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The Rimfire Report: The Henry Magnum Express Review
The Rimfire Report: The Henry Magnum Express Review
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍USA
Welcome back to another edition of The Rimfire Report, where we take a closer look at rimfire firearms designed to meet various needs in the shooting world. Today, we delve into the Henry Lever Action .22 Magnum Express, a model that stands out for its purpose-built design primarily aimed at small game hunters and varmint control enthusiasts.
The .22LR cartridge has long been cherished for its versatility, serving as a reliable option for target practice, training, and hunting. It offers users a balance of lethality suitable for small game and the affordability that comes with rimfire ammunition. In contrast, the .22 Magnum, with its enhanced firepower, caters to the demands of those who find themselves needing a more potent cartridge for varmint hunting or pest control on their properties.
The Henry Magnum Express is crafted in the USA, a trademark of the Henry Repeating Arms brand known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Upon handling, the rifle exudes a solid, well-balanced feel, aided by its aesthetically pleasing American Walnut stock. Although not the highest grade of wood, the stock enhances the rifle's appeal, beautifully reflecting the light when in the right environment.
From my experience at the range, the Magnum Express delivered robust performance. During testing, the rifle fired flawlessly through 250 rounds, showcasing good accuracy with various ammunition types, demonstrating its reliability. The lever action feels smooth and mechanically satisfying, providing a fulfilling shooting experience without feeling overly stiff. After several rounds, the action became slightly more fluid, enhancing the overall shooting dynamic.
However, potential buyers should note that the Henry Magnum Express lacks some features like a threaded barrel and iron sights, which could be crucial depending on your hunting needs. If suppressor usage or traditional sighting is a priority, the 24" Frontier Model offers both a threaded barrel and iron sights, while the Classic Lever Action in .22 Magnum presents an economical alternative without these specific features.
A small but welcome accessory on the Magnum Express is the built-in cheek riser that improves comfort and helps with aim alignment during shooting. Furthermore, the 11-round tube magazine ensures that you have an ample supply of ammunition ready for quick follow-up shots – an essential aspect in varmint hunting scenarios. The trigger pull, measured at around four pounds, feels clean and responsive, with no noticeable take-up or creep, allowing for precision shots when it counts.
One noteworthy aspect of the Henry Magnum Express is its performance variance with different types of .22 WMR ammunition. From my accuracy tests, it’s clear that bullet weight and design significantly affect the results. While the rifle performed exceptionally well with CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain ammunition, the heavier 46 grain SHP Maxi-Mags showed a decline in accuracy. This inconsistency is a reminder of the nuances that can exist between firearms and their preferred ammunition, highlighting the importance of finding the right match for your shooting style and goals.
In conclusion, the Henry Magnum Express is more than just another lever-action rifle—it embodies a blend of tradition and modern utility tailored explicitly for those invested in small game hunting. It's a platform that emphasizes simplicity and reliability while providing the kick required for effective varmint control.
As always, your thoughts and experiences are welcomed in the comments below. Thank you for joining us for this edition of The Rimfire Report, and we look forward to seeing you next week.
ShoQ's Take: The Henry Magnum Express represents a dedicated effort to meet the demands of modern hunters with a blend of craftsmanship and practicality. As firearm design continues to evolve, it's essential for shooters to assess their needs and the traits of their firearm. Current discussions in firearms forums hint at a demand for more versatile models with features like threaded barrels, suggesting that manufacturers could benefit from paying attention to these community voices. The success of the Magnum Express might encourage Henry and others to focus on refining their offerings further. The implications for the small game hunting community are substantial, as rifles that directly respond to hunter feedback can elevate the overall hunting experience.