Henry Lever-Action Rifle, USA 1862

Description of the Product

The Henry rifle is the first of the so-called “repeater rifles” to gain popularity. At a time when everyone else was using single shot weapons, the ability to fire sixteen shots was superior to the competition, and this rifle was marketed as the most powerful weapon in the world.

This rifle was designed by Benjamin Tyler Henry in the early 1860s and was manufactured in 1862-1866. Although the weapon did not become an official weapon in the Union’s military forces, the possession of this weapon was considered a matter of pride, and many soldiers saved and bought it as life insurance. Indeed, Confederate soldiers watched with jealousy with their single shot muskets and marveled at this “damn Yankee rifle that could be loaded on Sunday and fired all week”. The Henry rifle did not become widespread among southern troops due to the poor availability of its special ammunition.

Better firepower was not yet properly taken advantage of in the military, and during the Civil War Henry rifles were used mainly by scouts and assault forces. During the Indian War the Henry rifle was in use on both sides. The most well-known case the Henry rifle was involved with was in the Battle of Little Bighorn, in which the Sioux and the Cheyenne, equipped with lever-lock rifles, destroyed Custer's cavalry regiment which had only single-shot rifles at its disposal.

Historically, the Henry rifle was preceded by the Volcanic and the next development was the Wild West classic -Winchester rifle. Henry rifles were imported to Europe in small quantities and were used e.g. In the January uprising, when Poland revolted against the Russian Empire.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size and weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Genuine wood and cast metal has been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 111 cm
• Weight: 2,78 kg
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping-