Henry .30-30 Rifle

Henry RAC Firearms are designed to function with a variety of brands and types of factory-manufactured ammunition in the appropriate caliber but not all ammunition produces the same result. Henry RAC recommends that after you read and understand this manual, you go to the range and fire different ammunition which is appropriate to the caliber of your firearm. Once you find the ammunition which functions best, keep using it. Especially when cutting-edge reliability and accuracy are vital to you. When sighting your rifle, shoot a group to determine point of impact on the target. Then make incremental adjustments to center the point of impact on the target bullseye.

This firearm is designed with an ultra-safe patented Transfer Bar Safety Mechanism. This safety system prevents the gun from being fired under all circumstances, except when the hammer is fully cocked and the trigger is pulled. If the hammer is fully cocked and the trigger is pulled, the gun would fire as normal. However, if the hammer is fully cocked and is accidentally dislodged by some other means other than the trigger being pulled, the gun will not fire. If the hammer is in the process of being cocked and is accidentally released and dropped into the fired down position, before it is fully cocked, the gun will not fire. This rifle can be safely carried fully loaded with the hammer in the fired down resting position. Please note that this rifle does not have a half cock safety position nor a crossbold safety. If you do not have a full understanding of how the safety system works, please call us immediately at 201-858-4400 and ask for technical assistance.

Prior to loading your rifle, make certain that it is not already loaded. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, swing the lever down, and pull it back. If a cartridge ejects, proceed with directions on how to unload the magazine tube and empty the chamber. We recommend that you always load a completely unloaded firearm, and clear the firearm of any cartridges prior to loading. Assuming that you are now operating an unloaded firearm, make certain that the barrel, receiver and chamber are free from any obstruction.

This rifle is a tubular feed design, using a brass inner magazine tube. Cartridges are loaded into the cutout in the blued outer magazine tube located underneath the barrel.

Important – when loading the action must be closed.

Rotate the inner magazine tube to disengage. Pull the inner magazine tube out until the follower (the black part at the end of the inner magazine tube) clears the loading port in the outer magazine tube. You can either remove the brass inner magazine tube completely or keep it positioned in the outer magazine tube just past the loading port. With the muzzle pointed upward, insert the rimmed end of the cartridges into the loading port in the outer magazine tube and allow them to slide down towards the action.

Do not exceed the capacity of the magazine, which is 5 rounds.

Next, push the inner magazine tube back down into position, and lock it into place. The rifle is now ready for operation.

The rifle chamber can now be loaded by swinging the lever down completely, and pulling it back into a closed position. The hammer has been moved into the cocked position and the rifle is now ready to fire. If you are not yet ready to fire, then place your thumb on the hammer, and disengage the hammer by pulling the trigger slightly rearward. Immediately release the trigger while still holding the hammer, and bring the hammer into the fired down position. You now have the gun in loaded but safe to carry position. If you want to fire the gun, bring the hammer back to the cocked position, aim in a safe direction at your target, and pull the trigger.

To unload the magazine and chamber, the hammer should be resting in the fired down position. With the rifle pointing upward, withdraw the inner magazine tube. Tip the gun downward, allowing cartridges to slide out into a container. Replace the inner magazine tube. Open the action again, by cycling the lever, to make certain that there are no cartridges in the chamber. Cycle the action multiple times to insure that no live rounds remain in the chamber.

our rifle is equipped with a fully adjustable rear sight. The rear sight is adjustable for elevation (shooting high and low) and for windage (shooting left and right). In order to shoot higher, you need to raise the rear sight. In order to shoot lower, you need to lower the rear sight. In order to raise or lower the rear sight, you need to grab the “ears” of the rear sight, and lift it up, in order to move the rear sight elevator, which sits below the ears. Your rifle can be adjusted to shoot higher by moving the rear sight elevator backward by one or more notches. In order to shoot lower, the rear sight elevator should be moved forward. In addition, the rear sight contains a white diamond insert for fine-tuning height adjustment. This part is held in place by a screw. This reversible piece gives you a choice of U shape or V shape and can be adjusted for height. If you want to shoot higher, raise the insert. If you want to shoot lower, then lower the insert. There is a secondary adjustment in the white diamond insert of the rear sight. Loosen the screw to the right of the white diamond, raise or lower as needed to correct elevation, then re-tighten the screw. To adjust your rifle for windage (left/right), we suggest that you move the rear sight to the left or right as desired. The rear sight sits in a dovetail slot cutout in the barrel. Current models will have a screw on the front of the rear sight assembly. This screw must first be loosened, prior to attempting adjustment. To adjust your rifle for windage use a plastic mallet, or a hammer and a brass wedge to tap it in the direction you want your hits to land. For example: if you are shooting to the left, you need to tap the sight over to the right to correct the point of impact. Conversely, if you are shooting to the right then you will need to tap it in the direction you want your shots to print.

WARNING: Removal and failure to re-install the locking bolt (part 35) is extremely dangerous.

NEVER USE YOUR FIREARM IF IT FAILS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND NEVER FORCE A JAMMED ACTION. Forcing the action could make the round explode, causing serious injury, possible death, or severe damage to your firearm or other property.

FAILURE TO FIRE. A misfire occurs when the firing pin strikes the primer and it does not fire.  IF THE FIREARM FAILS TO FIRE DO NOT PUT IT DOWN OR OPEN THE ACTION. ALWAYS HOLD THE FIREARM, KEEPING IT POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND WAIT 30 SECONDS. IF A HANGFIRE (SLOW IGNITION) HAS OCCURRED, THE ROUND WILL FIRE WITHIN 30 SECONDS.

If the round does not fire, remove the ammunition, eject the round and examine the shell. If the firing pin indent on the primer is light or non-existent, have the firearm examined by a competent gunsmith before firing again. If the firing pin indent on the primer appears normal (in comparison with similar previously fired rounds) assume you have faulty ammunition.  Segregate the misfired round from other live ammunition and empty cases, reload, and carry on firing.

FAILURE TO EXTRACT (FTE). This is when the firearm discharges the round and fails to extract the spent round from the chamber. This could happen because of a bad extractor or bad/damaged casings.

FAILURE TO FEED (FTF). This is simply when the firearm fails to feed another round into the chamber. Put the lever in the open position and clear the ejection port.

Note: The ejection port should face the ground; this will allow the round to easily fall out (gravity is your friend here). This will work for both left and right handed shooters.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING CLEANING PROCEDURES, MAKE SURE THE HAMMER IS IN THE FIRED-DOWN POSITION, WHICH ALLOWS YOUR SAFETY TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR RIFLE WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

NOTICE! It is very important that the bore of your rifle be cleaned thoroughly and promptly after shooting. Do not leave discharged (empty) cases in the chambers for any length of time, as the chemical composition of many cartridges contain moisture which can “sweat” out of the shell and onto the chambers’ surfaces, and possibly cause corrosion and rust.

You do not have to disassemble this rifle in order to clean it sufficiently and to keep it operating properly.

In order to clean it, we suggest that you first open the action by swinging the lever down. Use a brand name rifle cleaning kit and run the cleaning rod down the bore from the muzzle end toward the breech. Wipe the bolt clean of any debris with solvent and a patch or small rag. Spray the bolt with some gun oil.

If you prefer to take your rifle apart to clean it, then we suggest the following: Open the action by swinging the lever down. Remove the lever screw and then remove the lever. Next, remove the bolt from the receiver.

NOTE: This will loosen the ejector inside the receiver, so be very careful not to misplace it. You can then remove the ejector from the slot on the left side of the receiver. Use a brand name rifle cleaning kit and clean the bore from the breech end. Then clean the bolt and oil it before replacing. To reassemble, simply do the reverse.

Be sure that your gun is unloaded before attempting to clean.

The gun owner is responsible for periodic inspection and proper maintenance by a qualified gunsmith to ensure that this firearm remains in proper adjustment and that worn parts are replaced.

Remember – Rust is neglect – Make sure all exposed metal surfaces are coated with a film of oil. After being subjected to damp weather, thoroughly wipe the bore and metal surfaces. Then apply a new film of oil. If exposed to a soaking rain, snow or salt spray, a more thorough cleaning and oiling may be necessary, requiring removal of the trigger guard and breech bolt assemblies.

Between seasons, periodically apply a coat of oil to the bore and metal parts and store in a dry place. Do not plug the barrel or store in a case made of fabric or material which will absorb moisture or the lubricant from the gun.

Make certain to thoroughly clean your firearm when finished with firing. We suggest that you purchase a name brand, top quality rifle cleaning kit.

Replacement parts are available through the Henry Repeating Arms Company parts department. In the following pages you will find a parts diagram and price list. Please be sure to include the Model Number and Serial Number of your gun when ordering parts.

TO MAINTAIN OR RESTORE THE RECEIVER TO ITS ORIGINAL FACTORY SHINE, WE SUGGEST YOU USE PEEK METAL POLISH, FLITZ, OR NEVR DULL.

NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM AND NEVER LOAD A LOCKED FIREARM!

ALWAYS CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR FIREARM IS NOT LOADED BEFORE CLEANING, STORING, TRANSPORTING IT, LAYING IT DOWN, OR HANDING IT TO ANOTHER PERSON so that it cannot be fired when it is unsafe to do so.

ALWAYS KEEP AND STORE YOUR FIREARM AND AMMUNITION IN SEPARATE, LOCKED LOCATIONS, OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN AND UNTRAINED PERSONS. Safe and secure storage of your firearm and ammunition are your responsibility.

NEVER LEAVE THE KEY TO THE LOCK FOR YOUR FIREARM WITH THE STORED FIREARM!

NEVER ASSUME THAT A “HIDING” PLACE IS A SECURE STORAGE METHOD.  Others may be aware of your storage location or come upon it by chance. It is your personal responsibility to use common sense when storing your firearm and ammunition and to always make sure they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.

NOTE: Do not store your firearm in an air-tight container, and do not seal or attempt to seal the barrel to exclude dust, as the internal steel surface is more likely to rust or corrode by doing this.

BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting. Mud, water, snow or other objects may inadvertently lodge in the barrel bore. A small obstruction can cause a dangerous increase in pressure and may damage your firearm and cause injury to yourself and others.

BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. After assuring yourself that the firearm is completely unloaded, open the action and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of obstructions. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning cord or a patch as described in the CLEANING section of this owner’s manual.

BE SURE ALL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS SLINGS, SCOPES AND OTHER ACCESSORIES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR PARTICULAR FIREARM AND THAT THE ACCESSORIES DO NOT INTERFERE WITH ITS SAFE OPERATION.

It is your responsibility to understand and follow all of the instructions in the safety manual that accompanied your firearm, as well as those which may be supplied with your ammunition and any accessory.

NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR FIREARM BEYOND THE FIELD STRIPPING PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS MANUAL. Improper disassembly or reassembly of your firearm may be dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.

NEVER MANIPULATE, ADJUST OR CHANGE ANY OF THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED TO DO SO IN THIS MANUAL.  Improper manipulation of any other internal component may affect the safety and reliability of your firearm and may cause serious injury or death.

NEVER ALLOW ANY ALTERATION OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS IN YOUR FIREARM UNLESS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH USING AUTHORIZED PARTS. If you do otherwise, improper functioning of your firearm may occur and serious injury or death and damage to property may result.