Author: Jono Reduker
There are tools you use, and then there are the pieces of gear that become part of the family. In this Henry DNA episode, we take you behind the story of one such rifle, a Henry Long Ranger .308 affectionately known as “Hank.”
Some rifles are strictly functional, but others earn their place in family lore. That’s certainly true for Jeremy’s Long Ranger. It’s the rifle he reaches for year after year when hunting season rolls around. It’s the rifle he shared with his dad for a once-in-a-lifetime bull elk hunt. It’s the rifle he’ll share with his kids when they’re of age.
What Makes Hank So Special?
In this video, we step away from specs and performance charts to focus on something deeper – the personal history and meaningful role this rifle plays in a hunter’s life. You’ll hear about:
- How Jeremy ended up with this specific rifle as his go-to hunting companion.
- The memories he’s made with it over the years.
- How a firearm can become more than a tool.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter familiar with long-range calibers or someone who appreciates the stories behind the gear, this episode highlights the emotional connection between a hunter and their rifle.
Enjoy!
For the previous episode of Henry DNA, check out The Clark Sanders Story.
Most people know Cowboy Cerrone as an MMA fighter in the UFC. He’s pulled together an excellent career, amassing 36 wins, 17 losses, and two no-contests. The guy can fight, and his legacy is now rightfully immortalized in the UFC Hall of Fame.
But most of you probably already knew that about Mr. Cerrone. It’s the cowboying, hunting and other things that are lesser known. So, these are the things we asked him about during a recent sit-down, and he answered in true Cowboy fashion.
Henry Repeating Arms: How did you get into hunting?
Cowboy Cerrone: My dad introduced me when I was a kid. Just like I’m doing now with my son. He’s four years old, and I have already helped him bag his first turkey, which is cool. My kids aren’t even going to know what television and video games are for as long as I can help it.
Henry: How are you passing on the outdoors to your kid?
Cowboy: We’ve got him a Henry Mini Bolt .22, which is about all he can hold at this point. We have plenty more guns for when he’s ready to progress. But he must know proper firearm safety, hunter safety, and everything there is to know about being around and operating firearms. From bell to bell, you must be well-versed.
Henry: What does hunting with family and friends mean to you?
Cowboy: Hunting with friends and family — that’s what I love. I love the camaraderie and hanging out with pals. Sitting around the fire after hiking all day. Stories of the hunt are often way more fun than the hunt itself. It’s all about the experience, the journey, and who you share it with.
Henry: Do you prefer to hunt on your own or with others?
Cowboy: My favorite thing is to bring a group of us packing in on horses hunting deer. Or, taking first-time hunters elk hunting who have never done it. They get to experience a new thing in a new way. I’ll bring guys on duck hunts who have never even seen or experienced it. They’re like, “Man, this is fun.” Then, they get stoked and get into it.
Henry: What are your preferred outdoor hunting adventures?
Cowboy: My absolute favorite is packing in on horses. Loading the scabbards up, putting rifles in there, rounding up the boys and taking off is my favorite part. Another favorite hunt of mine is chasing pheasants with dogs. Working with animals that have those instincts in their DNA is so special.
Henry: How does being on your ranch and hunting tie in together?
Cowboy: To me, I always wanted a ranch where I could shoot my guns, ride horses, ride dirt bikes, build a life, and raise my family on. I slowly started chipping away at that. Now, whenever I’m gone, I just want to return to the ranch. To me, showing my kids that way of life, there’s nothing more I could ask for. Cities and craziness? No, I’d rather be at the ranch.
Henry: In your line of work, you encounter people from all walks of life, including those who might not agree with our hunting heritage. What do you say to those folks?
Cowboy: Hunting is a different animal. You must be willing to go out there, kill, and eat what you kill. Rather than other people killing it, processing it, packaging it, and shipping it out to the grocery store. Some people are like, “How can you take a life?” I’m like, “What do you think you’re doing by going to Walmart and buying a brisket?” Hunting is a more humane way of consuming meat. But trying to convince the outer ring is a battle I don’t know will ever be won. But I do take people duck and turkey hunting, and they’ll really enjoy it. Then, we come back, and I show them how to dress the birds. We cook and eat them that night. You see the wheels turning. We’re not just hunting for sport. We’re putting food on the table for our families that we pursued ourselves.
Henry: What’s the difference between wild meat and ag-raised meat?
Cowboy: I try to explain it like this: I know exactly what the cattle, buffalo, and animals we raise on the ranch are eating. There are no hormones or unnecessary things injected into these animals. It’s better than anything you can get from the grocery store. Have you seen what a feedlot looks like? Have you seen how they pile cows, goats, or chickens on top of each other? Hunt for your own food in the wild. They’re eating, grazing, and living life in their natural habitat. Then, you hit them with a well-placed bullet, and there’s no suffering. It’s a totally different reality.
Henry: What does being a cowboy mean to you?
Cowboy: I don’t think you’re born a cowboy. I think you become one through experiences and living life. I just put myself in a position to be outdoors, working the ranch, riding horses, and raising animals. It’s something I love. It’s a lot more than what people see on television. It ain’t just listening to country music, driving a truck, and riding a horse every now and then. It has a lot more to do with how you live your life. They don’t call me Cowboy for no reason.
Henry: What does being a hunter mean to you?
Cowboy: I thoroughly enjoy hunting. I’m primarily a turkey and bird hunter. I enjoy big game too, such as elk, but I just enjoy hunting overall. I think it’s awesome to raise and kill your own food. We do that at our ranch a lot with our own buffalo, cattle, pigs, and turkeys. So, to me, using the whole animal to feed your family and knowing where it comes from is cool.
Henry: What does it mean to be a good friend?
Cowboy: That’s a no-brainer. I only have about five. Those are the people I can call any time of the night and say hey, I need something. And whatever I need, they’ll be there. To me, that’s what it is to be a good friend. No matter what, if they’re up, down, or just need help, you’re there for them. You’re there to support them like they support you. It’s a give-and-take kind of thing, not just one-sided.
Henry: You’ve had a great fighting career in the UFC. What does the future hold for Cowboy Cerrone?
Cowboy: I’m grateful to have the platform and for everything the UFC has done for me. I’m trying to transition that into an even bigger career. Now, I’m going to be a movie star.
Henry: Why do you choose to hunt with a Henry?
Cowboy: Now that’s the easiest question I’ve had all day. The number one reason is that they’re made in America or not made at all. Plus, these guns are reliable. Whether shooting or hunting, I’ve never once had one fail or misfire, and I know that They shoot true, and it’s crazy how smooth they are.
Obviously, Cowboy Cerrone doesn’t just talk the talk. He walks the walk, too. Watch this video to learn more about Cowboy Cerrone and what he stands for.
Great Lever Guns for the Woods and Ranch
All things considered, it’s obvious that there are different needs and requirements. The good news? Lever guns satisfy virtually all of these. Here are some of our top picks to tackle the many tasks on the ranch or in the woods.
Henry Big Boy X Model
At the forefront is the Big Boy X Model. It’s perfect for shooting game from 100 yards and in. It’s also an excellent option for keeping things secure on the ranch. It holds seven rounds, and comes chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44Spl, or .45 Colt.
Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate
Another fine option is the Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate. It’s a sleek gun that’s incredibly durable, reliable, and smooth. It’s an excellent ranch and deer hunting rifle. It holds 10 rounds and is chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44Spl, or .45 Colt.
Henry Big Boy Color Case Hardened Side Gate
Lastly, if you want a practical lever gun that serves as both a ranch and deer rifle, and looks incredibly slick, the Big Boy Color Case Hardened Side Gate might just be for you. It looks incredible and shoots like a dream. It holds 10 rounds, and comes chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spcl, .44 Mag/.44 Spl, or .45 Colt.
We are proud to call Dry Dock Sports of Carrington, ND a Top 100 Henry Dealer. Dry Dock Sports is a family-owned and operated store in the heart of North Dakota. Along with some of the best prices in the state, they also have a huge selection of Henry rifles and shotguns to choose from. The very knowledgeable and friendly employees are always happy to help answer questions or guide customers in the right direction when choosing their first firearm. Great prices, top customer service, and a massive selection are just a few of the reasons you owe this dealer a visit if you’re in the area. Tell them Henry sent you!
Dry Dock Sports
730 4th Ave S
Carrington, ND 58421
https://www.drydocksports.com/
What does my 13-year-old daughter ask first thing in the morning?
“Are there any squirrels out there?”
“Yup.”
“Cool.” Bang!
Dad cleaned it.
Grandpa cooked it.
We all ate it.
Then the brother had to get one.
70-yard shots with Henry H001M .22 Mag.
(And I got 4 red squirrels…)
-David L.
Learn more about the Lever Action .22 Magnum »
1. How many Henry firearms do you currently own?
Seventeen (17)
2. What is it about Henry that made you want to start collecting them?
I bought my first Henry H001 Classic Lever Action .22 rifle twenty years ago. It was made in Brooklyn, NY and has a low serial number which dates it to March 24th, 1997. It missed the first shipment by days.
The Classics can be easily modified and not ruin the value. I think in another ten years the Henry H001 series will become the 10/22 of the world with many aftermarket products like steel receiver covers, and large loops like the Rifleman will become more mainstream. Already standard items like globe and tang sights are being made. Custom leather wraps and slings are also making their way onto Henrys.
3. I believe we first met at henryrifleforums.com. What can you tell everyone about the community there, and why should they join?
The Henry forum is the only dedicated forum for Henry Repeaters. We do not allow political, sexual, or religious posts. The forum is about Henry Repeaters and our lives. The Henry forum is a fun place whether you are new to firearms or have been around them all your life. I have known a few people on it for more than ten years and have visited several. We are family!
4. What was the last Henry you added to your collection? And do you have any plans for the next one?
My last Henry is a Long Ranger in .223. Sixteen of my seventeen Henrys are rimfire. I have no immediate plans for a new Henry, although I like even numbers like eighteen. I have at least one rifle in all of the H001 series. Most I have in several calibers of rimfire.
5. If you could design the next Henry rifle or shotgun what would it be?
I would like to see a .410/.22WMR over/under repeater. Has anyone ever made a tube fed over and under where you get more than just one round in each caliber? I certainly haven’t seen one.
6. If you could go to the shooting range with any one person, alive or dead, real or fictional, who it would be?
Henry President, Anthony Imperato, of course.
7. Do you hunt? If so, what’s your favorite season? If not, have you ever eaten wild game like venison or quail?
I do not hunt but am the first one on your doorstep should you harvest a deer. I love venison.
8. Which Henry would you recommend to someone who is looking to own their first?
Without knowing anything about their needs I would recommend an H001 Classic Lever Action .22 or a Small Game Carbine in .22LR.
9. What’s the most unique Henry in your collection?
The picture I included is of a Mare’s Leg made from a Mare’s Leg receiver and a shortened .22 WMR frontier octagon barrel. It has a Skinner receiver sight mount with a Steven’s three-hole peep, a Lyman globe front sight, a custom large loop and a buttstock wrap. The receiver cover also has a custom antique finish. This would make a nice pickup truck firearm for a ranch. Since it is a pistol it can be loaded inside the truck. A perfect firearm when you need a rifle when mending fences.
10. Any shoutouts you’d like to give, or anything you want to tell everyone? Now’s your time to shine!
To all my friends on the Henry forum I would like to thank for being my friend.
P.S. I have a question for Henry. What thing does Henry wish they had made different about the Classic? It is perfect to me.
From Dan Clayton-Luce, Communications Director – Having spent lots of time behind the sights of The New Original Henry, it’s difficult to think of anything that could have been done differently. The sheer enjoyment of shooting this rifle is unrivaled. If I had to pick something, I think it would be interesting to try a “distressed” or aged version so that it looks exactly like the 1860’s-era rifles that we see today at auction. Guitar companies do this a lot and it lends a certain character to the guitar without having to spend years on the road. We could beat up the wood a little bit, maybe patina and scuff up the brass, etc. Seems counterintuitive to take something so beautiful and beat it up right off the assembly line, but I think the end result could look pretty convincing.
Mr. Imperato,
I wanted to reach out and send you a brief note. We recently crowned our third son as an Eagle Scout. Peter joins his brother’s Nick and Matt not only to the elite group of Eagle Scouts but also to the elite proud owners of Henry Big Boy .44 Mag rifles. The Henry quality is the standard in lever action rifles, and I am so excited that my boys now own their own.
I’m torn up though about the boys actually shooting them, – I have a feeling I will lose that battle, the boys want to rip some rounds through them, so I’ll probably cave in on that.
Just a little bit of history here. Back in 2011 when Nick made Eagle Scout, I reached out and I believe you and I spoke on the phone, I was looking for a larger caliber Eagle Edition rifle and at that time you told me that the BSA had only authorized a .22 Eagle Edition, so I purchased that model back then. I wrote multiple letters to the BSA over the years asking them to expand their offering with Henry Rifles, truthfully, I felt like it would never amount to anything but who knows, maybe many other dads like me did the same…
When my second son Matt made Eagle in 2015, I went on the website and low and behold the BSA had approved a large caliber Eagle Edition. As a result, I picked up 3 of them (praying Peter would get his Eagle in the future).
These things are beautiful. I want to thank you and your associates for making such a quality product – especially here in the US.
This is a picture of “My Big Boys”, sporting “their” Big Boys. I wish you and your associates all the best and thanks again.
– David F.
Find out more about the Boy Scouts of America Editions »
1. How many Henry firearms do you currently own?
100. But don’t tell my wife.
2. When did you start collecting Henrys?
In 2012. My friend purchased one and brought it to deer camp. I had to have one. So while at deer camp, we went to the local small town gun store and I purchased my first, a Henry Golden Boy .22. Then for my birthday, my dad gave me a Henry Golden Boy .22 Mag. At that point I decided I needed the Golden Boy & Big Boy in every caliber offered. I didn’t discover the Tribute Editions until my wife (whose dad is a retired fireman) actually suggested we purchase the Firefighter Tribute at a benefit auction. I then became interested in the Tribute Editions because of the way their unique engraved features pay tribute to different causes, professions, etc.
3. What is it about Henry that made you want to start collecting them?
When I saw my friend’s rifle, I thought it was a really nice, good looking gun while still being reasonably priced. He then told me they are made here in the United States and the walnut wood comes from Missouri. From the few I started out with, I had already admired how the wood grain markings were different in every gun. Knowing some of the walnut comes from my home state made me like the Henrys even more. I told my wife they are great investments (which I do believe) and it builds our retirement fund, but she’s not entirely convinced yet. She knows I wouldn’t sell any.
4. Do you collect anything else?
At one time I owned a 1929 Chevrolet and I like classic muscle cars. I gave up on this type of collection because they require more space and funds, and it would be much easier for my wife to figure out how many I have.
5. If you had to pick one favorite Henry from your collection which would it be?
The Henry Original Silver Deluxe Engraved .44-40. I really like the engraving and the patriotic details representing the Civil War era of the ‘Original’ rifle. This one is also special to me because only 1,000 of them were made and Anthony helped me obtain Serial Number 100 when I placed the order.
6. What was the last Henry you added to your collection?
The Henry Big Boy God Bless America Edition .44 Mag/Spl.
7. If you could design the next Henry rifle or shotgun what would it be?
I would design a brass Single Shot Over/Under in .22 and .410. So it would actually be a rifle AND a shotgun.
8. If you could go to the shooting range with any one person, alive or dead, real or fictional, who it would be?
Besides going with Anthony Imperato, I’m struggling to pick. It would probably be someone from the Wild West Era. I’ve always been interested in the history of the Wild West. I enjoy a good outlaw shoot-out story and stories about well-known shooters who performed in Wild West Shows like Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, etc.
9. Do you hunt? If so, what’s your favorite season? If not, have you ever eaten wild game like venison or quail?
Yes. I’m not necessarily a fanatic hunter, but I do enjoy deer season and hunting small game.
10. What advice would you give to anyone looking to grow a Henry collection like yours?
I don’t really have advice, because I feel like my collection kind of ‘just happened’. I am very thankful I’ve been able to grow my collection to this size. I didn’t start out with collecting in mind, and when purchasing a new Henry I don’t do it just to show how many I have. Even though I don’t shoot all of the guns in my collection, I truly enjoy each one that I own. Spending time to research the models I don’t (yet) have and cleaning the ones I do have, is a way for me to de-stress from a rough day or week. That’s what collecting is all about, doing something that brings a little bit of happiness into life. My family and friends are a big part of building my collection. They know this is what I enjoy. I have friends that are always on the lookout to help me find another Henry and the most special and favorite Henry’s in my collection are the ones that are gifts from family.
Visit any hunting camp, shooting range, or gun shop and you’ll be hard pressed to find somebody who hasn’t cut their teeth on a 30-30 lever action rifle. Though we live in the days of faster, flatter calibers, the venerable little round will not be pushed into obscurity. What helps keep the chambering viable in the modern era is a contingent of ever-improving factory ammunition offerings aimed at improving accuracy, range, and lethality for hunters. After extensive range and field time, here are the best we’ve found:
Hornady LeveRevolution
Hornady has been setting the standard in lever-gun specific ammunition since their advent of LeveRevolution years ago. The 30-30 was one fading lever gun that has seen its market jump considerably because of such improvements in ammo. The key to the LeveRevolution mint is Hornady’s patented elastomer Flex-Tip technology of either FTX or MonoFlex bullets. That flexiblity serves multiple purposes, not the least being safety in tubular magazines, but also eliminating bullet distortion, and ultimately, improving both range and accuracy. The 160-grain FTX is moving at 2400 fps at the muzzle while the 140-grain MonoFlex zooms at 2465. Both maintain nearly 1700 fps at 300 yards, as well as greater than 1000 ft pounds of energy. Price is very fair given performance at $22-26 online.
Nosler BT Ballistic Tip
Nosler is one of the pricier, albeit more serious rounds out there– and especially in hunting ammo–probably the closest factory to handloading. Every single round is visually inspected before it leaves the factory. Accuracy of the 150-grain BT’s out of Henry’s Brass Wildlife was exceptional at 100 and 200 yards, and if the shooter was comfortable with the ballistics, still holding a minute-of-deer-heart at 300 yards, though energy dissipates more quickly here than it does in LeveRevolution. The BT is coming out at 2100 FPS at the muzzle and maintains 1500 fps and 750 foot-pounds of energy at 200 yards. While whitetails may be the main quarry, Nosler also advertises exceptional performance on hogs and antelope. It’s the highest price on our list at $31-34 online and in stores. Nosler also debuted a lead-free ballistic tip 30-30 as part of its E-Tip line for similar prices.
Federal Premium Big Game Copper
Federal dominated the 30-30 market for years with both Power Shok and Vital Shok hollow points and soft points. But as times and demands change, so does Federal with their new Big Game 30-30 rounds. This lead-free alternative may be the newest to market of the bunch, but the company’s Big Game Trophy copper bullets have been proven on big game from deer on up. The 30-30 should be no different, with attention to detail and topped with 150-grain Trophy polymer-capped bullets. With 2300fps muzzle velocity and 1625fps at 200 yards while maintaining 880 foot pounds of energy, the Big Game round is no slouch. It’s no secret that Federal utilizes Nosler bullets on many of their premium loads, and in this case, the lead-free ballistic tip looks an awful lot like Noslers E-Tip, and is priced similarly as well. Even so, it’s a win, because the Big Game 30-30 shoots very well out to 250 yards.
Hornady American Whitetail
If budget ammunition and simple performance is your game, then Hornady American Whitetail has you covered. With a 150-grain Interlock bullet and load tailored specifically to, you guessed it, deer—this round does its job. While it may not extend your ranges or wring additional accuracy from the 30-30, it is a capable sub-200-yard performer that creates solid wound channels. American Whitetail is coming out over 2300 fps at the muzzle, but both velocity and energy drop off quickly after 100-yards. Price and packaging are appealing at $17-18 on store shelves.
Federal Non-Typical
The new-for-late-2017 Non-Typical ammunition fills Federal’s niche for affordable, yet quality rounds created specifically for deer hunters, in direct competition with American Whitetail and Winchester’s Deer Season. In a nice move, Non-Typical offers two soft point bullet weights, both 150 and 170 grain, with advertised muzzle velocity of 2390 and 2200 FPS respectively. The 150-grain holds slightly better groups at and past 100-yards, but also like Hornady’s American Whitetail, killing power decreases quickly at extended ranges. Priced under $18 online and in stores, Non-Typical is the best value of the bunch.
If buying factory ammunition doesn’t trip your trigger, reloading for the 30-30 is both accessible and affordable. Given potential issues with bullet distortion in the tubular magazines of lever actions, serious consideration should be given to using bullets like the Hornady Monoflex, FTX, and Nosler BT. If you prefer to go lead-free, both the Barnes TSX and Nosler E-Tip are solid options, while Hornady even markets its LeveRevolution powder.
Knowing which powder and bullet combination will work best in your individual rifle can take some trial and error, and plenty of range time—but none of that is a bad thing if you love shooting, hunting, and reloading. When time is of the essence though, look no further than any of the factory rounds mentioned above, as each will be more than capable on deer and other game. Whether you favor your Henry 30-30—or heavens forbid, another brand–let us know about your favorite load and lets see those success stories from the field.
Reviews
Color Case Hardened .45-70 by Jon Wayne Taylor at The Truth About Guns
Big Boy Steel .44 Magnum by Eve Flanigan at Guns.com
Henry U.S. Survival Ar-7 Rifle by Mike Searson at OffGrid
“This is the rifle that put Henry Repeating Arms on the map, energized the lever action market and resurrected the Henry name,” says Anthony Imperato, President and owner of Henry Repeating Arms. He continues, “Hitting the one-million-sold milestone validates that we have done something right.”
The H001 Classic Lever Action .22 is just that. A classic. It also happens to be one of the most popular .22’s on the market today. It shoots well, it looks great, and it’s remarkably affordable.
.22 Makes a Comeback
Several years ago .22 ammunition went missing. It was hard to find, and when you did, it was way too expensive. Theories swirled, fingers were pointed, and .22 rifles across the country lay dormant. A sad time indeed. Was it the work of a handful of “ammo hoarders” who were buying it up by the pallet before it could even make it to the store shelf? Was the shortage controlled by the government? The stories grew wilder and wilder as the drought continued.
For one reason or another, the great .22 shortage of the 2010’s is behind us now and there’s never been a better time to own at least one lever action .22.
Why the H001?
The H001 is our base model lever action, but you still get real American Walnut stocks on the front and rear, a blued steel barrel, and an action smoother than rifles that cost three times as much money. It can hold 15 .22 LR’s or up to 21 .22 Shorts in the tube magazine, so it’s not exactly a slouch in the capacity department either.
It’s the perfect platform for backyard summertime plinking that the whole family can enjoy, and it weighs less than 6-pounds so even the youngsters won’t have that much trouble shouldering it. At the next family reunion or barbecue break out some aluminum cans, the H001, and a bunch of ammo. We can guarantee that you’ll run out of sunlight before the fun ends.
This rifle is all about value and proving that even the most basic lever action beats the rather monotonous semi-auto any day of the week when it comes to the “fun factor.”
Reviews
Color Case Hardened .45-70 by Jon Wayne Taylor at The Truth About Guns
