The Henry H001 Lever Action Rifle: A Comprehensive Review

Searching for a reliable, accurate, and incredibly fun rimfire rifle that embodies the spirit of American shooting heritage? The Henry H001 Lever Action Rifle in .22LR stands as a beacon for shooters of all experience levels, from the novice learning the ropes to the seasoned enthusiast seeking a classic plinking companion or a dependable small game hunter. This rifle isn't just a firearm; it's an experience, steeped in tradition while offering modern reliability and performance.

Why Choose the Henry H001 Lever Action Rifle?

Many aspiring shooters, or those looking to expand their collection, often ask, "What's the best .22 caliber rifle for all-around use?" or "Is a lever action .22 a good choice for a first gun?" The Henry H001 provides a compelling answer to these questions and more. It expertly balances ease of use, classic aesthetics, and practical utility, making it a standout option in the crowded rimfire market. If you're looking for a low-recoil, high-fun factor firearm for target practice, plinking cans, or even responsible small game harvesting, the H001 is designed precisely with these needs in mind. Its intuitive design and timeless appeal make it an ideal choice for teaching new shooters firearm safety and marksmanship fundamentals.

This rifle solves several common challenges:

• For Beginners: Its simple, robust lever action mechanism is easy to understand and operate, fostering confidence in new users. The minimal recoil of the .22LR cartridge allows for comfortable, extended shooting sessions, crucial for skill development.
• For Plinkers: The high-capacity tubular magazine means more shooting and less reloading, maximizing range time enjoyment. The iconic "clack-clack" of the lever action adds an undeniable element of fun that semi-automatics can't quite match.
• For Small Game Hunters: Its lightweight profile and precise accuracy make it an excellent tool for bagging squirrels, rabbits, or other small game, offering a humane and effective solution for food or pest control.
• For Collectors & Enthusiasts: The H001 embodies the classic American lever action design, crafted with quality materials like blued steel and American walnut, appealing to those who appreciate traditional firearms.

Unpacking the Engineering Excellence: Features of the Henry H001

The Henry H001 Lever Action Rifle is celebrated for its thoughtful design and robust construction, a hallmark of Henry Repeating Arms' commitment to quality. Every element of this rifle is meticulously crafted to ensure reliability, accuracy, and user satisfaction.

Smooth and Reliable Lever Action Mechanism

At the heart of the H001 is its legendary lever action. Henry is renowned for producing some of the smoothest lever actions on the market, and the H001 is no exception. This mechanism allows for rapid follow-up shots while maintaining a classic, engaging shooting experience. The side ejection system is a practical advantage, especially for shooters who opt to mount an optic. Unlike top-ejecting lever actions, the H001's design ensures spent casings are ejected to the side, preventing interference with a mounted scope and allowing for a lower, more comfortable optic placement. This translates to a more natural cheek weld and quicker target acquisition.

Precision-Machined Barrel for Unrivaled Accuracy

The rifle features an 18.25-inch blued steel barrel, meticulously machined with state-of-the-art multiple groove rifling. This advanced rifling technique ensures exceptional bullet stabilization, leading to superior accuracy shot after shot. Whether you're aiming for tight groups on paper targets or precisely placing shots on small game, the H001's barrel is designed to deliver consistent performance. The chosen barrel length provides an optimal balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance for the .22LR cartridge, making it handy in the field while maintaining excellent precision at typical rimfire ranges.

Versatile Sighting Options: Open Sights and Scope Ready

Out of the box, the H001 comes equipped with an adjustable rear sight and a hooded front sight. This classic iron sight configuration is perfect for target shooting, plinking, and close-range hunting, allowing shooters to quickly acquire targets and make precise adjustments for windage and elevation. The hooded front sight offers added protection for the sight post, preventing damage and reducing glare for a clearer sight picture. For those who prefer magnified optics, the blued steel receiver is grooved, making it incredibly easy to mount a scope. This built-in feature eliminates the need for additional gunsmithing or complex mounting hardware, allowing users to quickly and securely attach a rimfire scope for enhanced long-range accuracy or improved visibility in challenging light conditions.

Exceptional Magazine Capacity and Caliber Versatility

One of the most appealing features of the Henry H001 is its high-capacity tubular magazine. This innovative design allows for an impressive round count:

• 15 rounds of .22 Long Rifle (LR): The most popular rimfire cartridge, offering a balance of power and affordability.
• 17 rounds of .22 Long (L): For those who prefer this less common, but still viable, rimfire option.
• 21 rounds of .22 Short (S): Ideal for quiet plinking, ultra-low recoil, or situations where minimal noise is preferred.

This multi-caliber compatibility, coupled with the generous capacity, sets the H001 apart. It provides a viable alternative to a semi-automatic rifle, often surpassing them in capacity while offering a unique and engaging loading experience. The tubular magazine is designed for easy loading, making it user-friendly even for beginners.

Classic American Walnut Stock and Ergonomics

The rifle is adorned with a beautiful American walnut stock featuring a straight grip. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the walnut stock is known for its durability and classic feel, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The straight grip design is traditional for lever action rifles, offering a natural and ergonomic hold that contributes to the rifle's overall balance and handling. This combination of natural wood and blued steel gives the H001 a timeless appeal that evokes the golden age of American firearms.

Safety and Handling Features

The Henry H001 incorporates a robust hammer safety, a straightforward and reliable safety mechanism that shooters can easily understand and operate. Simply cocking the hammer readies the rifle to fire, and lowering it engages the safety. The overall length of 36.25 inches and a comfortable unloaded weight of 5.25 pounds make this rifle incredibly manageable. Its light weight is a significant advantage for extended plinking sessions, for younger shooters, or when carrying it afield for hunting. The rifle feels agile and well-balanced, contributing to a pleasant shooting experience.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The versatility of the Henry H001 Lever Action Rifle makes it suitable for a wide array of shooting activities, cementing its reputation as a true all-around rimfire firearm.

• Learning Marksmanship: The H001 is often recommended as an ideal first rifle. Its low recoil, simple operation, and the visible action of the lever make it an excellent teaching tool. New shooters can focus on fundamental techniques like sight picture, trigger control, and breathing without being overwhelmed by complex mechanisms or excessive recoil. The satisfaction of operating the lever action also adds to the learning enjoyment.
• Recreational Plinking and Target Shooting: For sheer recreational enjoyment, few rifles can compare. The ability to load up to 21 rounds of .22 Short, 17 rounds of .22 Long, or 15 rounds of .22 Long Rifle means more time shooting and less time reloading, perfect for extended sessions at the range or in the backyard (where legal). The H001 makes hitting reactive targets like tin cans or steel plates incredibly satisfying.
• Small Game Hunting: With its precision barrel and manageable size, the Henry H001 is a top choice for ethical and effective small game hunting. Whether you're after squirrels in the treetops or rabbits in the brush, its accuracy ensures humane harvests. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry through the woods for extended periods.
• Pest Control: For nuisance varmints around a farm or property, the H001 offers a reliable and precise solution, particularly when using .22LR subsonic or .22 Short ammunition for reduced noise.
• Nostalgia and Collecting: The Henry H001 connects shooters to a rich tradition of American lever action firearms. Its classic design, American walnut stock, and "Made in the USA" distinction make it a cherished piece for any firearms enthusiast who appreciates timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

Why Choose a Lever Action Over a Semi-Automatic?

While semi-automatic .22s are popular, the lever action offers distinct advantages that appeal to many shooters:

• Simplicity and Reliability: Lever actions are inherently less complex than many semi-autos, often leading to greater reliability with a wider range of ammunition types. They are less prone to failures caused by variations in ammunition power or minor inconsistencies.
• Enhanced Control: Each shot requires a deliberate manual action (cycling the lever), which can encourage more thoughtful shooting and better shot placement, especially beneficial for training.
• Safety for New Shooters: The open action of a lever gun makes it very easy to verify the rifle is unloaded and safe, offering peace of mind during training and storage.
• Classic Appeal: There's an undeniable charm and historical connection to the lever action. It evokes images of the American West and simpler times, offering a unique shooting experience that many find more engaging and satisfying.
• Legal Compliance: In some jurisdictions with stricter firearms laws, lever action rifles may face fewer restrictions than semi-automatic counterparts, making them a more accessible option.

Maintaining Your Henry H001

Caring for your Henry H001 is straightforward and contributes significantly to its longevity and performance. Basic maintenance involves regularly cleaning the bore and action, especially after extended shooting sessions or if shooting corrosive ammunition (though modern .22LR is generally non-corrosive). A good quality cleaning kit for .22 caliber firearms, including a bore snake or cleaning rod, brushes, patches, and appropriate cleaning solvents and oils, will keep your rifle in top condition. Pay attention to the tubular magazine and ensure it remains free of debris for smooth feeding. The H001's robust construction means it's built to last, providing decades of reliable service with proper care.

The Henry Legacy: A Promise of Quality

Henry Repeating Arms is a company built on the motto "Made in America, or Not Made At All." This commitment to domestic manufacturing and quality craftsmanship is evident in every H001 rifle. When you choose a Henry, you're investing in a product backed by a company known for its exceptional customer service and dedication to producing firearms that are both reliable and beautiful. The H001's "Made in the USA" stamp is not just a label; it's a testament to the skilled American labor and quality materials that go into every rifle, ensuring a product that you can trust and be proud to own.

In conclusion, the Henry H001 Lever Action Rimfire Rifle is more than just a .22; it's a versatile tool for learning, a joyous companion for recreation, and a dependable partner for the field. Its blend of classic aesthetics, robust construction, and practical features makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a quintessential American firearm experience.

This superb rifle, with UPC 619835001009, is available from reputable firearms retailers such as DEGuns, where you can find this iconic piece of Americana ready for your next adventure.

Key Specifications and Features

Feature	Description
Model	Henry Repeating Arms Model H001 Lever Action Rimfire Rifle
Caliber	.22 Long Rifle / .22 Long / .22 Short
Barrel Length	18.25 inches
Overall Length	36.25 inches
Weight (Unloaded)	5.25 pounds
Magazine Capacity	15 rounds (.22 LR), 17 rounds (.22 L), 21 rounds (.22 S) tubular magazine
Action	Lever Action
Ejection	Side Ejection
Sights	Adjustable Rear Sight, Hooded Front Sight
Optics Mounting	Grooved Receiver for Scope Mount
Stock	American Walnut with Straight Grip
Receiver Material	Blued Steel
Trigger	Single Stage
Safety	Hammer Safety
SKU	H001
UPC	619835001009
Manufacturing	Made in the USA