Stretched Out My Henry H001

[ThomasT]

There are videos on YT of people including at least one girl shooting to 300 yards with 22 rifles. I have done that myself but more like 200 yards and you can do it too. As for targets go to Walmart or the dollar store and buy some colored poster board or craft board and try some different color combos. Like yellow with a lime green square turned to a diamond shape. The diamond shape lets you use the points to align your scope wires with the points instead of trying to dissect a circle into 4 parts.

Most colors show bullet holes way better than a black bullseye. If shooting open sights make the center target big enough to see at 100 yards. You will be suprised how well you can shoot when you find a target shape and color that suits your eyes.

 

[22250Rem]

After turning 74 recently, I came to the realization that for me, the only way to stretch that accurate little Henry H001 out a little more will be with optics. I already knew that it shoots better than I am able to, described in my post # 8 of this thread when I mentioned putting a red dot on it. Now the verdict is that it's time for a scope, and there's a couple rimfire scopes here that aren't being used, but they are pretty good sized, and just didn't look right on such a trim little lever gun. Then I remembered that I had a Leupold 1-4x 20mm scope sitting here not doing anything. It had spent 20 years on a Marlin 30-30 lever gun until a couple years ago when the state extended legal hunting hours by 30 min. for both sunrise and sunset times. That's when the Marlin got a new scope with an illuminated reticle. So the 1-4x Leupold is now on the Henry with a set of rimfire rings that I also had laying around here. Got it all zeroed last Thursday at 30 yards. Next time out will be 50 yards and beyond, just out of curiosity. It's fascinating so far and as you age, don't forget that you're headed into scope & aperture sight territory faster than you may think.....
.. .. ..

 

[DMW1116]

I like aperture sights already. However, I know it won’t last. I’m getting some use out of these eyes while I can. I have a mixture of scopes, aperture sights, and open sights. My other favorite rifle is an A4 clone with carry handle aperture sights.

That’s a good scope for this type of rifle. It doesn’t over power the package and make it look like you bought a scope and got a free rifle.

 

[ThomasT]

Thats a good scope for a rimfire but I would have to have some lower rings myself.

 

[DMW1116]

I think I’ve reached the end of this rifles practical range with my eyes and iron sights. I stretched it to 150 yards today. At the highest sight setting, it hits about 5”-6” high. However the groups kinda went to pot so it’s really hard to tell. It will hit reliably out to that distance using a 12” target. With a 6 o’clock hold it hits in the center 6”. I’m going to have to check windage now. The center of the group was about 4” right. Or it could just be my eyes.

In any case, shots out to 100 yards, maybe 125, are well within range. I tried 125 to see what would happen. Groups were acceptable and I can still see the target well enough to use a center hold (12” square green target).

What’s the best way to set windage with a rifle like this? I was thinking a fresh backing of cardboard with a black line of duct tape down the center. The windage issue isn’t readily apparent at 50 yards but become clear past 100. I probably need to shoot it some more and see if it is consistently to the right or if maybe it’s my shooting. I tend to push everything to the right.

 

[22250Rem]

Thats a good scope for a rimfire but I would have to have some lower rings myself.

Thread update time: Got it all zeroed with those rings I had laying around here in the shop, per post #27, and I like its accuracy so much I decided to get a proper (lower) mounting setup. Put on a Weaver/Picatinny rail I got from Henry and used the same old school Weaver low rings that once held that same scope when it was on a Marlin .30-30 lever gun. Now it's sighted in at the new scope height and is more comfortable to shoot. Thought about this thread while sighting in and I'm glad I got the scope lower; those rimfire rings previously used were just a temporary thing to see how I liked having that 1-4x scope on it. Now it's a joy to use and I always preferred the look of straight tube scopes on lever guns. Spring is coming and the plan is to stretch this one out. .. . Should be interesting and fun.

 

[DMW1116]

Thread update time: Got it all zeroed with those rings I had laying around here in the shop, per post #27, and I like its accuracy so much I decided to get a proper (lower) mounting setup. Put on a Weaver/Picatinny rail I got from Henry and used the same old school Weaver low rings that once held that same scope when it was on a Marlin .30-30 lever gun. Now it's sighted in at the new scope height and is more comfortable to shoot. Thought about this thread while sighting in and I'm glad I got the scope lower; those rimfire rings previously used were just a temporary thing to see how I liked having that 1-4x scope on it. Now it's a joy to use and I always preferred the look of straight tube scopes on lever guns. Spring is coming and the plan is to stretch this one out.View attachment 1199923..View attachment 1199924. Should be interesting and fun.

That's a sweet set-up. Looks like it will fix the typical "chin weld" I get with scoped lever actions. A cocking spur might be in order. I'm going to shoot with the factory irons as long as I can, but that seems a good option when I can't.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Disregard

 

[ThomasT]

Thread update time: Got it all zeroed with those rings I had laying around here in the shop, per post #27, and I like its accuracy so much I decided to get a proper (lower) mounting setup.

That looks a lot better. And I like straight tube scopes myself. I have an old Bushnell straight tube on my Ruger 77/22 in 4x and I can shoot 10 shot 5/8" groups at 50 yards with that rifle. The scope doesn't seem to limit the rifle at all.

 

[22250Rem]

A cocking spur might be in order.

Good point. Forgot to mention that there's now one on order. Due here Mar. 28th. It'll be handy now that the scope is in its new, lower position.

 

[DMW1116]

My son wants to test out his new rifle if it gets to the ffl by the weekend. If not I want to do rimfire Saturday and break out my Marlins and the Henry.

 

[22250Rem]

Update time: Got that aforementioned cocking spur a few days early. Had to move the scope forward just a hair for clearance but the eye relief is still very good. Now with the low scope it can still be easily cocked with the thumb if need be. Can't wait to get this out and play with it. The 10/22 and the CZ-455 are almost becoming safe queens ever since I began this project. .. .. ..That last photo is a good view of the cocking spur sticking out. .22 STRETCH TIME!