If you have a Henry .45-70 rifle or are looking to purchase one, its good to be informed as to what kind of issues you might face. There are a ton of great things to praise about this weapon. Though many of the best firearms on the market are not always flawless.
The Henry .45-70 is perhaps one of the best choices for big game hunters. At the outset, it served as one of the best lever action shotguns for military service members in the 1870s. It’s also known for delivering powerful enough shots to knock down big game targets using high-velocity ammunition.
Users of the Henry 45-70 have reported a number of problems with the gun, including misfires, difficulty loading and ejecting shells, problems with the magazine, and more. Some users have also reported that the gun is not as accurate as they would like.
In this guide, we shed some light on the most common problems with the Henry 45-70 and offer some advice on how to fix them.
If you’re experiencing problems with your Henry 45-70, the first thing you should do is check the gun’s manual to make sure you’re using it correctly. If you’re still having difficulty, here are some tips on how to troubleshoot the most common problems.
About the Henry 45-70
Before we get into the Henry 45-70 problems, let’s first take a quick look at the rifle itself. The Henry 45-70 is a lever action rifle that was introduced in 2013. It is chambered in the .45-70 Government cartridge and has a modified version of the Henry Big Boy action. It is one of the few Lever Action rifles that are currently being produced that are chambered in this cartridge.
The .45-70 Government cartridge was first developed in the 1870s and was originally used in the Springfield Trapdoor rifle. It has since seen use in a variety of rifles, including the Marlin 1895 and the Ruger No. 1. The cartridge is known for its excellent stopping power and is still popular with hunters today.
Henry 45-70 Problems
Misfires
One of the most common problems with the Henry 45-70 is misfires. If your gun is misfiring, the first thing you should check is the ammunition. Make sure you’re using the correct ammunition for your gun and that it’s not damaged or expired.
If the ammunition is good, the next thing to check is the firing pin. The firing pin is what strikes the primer of the cartridge, igniting the powder and firing the bullet. If you have a damaged firing pin, it might not be striking the primer with enough force to ignite your powder.
To check the firing pin, remove the breech plug and look inside the chamber. The firing pin should be visible and should be free of damage. If the firing pin is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Cocking
Another common issue that owners of the Henry 45-70 have reported is that the rifle is difficult to cock. This is due to the fact that the .45-70 Government cartridge is a very powerful round, and the Henry 45-70 has a relatively light trigger pull. As a result, it can be very difficult to cock the rifle without moving the sights off target.
Extracting
Another problem that has been reported is that the Henry 45-70 is difficult to extract. This is likely due to the fact that the .45-70 Government cartridge is a very powerful round, and the Henry 45-70 has a relatively short extractor. As such, it can be very difficult to extract the spent casing from the chamber without damaging it.
Difficulty Loading and Ejecting Shells
Another common problem with the Henry 45-70 is difficulty loading and ejecting shells. This can be caused by a number of things, including a dirty chamber or magazine, damaged ammunition, or a damaged magazine spring.
To fix this problem, first try cleaning the chamber and magazine. If that doesn’t work, try using a different type of ammunition. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the magazine spring.
Problems with the Magazine
Some users have reported problems with the magazine of their Henry 45-70. The most common problem is that the magazine does not seat properly in the gun, causing misfires.
To fix this problem, first make sure that the magazine is clean and free of dirt and debris. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the magazine.
Jamming Issues
Another common problem with the Henry 45-70 is jamming. This can be caused by a number of things, including a dirty chamber, damaged ammunition, or a damaged magazine spring.
If you’re ready to attack this problem, the first thing you should do is clean the chamber. If that doesn’t fix the problem, try using a different type of ammunition. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the magazine spring.
Accuracy Issues
Some users have also reported that their Henry 45-70 is not as accurate as they would like. There are a number of factors that can potentially affect the accuracy of a gun, including the type of ammunition you’re using, the overall condition of the gun, and your shooting technique.
If you’re having difficulty hitting your target, the first thing you should do is try a different type of ammunition. If that doesn’t help, check the condition of your gun and make sure it’s clean and free of any damage. Finally, take a look at your shooting technique and see if there’s anything you can improve.
Cleaning
Lastly, let’s talk about cleaning. The Henry 45-70 is a Lever Action Rifle, and as such, it needs to be cleaned after every use. If you don’t clean it, the dirt and grime will build up and eventually cause problems. The most common problem is jamming, but if you don’t clean your gun properly, you could also damage the internals.
To clean the Henry 45-70, you’ll need a cleaning rod, some patches, and a good solvent. First, field strip the gun and make sure there is no ammunition in the chamber or magazine. Next, run a patch down the barrel to remove any loose dirt and debris. Once that’s done, wet a patch with solvent and run it down the barrel. Repeat this process until the patch comes out clean.
Now it’s time to clean the rest of the gun. Take a look at the bolt and see if there is any dirt or grime build-up. If there is, use a brush to remove it. Be sure to also clean the inside of the receiver. Once everything is clean, reassemble the gun, and you’re good to go.
As you can see, cleaning the Henry 45-70 is not a difficult task. However, it is important to do it after every use. By taking proper care of your gun, you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
In Closing
With these tips, you should be able to troubleshoot the most common problems with the Henry 45-70. If you’re still having difficulty, we recommend taking the gun to a gunsmith or a qualified repair technician.
Growing up, John loved learning about the components of firearms and what makes them work, which still intrigues him to this day. He’s a very outdoorsy person, and he loves fishing, hunting, and skeet shooting. He is a firm believer in the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.
