Henry .22 vs Henry .22 Golden Boy differences/issue

[NG VI]

Hey everybody, I was at Dick's today looking at the two Henry .22s they had, a Golden Boy and a model costing about $140 less, lighter round barrel, and different sights. I think the stock must have been different too, because I was checking out the sight picture on each, and I could not even see the sights using a regular cheek weld on the Golden Boy. I liked the feel of it and the heavy barrel more than the other Henry, but I don't know if I can get around the totally different cheekweld needed for the Golden Boy.

I want one or the other, should I just get the Golden Boy and learn to use it? Is there anything I can do to speed up the learning process?

Also, what differences are there between the Golden Boy and the ordinary Henry?

 

[bensdad]

Get what you like better. I have the octogon barrel model (not the Golden Boy). The sites on that gun are far superior to the sites on the standard model. Mine is probably in-between the GB and standard models in terms of price. When I got mine, I couldn't justify the added cost of the GB. Looked pretty cool though.

 

[NG VI]

That's the trouble though, I like the Golden Boy better in every way except that the stock seems to be different, to use the sights I need to have more of a jaw-chin weld than a cheek weld. I think I will go with the Golden Boy, for the configuration and also because it will be easier to pacify my wife than if I bring home another all black or black and wood gun. She likes shiny.

 

[bensdad]

it will be easier to pacify my wife than if I bring home another all black or black and wood gun. She likes shiny.

Fine. Get her a pair of diamond earrings. Get yourself a handsome pair of AR-15s.

 

[NG VI]

That's the best idea I have ever heard, I'll have to try it out the next time I have a big gun purchase I want to make. $400 for the Golden Boy is going to be right on the edge, when I pull the earring trick it will be to cover for a new lower, a pair of new uppers, and a couple of new MIAD grips and stocks to go with them.

 

[NG VI]

That's the best idea I have ever heard, I'll have to try it out the next time I have a big gun purchase I want to make. $400 for the Golden Boy is going to be right on the edge, when I pull the earring trick it will be to cover for a new lower, a pair of new uppers, and a couple of new MIAD grips and stocks to go with them.

 

[J&J]

I have the regular Henry .22.... I love it. pinpoint accuracy at 50 yards..2-3inches at 100... but I think it would be better with a better shooter than me... I have had it for years and it is my go to 22.

John

 

[husker]

i would get the gun that fits me and has the most natural fit. i have a 10/22 and i cant get my face low enough for the iron sights. i have the Henry youth and i dont have this prob. at all. once you shoot it its yours and to change your mind then is going to coast ya

 

[az_imuth]

I have a GB and can state that it has a smoother action by far than any of the other lever rimfires I own. The stock does take a little getting used to, but doesn't bother me in the least. If you prefer the barrel and sights of the GB, but the stock and finish of the Standard rifle, then you need the H001T (AKA-the Frontier Model).

 

[husker]

AZ the wood is really sexy. i wish my youth had that wood on it. if i had to knock anything on the youth it would be the front sight. its a 1 piece tube barrel ring and sight all in one. i had to file on the plastic front sight when i first took it out of the box. but other than that im a very very happy Henry man now!!!

 

[mnrivrat]

Keep in mind the Golden Boy is not set up for scope mounting as I recall. The regular model has a grooved receiver, and it looks as though that Frontier model has the standard receiver with groove.

If you don't intend to ever scope it - no big deal.

 

[ArmedBear]

Want to get a great heavy-barrel .22 lever gun? Get a Marlin Golden 39A. An all-machined-steel takedown made like it was when Annie Oakley used the things, it's a true top-quality classic.

Want to get a smooth, accurate, fun lever .22? Get one of the blue receiver Henrys. Hard to get anything so fun, and so satisfying, for that price these days!

IMO with the Golden Boy you pay too much for "bling", without getting a better rifle than the other Henrys.

What can I say, though? I have a couple Marlins.

 

[QuietEarp]

My Golden Boy is my favorite gun. I got it used 5 years ago and it's serial number is in the 500s. It came with a Lyman tang sight and it is amazingly accurate and smooth. The flash of the gold parts is OK but I think I like the looks of that Frontier model above. Love the octagonal barrel. I have heard about the difference in the cheek welds but it doesn't bother me. It is my favorite gun and the one I shoot the most. Let us know which way you choose. Good Luck.

 

[JWF III]

Most 19th century rifles (and some holdovers into the 20th century) were designed to be shot with the head off of the stock. IOW, no cheek weld. The large "drop" in the stock (both at heel and comb) induces heads up firing. This can be seen even in the Model 1903 stocks.

The GB is more of a throw back to the 19th century design of stock. It is an acquired "taste" to get used to, especially when you've never shot with such.

I grew up shooting a mix of milsurps and old lever actions, so I am used to shooting different guns with different styles. I actually had a somewhat difficult time getting used to the high comb of the standard Rem. or Win. bolt rifles.

Wyman

 

[NG VI]

Designed for no cheek weld? odd. I guess I'll have to try it on again, and if I don't like it or can't figure it out I'll have to track down a frontier model. Is there any way to replace the stock of a Golden Boy with a stock for the Frontier or standard model?

 

[husker]

thats what i was wondering as well. IMO the frontier is a better looking gun. im just not big on brass.