Henry Collector Spotlight – Robert V.
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.