The Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum is a lever-action rifle that evokes a sense of nostalgia and classic American craftsmanship. But is it just a pretty face, or does it deliver on performance? This in-depth review delves into the Golden Boy's features, handling, accuracy, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right .22 Magnum rifle for you.
Design and Features of the Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum
The Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum immediately captures attention with its beautiful, polished hardwood stock and brass receiver. This rifle is a testament to Henry Repeating Arms' commitment to quality. The iconic lever action is smooth and satisfying, making for a fun shooting experience.
Key Features:
- Stunning Aesthetics: The polished brass receiver and richly finished wood stock make this rifle a true head-turner. It's a conversation starter at the range.
- Lever Action Mechanism: The lever action is smooth and reliable, contributing to quick follow-up shots.
- Tube-Fed Magazine: The tube magazine holds a substantial amount of .22 Magnum ammunition, reducing reloading frequency.
- Durable Construction: Henry rifles are known for their robust construction, and the Golden Boy is no exception. It's built to last.
- American-Made: The Henry Golden Boy is proudly manufactured in the USA, appealing to many buyers.
Detailed Look at the Action:
The lever action on the Henry Golden Boy is a masterpiece of engineering. The smooth, almost effortless operation is a testament to Henry's manufacturing precision. The solid feel of the lever in your hand is incredibly satisfying. Unlike some lever-actions that can feel clunky or stiff, the Golden Boy moves with ease. This contributes to both enjoyable shooting and quick target acquisition.
Shooting the Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum: Performance and Accuracy
The Henry Golden Boy's accuracy is a key factor in its appeal. While the .22 Magnum cartridge is more powerful than a standard .22LR, it’s still manageable for most shooters.
Accuracy Testing:
We conducted accuracy testing at 25 and 50 yards using various .22 Magnum ammunition types. While the .22 Magnum is naturally less accurate than some other calibers at longer ranges, the Henry Golden Boy demonstrated consistent groupings, especially at 25 yards. Results varied slightly depending on ammunition used, highlighting the importance of selecting high-quality ammo.
| Distance (yards) | Ammunition Type | Average Group Size (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | CCI Maxi-Mag | 1.5 | Excellent accuracy |
| 25 | Remington Golden Bullet | 2.0 | Acceptable accuracy |
| 50 | CCI Maxi-Mag | 3.0 | Accuracy diminishes with distance |
| 50 | Remington Golden Bullet | 3.5 | Accuracy diminishes with distance |
(Note: These results are based on our testing and may vary depending on several factors, including shooter skill and environmental conditions.)
Recoil and Handling:
The .22 Magnum round does have more recoil than a .22 LR, but it's still manageable for most shooters. The rifle's weight helps mitigate some of the felt recoil. The balance is excellent, contributing to comfortable shooting sessions.
Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum vs. Competitors
Several lever-action .22 Magnum rifles are available on the market. Here's a brief comparison:
| Feature | Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum | Marlin 1894 .22 Magnum (discontinued) | Other Competitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Superior | Good | Varies |
| Action Smoothness | Excellent | Good | Varies |
| Price | Mid-Range | Previously Mid-Range | Varies |
| Availability | Readily Available | Discontinued | Varies |
The Henry Golden Boy often stands out due to its combination of aesthetics, smooth action, and reliability. The discontinuation of the Marlin 1894 .22 Magnum leaves a gap in the market that the Henry Golden Boy fills well.
Conclusion: Is the Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum Worth It?
The Henry Golden Boy .22 Magnum is a fantastic lever-action rifle that excels in several key areas. Its beautiful design, smooth action, and acceptable accuracy make it a joy to shoot. While the price point is slightly higher than some competing models, the quality and craftsmanship justify the cost for many shooters. If you're looking for a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and fun-to-shoot .22 Magnum rifle, the Henry Golden Boy is definitely worth considering. However, remember to factor in the slightly higher recoil compared to .22 LR and choose high-quality ammunition for best results.