J Henry & Son

[mjpchief]

I recently acquired an original J Henry & son rifle. Thought it was a .32 but after extensive cleaning the barrel measures right at .303 on the lands. I guess that would make this rifle a .30 cal. Haven’t looked for a round ball mold for a .30 yet but found .283 round balls at Track of the Wolf. Was looking to shoot this rifle today but I guess that will have to wait a couple of days. Looks like I have added another caliber to my stable.

 

[Kansas Jake]

We need pictures!

 

[TDM]

Yes, must have pictures!

 

[mjpchief]

Will post some when I get home.

 

[mjpchief]

Here’s the pictures. I have a bore scope ordered and will post pictures of the bore when I get it.

 

[TDM]

Very nice! I like it.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I like it too.

 

[mjpchief]

Information I have on this rifle is that it was made sometime between 1860 and 1865. If anyone has any further information on the J Henry and Son rifles I would appreciate knowing it. Couldn’t find anything saying that there was a .30 cal rifle built.

 

[mjpchief]

Pictures of bore. Not bad for a 160 yr old barrel.

 

[TDM]

Not bad at all!!

 

[bamajim]

Sorry for coming late on this post. J. Henry & Sons made these rifles for the Fur Trade with the intent of trading them to the Indians. These were made with smaller bores than many of the half stock rifles of this time period, like the Hawken which had much larger bores and several other Plains rifles of that time period. Very nice rifle from an important part of the history of our country.

 

[mjpchief]

Thanks for the information. Got to fire the rifle 3 times and the bridle broke. The lock is now at Cabin Creek awaiting repair.