The first rifle I ever bought after turning 18 was a lever-action rifle chambered in .30-30. That rifle loaded via a side-gate (as almost all do), but ejected out the top making it challenging to mount any type of optic. The second challenge with that rifle was that there was no way to unload rounds from the tubular magazine without running them through the action/chamber. The final challenge I’ve run into, across the span of about four decades now, is that the blue finish would get surface rust if not properly attended to, and the wood furniture (forend and stock) not only easily was marred but was susceptible to other weather/environmental challenges.
Enter the Henry USA All-Weather Lever Action Side Gate rifle. With hunting season starting soon and the on-going need for a good quality rifle that is reasonably compact, of sufficient power, weather-resistant and simple to maintain, the Henry USA All-Weather lever action is super timely. I requested and received a test unit chambered for .30-30. The rifle is also available chambered for .45-70. At the same time I requested my test rifle, I requested an optic from Meopta and did receive/mount it (look for a full review on that optic at a later date). I also got online and purchased a quality leather two-point sling and a butt-stock elastic shell holder that holds six extra rounds of ammo.
The rifle has a 20-inch barrel, which is more than enough to be accurate at longer ranges but short enough to still be mobile even in heavier brush or woods. The rifling is 1:12 twist and the barrel is round hard chrome plated steel. Capacity is five rounds in the tubular magazine. BUT...one of those solution features: The end of the tubular magazine has a twist-lock cap that can be turned and pulled out and the loaded rounds can be dumped out, meaning they don’t have to be worked through the action. Overall length is 39 inches and weight (unloaded) is seven pounds. The rifle’s finish is Industrial Hard Chrome Satin. It looks like brushed stainless steel but is actually a harder finish.
The published material says that this particular rifle is best suited for target, hunting, large game to include deer and elk, with a “best at up to” 125 yards. Certainly the rifle is effective well past that range, but energy delivery on the specified animals has to be considered and getting a clean kill if you’re hunting.
On the range the rifle handled and shot as expected. Loading five rounds through the side-gate loading port was easy but the spring-pressure on the gate was obvious and provided a tight closure after each round was pushed in. The action was smooth to function as each round was levered up and in and then the spent brass was ejected. Recoil is… noticeable—but it should be since it’s a .30-30. Overall on the range, it was manageable and accurate. MSRP on the Henry USA website is $1,141 and it’s a good value at that price. You may be able to find it for a bit less if you look around. Happy Hunting!
