Can I adjust the sights on this Henry rifle?

[GigaBuist]

I'm not sure how to adjust windage on this rifle.

Here's the front sight:

I backed the screw that's barely visible on the top there out and gave it a few whacks but it didn't move. Fearing that I might do some damage I thought I'd ask you guys.

Rear sight:

I can't see anyway to adjust this one for windage either.

Or, should I just scrap 'em and put something better on? Any suggestions on what would work for this rifle? I'd kinda like a peep if that's in the cards.

 

[Shung]

I'd say that you can move the sight on your second picture.. from the side, you have to "hit" it in the good direction.

But it's hard for me to explain it better in english..

YOu'd better wait someone who can clearly explain it to you.

Sometimes those sight are also a little glued with loctite.

 

[Matt-J2]

Yep, you drift the rear sight. With a punch. And a hammer. Knock it left if you need to adjust left, right if you need to adjust right. It's in the manual, as well, if you have one. Also it really doesn't take a whole of movement to adjust the PoI. So don't whack it to hard, and take it in small steps.

 

[GigaBuist]

It's in the manual, as well, if you have one.

Nope... got it used. Tried finding a manual on Henry's website but I'm not really sure what model this thing is. It's not marked, or if it is I can't find it.

Looks like everything new in production has different sights than this.

So, where abouts do I place the punch before whacking it with a hammer? Right on the rear blade itself?

Thanks.

 

[oronocova]

You might try using a block of wood as a buffer so you don't damage the bluing. This is what I usually do. Sometimes they can be really tight and you have to forgo the wood or come up with something else (PVC maybe?) Also make a mark with a pencil on the sight and on the barrel so you can tell how much you have moved it. If it is really tight you might have to go the opposite way first then back.

 

[RH822]

You put the punch on the dovetail portion of the sight, not on the sight blade. The object is to move the entire rear sight not just the blade.

 

[Matt-J2]

Yep, what they said, hit the dovetail part.
Mine was in pretty tight and the wood wasn't working so we used just the punch on there. After it loosened up it only took mild taps so didn't worry too much about the finish.

Use the pencil to make marks or you'll drive yourself nuts. Well, it would have driven me nuts, anyhow.

 

[JAM1822]

Lots of trouble.

I tried to do as was directed, in adjusting my Henry rifles rear dovetail sight. I tried using mallet and punch (several different sizes) and there is no give, at all. I have tried several different times. There is no movement whatsoever. I initially tried to move it to the left, then tried to move it to the right, hoping one side or the other would give, nada. I then did a little research regarding how to work with loctite, considering what I read hear, but what I read suggested I heat the metal to 400 F, then try. Well, I don't think that is the best plan.

Before I did this, I looked at several places (Brownell's, Midway, and did a general search) for a universal dovetail adjustment tool. All that I could find seemed designed for 1911's, where you put the slide in the vice device and... that will not work with the Henry. I saw one that might, I say might, work, but it costs $599 or so. Did I mention I have a beer budget?

So, any other ideas? Is there something I am missing? Now, I am large and relatively strong. So, I haven't been giving the thing baby taps. I am pretty sure, if I hit harder, I will either mar the sight (more) or put a good ding in the barrel (which I haven't done thus far, if the sight looks like it's been in a bar brawl).

Eh? Oh, sorry about all the cussing.

 

[ShakyJake]

Hi JAM1822
I sometimes on a first time adjusted rifle had to spray the rear sight with a cleaner(be careful if it's painted and not blued) and let it set for a little bit. Looks like you may have the model H001. I went on the Henry website too and for the life of me can not find a manual of any kind let alone how to download one if I could find it. I did see where they would sell you a sight adjustment kit for $35 thought! Not good PR or safety to my way of thinking. If you do get the sight to move, you want to move the rear sight in the same direction you want to move the point of impact. And as has been stated, presuming anything 25yds and beyond, a little bit goes a long way. The pencil trick before you start is neat and highly recommended. Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy you Henry.
TaKe CaRe
Ted

 

[Deus Machina]

Wouldn't surprise me if it had corroded in place a little. Get some bore solvent on it and see if that will break it free.

I didn't have any problem with mine, after the first couple whacks. Lay on table, hold firmly, tap with punch and hammer.

If you're using an actual mallet, that might be the problem--a soft mallet won't move a punch like a proper hammer will.

 

[bigfatdave]

Tried finding a manual on Henry's website but I'm not really sure what model this thing is. It's not marked, or if it is I can't find it.
Looks like everything new in production has different sights than this.

Same sights as on my H001L, except it looks like the front sight hood is missing.
The Henry basic model has the same sights, so the manual available applies.

For starters, where are you bonking the sight? You want to hit it on the widest part of the horizontal portion, almost at the front (assuming I remember correctly from adjusting mine a few months ago), it is a pain to hold the rifle still and move the sight without marring anything, and if that sight is corroded or glued in place from a previous owner's care, it could be damn near impossible to do without marring something. If I had it to do over again, I would have just took a small padded vise to the range along with a second hammer to bonk the plastic one I had along.

If you're really stumped, RimFire Central has a really good knowledge base and a dedicated Henry sub-forum, and if THAT doesn't help, Henry's CEO maintains a presence there with contact info ... and he actually responds personally quite often when E-Mailed or called, by all accounts. If this forum can't help you, and RFC can't help you, Mr Imperato probably can at least refer you to a factory tech.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Clamp the rifle in a padded vise. Use a brass or (even better) a nylon punch and tap repeatedly.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

A little penetrating oil and let sit for half a day or so and a brass hammer should get her loose. Have a friend hold the rifle on a solid flat surface. Remove the riser prior to the hammer and rememeber just a little movement will equate to a big shift in your point of impact.

 

[bigfatdave]

My suggestion would be to take it to a really good gunsmith. Whenever I have that much trouble I take it to someone who's done it before. I've moved lots of dovetail sights with a hammer and a piece of wood but I don't really see a dovetail on that sight.

Shouldn't be needed.
The dovetail is under the wide part, the picture is just at the wrong angle to see it under there.

 

[Rick-F]

GigaBuist, peeps or aperture sights are easily installed on a Henry:


a tang sight



Williams WGRS

 

[7mmMurphy]

You can find the manuals on their web site under "Store" then "Free Stuff" http://www.henryrepeating.com/freestuff.cfm Scroll down a little.

 

[JAM1822]

Thanks all. I have tried everything. I finally had to take it to a gun smith. He was able to move it, and thought he might have moved it too much. Not so, I am still about an inch to the left (it was really off, probably 2 1/2 inches, or more, and that at 50 feet). So, back I go. I am going to ask the gunsmith about the dovetail press he has, and perhaps buy one like it, if it is reasonable. I need it sighted in for a hunter's safety course shooting part and then maybe small game hunting. I rescheduled that once because this gun is so off.

Though I love the lever action, that it is a rather quiet rifle even for a .22, and just the style of it, I am sorely disappointed in it's accuracy. To check myself, I have used double sand bags. Nope, it has about a 6" (high) by about 3" (wide) spread at 50 feet. Is that normal of did I get a lemon? I tried high velocity rounds, but those where very high and more scattered (several varieties). I then went to standard velocity, CCI's seem to do the best, but it's pretty lackluster. I can hit dead on with my Ruger 22/45 and my XD .45 tactical, but not with this rifle, at that range. So, I suspect it is the rifle.

Thanks for the information! Oh, and by the way Rick-F, I have been thinking along the lines of the Williams WGRS. Woot! I love that idea. But not... quite... yet... Must... shoot... targets... No distractions or further delays. *grumbling as peasants do*

 

[GRIZ22]

Clamp the rifle in a padded vise. Use a brass or (even better) a nylon punch and tap repeatedly.

I also mark the sight and the barrel with a marker or pencil so I can see how far I have moved it.

 

[bigfatdave]

did I get a lemon?

It is possible, have you contacted Henry Repeating Arms?

 

[JAM1822]

bigfatdave,

No, I didn't think there would be much reason to contact Henry. I am not sure if the rifle is shooting within specs or not. And, I didn't think they would do much about it either way. Am I wrong?

 

[CZguy]

I didn't think they would do much about it either way. Am I wrong?

You are wrong, they have customer service that is the envy of the industry.

But first let someone one else shoot it to verify that the rifle itself is the problem.

 

[bigfatdave]

JAM1822 - here's a testimonial from a RFC member, read it before you pay a gunsmith to adjust your sights again.
That story is typical of Henry CS, I don't understand your reluctance to call the manufacturer on this one, it can't hurt and it might get you a free repair. Henry's owner/president (Mr. Imperato) has been known to replace old rifles bought used (please don't abuse that info, folks) or even found in attics. If you are getting groups, and have no adjustment left in the sights, you may have a bent or damaged barrel, so don't be surprised if Henry wants you to ship it to them for repair/refurb.

 

[JAM1822]

Thanks,

I am new to this area, so I do not really know any other shooters other than my neighbor. He is an older gentleman though and his eyes aren't what they were. I will go to the local range though, I am sure there might be someone there who has shot a rifle or two. Ha!

And, thanks for the information. I will see what happens at the range and then make some choices. The difficulty is that the shooting time is fast approaching. If it were not for a dozen other things on my plate as well, this would be easier. It is good to know that about them. Though I did, technically, buy it used, it is new and I bought it before it had been shot or even taken home. So I have the receipt and the box, and all such.

Thanks again.