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Posted: 4/9/2020 2:12:38 PM EDT

Found a Henry big boy in 357 and 44 mag for $680 each. Both brand new. I don’t need either but have been looking for a fun gun to mess around with. Which would you get or should I be responsible and let it pass? Help!

Posted: 4/9/2020 2:18:56 PM EDT

[#1]

If you don't have something in .44 magnum and won't hunt with it, I'd get the .357 as it would be cheaper to shoot. Especially if the .357 Henry's will cycle .38 special.

Posted: 4/9/2020 2:33:56 PM EDT

[#2]

I have one.
They do cycle 38s just fine.

Pairs well if you have a revolver in the same caliber.

I reload so it’s all 357 for me.

38s feel like 22s out of the rifle.

Posted: 4/9/2020 2:38:16 PM EDT

[#3]

I’m thinking about the possibility of taking it deer hunting but keep reading conflicting information about whether it’s good enough for deer. I have a 30-30 I used last season and brought home two bucks. I don’t plan on making any shots longer than 125 yards or so with the 30-30. How does 44 mag compare to that?

Posted: 4/9/2020 2:39:05 PM EDT

[#4]

I’m looking for a large loop in 45 Colt.

Posted: 4/9/2020 2:40:20 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
I’m thinking about the possibility of taking it deer hunting but keep reading conflicting information about whether it’s good enough for deer. I have a 30-30 I used last season and brought home two bucks. I don’t plan on making any shots longer than 125 yards or so with the 30-30. How does 44 mag compare to that?

View Quote

125 yards is pushing a 44. I have a Ruger Auto and I limit my self to about 80 and closer.

Posted: 4/9/2020 2:45:27 PM EDT

[#6]

I have the Bigboy Steel in .357 magnum. It is one of my favorite long guns. I do wish it had a side load gate, but aside from that, it is an excellent gun. I shoot soft .38's all the way up to hot .357 magnums with no issues.

Posted: 4/9/2020 7:37:15 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
I’m looking for a large loop in 45 Colt.

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I gots one....its fun to shoot

Posted: 4/9/2020 7:42:40 PM EDT

[#8]

I have the 44 Carbine and absolutely love it. 240’s with Trail Boss are great plinking loads.

Posted: 4/11/2020 7:00:28 AM EDT

[#9]

The 44 model will also shoot 44 Special loads

I have owned both, I would hunt with the 44 Mag, limiting shots to 50-75 yds

I sold mine to pick up a Uberti YellowBoy in 45 LC

Posted: 4/11/2020 7:24:13 AM EDT

[#10]

I gave the .44. Nice midwestern deer gun.

Posted: 4/12/2020 11:41:59 PM EDT

[#11]

.44 magnum. Don't look back.

Posted: 4/13/2020 12:01:30 AM EDT

[#12]

I don’t own a Henry, but I have a 1980s Marlin 1894 and a Browning B92 in .44 Magnum, and they are great. Soft shooting, can shoot .44 special as well. Compliments my Ruger Blackhawk in the same cal.

Posted: 4/13/2020 12:13:46 AM EDT

[#13]

They are great guns, and those are good prices. Tough choice. I’ve got the 44 rifle and carbine and they are both good shooters. If you have a corresponding handgun get that caliber. 44 is plenty good for deer with a real life 150 yard max. It’s not that it lacks enough punch but rather the trajectory you need to figure out. Either choice is a good reason to get a simple reloading set up.

Posted: 4/14/2020 1:58:34 PM EDT

[#14]

This, exactly. With a side loading gate it would be perfect.

Quote History

Quoted:
I have the Bigboy Steel in .357 magnum. It is one of my favorite long guns. I do wish it had a side load gate, but aside from that, it is an excellent gun. I shoot soft .38's all the way up to hot .357 magnums with no issues.

View Quote

Posted: 4/15/2020 4:59:11 PM EDT

[#15]

I agree with the 357. It is a versatile round for plinking or defense and shoots .38 to boot. The .44 is a nice shooter but can be pricey with ammo.

Posted: 4/23/2020 11:02:21 PM EDT

[#16]

Have a .44mag Big Boy with the brass receiver. Love it. Bought the large loop lever for it along with the custom wood stock kit from Henry. Would like to pick up a steel Big Boy .44 for hunting.

Posted: 4/24/2020 11:17:05 AM EDT

[#17]

It all depends to me, if you reload. A .44 can be fun to load but is also pricier. A .357 is a blast to shoot, very little recoil(especially with .38 ammo) and ammo. can be found most everywhere for a lesser cost.

Posted: 6/7/2020 4:08:10 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have one.
They do cycle 38s just fine.

Pairs well if you have a revolver in the same caliber.

I reload so it’s all 357 for me.

38s feel like 22s out of the rifle.

View Quote

THIS ??

Posted: 6/7/2020 10:37:43 PM EDT

[#19]

We have two in .45 Colt. The Big Boys are fantastic rifles with butter smooth actions.

Personally I'd go with the .44 magnum, especially since you want to hunt with it. The .44 magnum is a great caliber for deer, elk, bear, hogs...whatever you want within the limits for range. I have a Winchester 94 in .44 mag that I absolutely love and it's nowhere near as nice an action as my Henry.

Keep in mind that Henry offers these same Big Boy models with the side loading gates so if that's important to you it might be worth looking for one of those.

Once Henry offers their All Weather models with a side gate I'll be adding one in .44 mag to the collection. I love the Winchester, it's very light, but that All Weather Henry is calling my name. The Winchester will stay a safe queen.

Posted: 6/8/2020 12:30:35 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
Once Henry offers their All Weather models with a side gate I'll be adding one in .44 mag to the collection. I love the Winchester, it's very light, but that All Weather Henry is calling my name. The Winchester will stay a safe queen.

View Quote

This in .357 for me, please.

I'd personally love the longer handguard of the .45-70 version while were at it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Henry big boy

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