How to Load a Henry Lever Action 22: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Henry Lever Action 22 is a popular choice among rimfire enthusiasts, known for its reliability, accuracy, and smooth operation. If you’re new to using a lever-action rifle, loading it may seem intimidating at first. However, with a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to hit the range in no time. In this article, we’ll break down the process of loading a Henry Lever Action 22 into manageable chunks, making it easy for anyone to learn.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Rifle
Before loading your Henry Lever Action 22, take some time to get familiar with the rifle. Check out the following key features:
- Action: The lever is located on the right side of the rifle, just below the barrel. It’s used to cock and load the rifle.
- Magazine tube: The tube is located under the barrel and holds the ammunition. You’ll need to pull it out to load the rifle.
- Ejection port: The ejection port is located on the top of the rifle, near the rear. This is where spent cartridges are ejected after firing.
Step 2: Prepare the Rifle
To load your Henry Lever Action 22, you’ll need to:
- Pull the magazine tube: Grasp the magazine tube firmly and pull it out of the rifle. This will expose the chamber and allow you to load the rifle.
- Remove any remaining cartridges: Check the magazine tube and chamber for any remaining cartridges. Remove them by pulling them out of the tube or chamber.
Step 3: Load the Rifle
To load the rifle, follow these steps:
- Place a cartridge in the chamber: Hold the rifle with the action open (lever in the down position) and place a.22 Long Rifle cartridge in the chamber. Make sure it’s seated properly and the rim is facing upwards.
- Load the magazine tube: Take 6-8 rounds (depending on the capacity of your magazine tube) and insert them into the tube, rim-first. You may need to align the cartridges slightly to get them to fit properly.
- Push the cartridges into the tube: Use your finger or a small tool (like a plastic or metal rod) to push the cartridges into the tube, making sure they’re seated properly.
- Pull the magazine tube back in: Once the tube is loaded, pull it back into the rifle, making sure it clicks into place.
Step 4: Close the Action
To close the action, follow these steps:
- Lever up: Grasp the lever firmly and pull it up to the top position. This will chamber a round and cock the rifle.
- Check the action: Make sure the action is closed and the lever is securely locked in place. You should feel a slight "click" as the lever engages.
Loading Tips and Tricks
- Use the correct ammunition: Only use.22 Long Rifle ammunition in your Henry Lever Action 22. Using other types of ammunition may cause issues with reliability or accuracy.
- Keep the magazine tube clean: Regularly cleaning the magazine tube can help prevent jamming and improve overall performance.
- Load the rifle in a well-lit area: Make sure you have good lighting when loading the rifle to avoid misloading or dropping cartridges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not fully seating cartridges: Make sure to seat the cartridges properly in the chamber and magazine tube to avoid jamming or misfires.
- Not closing the action properly: Failure to close the action properly can result in a misfire or the rifle not functioning properly.
- Overloading the magazine tube: Be careful not to overload the magazine tube, as this can cause the rifle to jam or become difficult to load.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Jammed rifle: If your rifle jams, try clearing the jam by pulling the magazine tube and removing any obstructing cartridges.
- Misfires: If your rifle misfires, check the action and magazine tube for any obstructions or misaligned cartridges. Try reloading the rifle and firing again.
- Rifle won’t cock: If your rifle won’t cock, check the lever and make sure it’s properly aligned. Try pulling the magazine tube and recocking the rifle.
Conclusion
Loading a Henry Lever Action 22 is a simple process that requires attention to detail and a bit of practice. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to load your rifle with confidence and accuracy. Remember to keep your rifle clean, use the correct ammunition, and avoid common mistakes to ensure optimal performance. Happy shooting!
