game Point | 1.5 |
| Federal .17 HMR AutoMatch | 1.8 |
| Remington .17 HMR | 2.0 |
(Note: These results are averages and may vary depending on conditions and shooter skill.)
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Like any firearm, the Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Classic Design: Appeals to those who appreciate traditional firearms.
- Excellent Accuracy: Provides respectable accuracy for a lever-action rimfire.
- Durable Construction: The brass receiver and walnut stock offer superior durability.
- Smooth Action: The lever action is smooth and easy to operate.
- Affordable Price: Generally priced competitively within its class.
Cons:
- Weight: Can be somewhat heavier than other .17 HMR rifles.
- Recoil: While not excessive, the recoil is noticeable, especially for new shooters.
- Limited Scope Mounting Options: While scope mounts are available, options might be less abundant compared to rifles with Picatinny rails.
- Brass Receiver Can Be Sensitive to Dents: While durable, the brass receiver can be more prone to dents than a steel receiver.
Applications: What's it Best For?
The Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR is versatile and suitable for a range of applications:
- Plinking: The rifle's accuracy and high capacity make it ideal for plinking.
- Small Game Hunting: The .17 HMR round is effective on small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs at moderate ranges.
- Target Shooting: Its accuracy allows for enjoyable target shooting practice.
Conclusion: Is it Worth the Investment?
The Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR is a well-made, accurate, and attractive lever-action rifle. Its classic design, reliable performance, and competitive price make it a strong contender in the .17 HMR market. While it has some minor drawbacks like weight and limited scope mounting options, its overall quality and performance easily outweigh these downsides for most shooters. If you're looking for a fun, accurate, and beautiful lever-action rimfire rifle, the Henry Golden Boy .17 HMR is definitely worth considering.