The video focuses on the Henry All-Weather .45-70 lever action rifle with the Picatinny rail model. The host highlights Henry Repeating Arms as a favored manufacturer and notes extensive trigger time with this rifle. The .45-70 cartridge is described as a large, powerful round that is enjoyable to shoot, especially from this platform. The All-Weather configuration is presented as a practical option for harsh conditions, intended for users who shoot and hunt in snow and other adverse environments. The discussion sets up an evaluation of whether the rifle’s finish and materials truly justify the All-Weather name while maintaining the power needed for hunting large game.
The rifle is fired on steel targets in snowy, freezing conditions, with visible impact on a steel Velociraptor target. The .45-70 load clearly removes paint and delivers substantial energy, reinforcing its suitability for large game such as bear or moose. The host comments on the challenge of shooting accurately while wearing gloves and dealing with cold temperatures around 19 degrees, but notes that the rifle still runs smoothly and can be cycled quickly. The segment emphasizes that the Henry All-Weather .45-70 combines strong terminal performance with reliable operation in low temperatures, making it a capable option for demanding environments.
To explore the All-Weather concept, the rifle is loaded with several .45-70 rounds and then buried in snow until it is almost completely covered. After being packed in snow, it is retrieved and fired again, shaking snow off the gun and the shooter. The rifle continues to function, supporting the idea that the finish and construction handle wet, cold conditions. The host considers a more extreme test, such as leaving the rifle outside overnight to freeze the internals, but expresses concern about both locating it afterward and potential long-term effects on a favored firearm. Viewers are invited to suggest future durability tests for the Henry All-Weather .45-70.
The Henry All-Weather .45-70 shown has a tubular magazine with a capacity of six rounds, plus the option to carry an additional round in the chamber. It features a side loading gate, allowing cartridges to be fed directly into the magazine through the receiver, which is preferred for quick, on-the-fly loading. The rifle also retains the traditional removable magazine tube, which can be twisted out and loaded from the front if desired. The host notes that while tube loading is straightforward, it leaves the tube assembly out and must be managed carefully. The side gate is highlighted as the more convenient method during active use, especially in the field.
The rifle is equipped with a simple, practical sight setup: a standard front blade and an adjustable rear ghost ring aperture. This arrangement is presented as easy to use and appropriate for the rifle’s intended ranges. The lever loop is slightly enlarged compared to a traditional small loop, making it easier to operate while wearing gloves in cold weather. The laminate wood furniture is noted for its appearance and apparent resistance to snow and moisture, with no obvious rapid deterioration in the conditions shown. A thick recoil pad at the buttstock helps manage the recoil of .45-70 loads, especially when combined with multiple clothing layers in winter conditions. A basic aftermarket sling is attached for carry convenience.
The host demonstrates loading the rifle through the side gate with hollow point .45-70 ammunition. A practical tip is offered: start one cartridge into the gate until a bit of brass is visible, then use the next cartridge to push it fully in, making the process smoother. The magazine is filled to six rounds, and then the action is cycled to chamber one, allowing an additional round to be inserted into the tube for a six-plus-one configuration. A hammer-down position is mentioned as a way to carry with a chambered round while maintaining a measure of safety. A small side saddle or cartridge holder on the belt is used to keep extra .45-70 rounds accessible for topping off the rifle during shooting.
During rapid loading and firing, a minor hiccup occurs when feeding hollow point ammunition, which may be related to the bullet profile or the rifle needing cleaning after a few hundred rounds. Despite this, the rifle continues to cycle and fire reliably, and the host remains satisfied with its overall performance. The All-Weather .45-70 is repeatedly described as fun to shoot and capable of fast follow-up shots. Viewers are asked what additional stress tests should be attempted, including the possibility of leaving the rifle outside overnight to freeze. The segment reinforces that, so far, the rifle appears to live up to its All-Weather designation in snow and cold.
Toward the end, the discussion shifts to potential lever-action rifle giveaways on CFCcontest.com. Ideas include a more modern, accessorized lever gun built by Mad Pig Customs similar to one seen in a John Wick film, a traditional Henry Golden Boy, or an All-Weather model like the .45-70 equipped with a quality optic such as the previously mounted Leupold Mark 5HD. Viewers are encouraged to comment on which lever gun configuration they would like to see featured. The video closes with a brief behind-the-scenes look at the snowy range, steel targets from Shooting Targets USA, and the vehicle setup with an ARB awning used to protect camera equipment while filming in winter conditions.