Henry All-Weather .45-70 Overview and Snowy Shooting
The video opens with an introduction to the Henry All-Weather .45-70 lever-action rifle, specifically the Picatinny rail model. The host highlights the appeal and raw power of the .45-70 cartridge, demonstrating how hard it hits steel targets even in snowy, cold conditions. The rifle is presented as a serious option for large game hunting or use in bear country, where deep penetration and stopping power matter. The Picatinny rail is emphasized as a key feature, allowing flexible optic mounting, and the host notes previously running a Leupold Mark 5HD on this rifle. Early shots show the rifle functioning smoothly despite the weather, setting the stage for a focus on all-weather reliability and practical field use in harsh winter environments.
Cold-Weather Reliability and All-Weather Testing Ideas
Attention shifts to how the Henry All-Weather .45-70 handles snow and freezing temperatures. The host deliberately packs the action and exterior with snow, then fires the rifle to demonstrate that it continues to run reliably in harsh conditions. The approximate six-round tube capacity is mentioned, reinforcing that this is a powerful yet reasonably capacious lever gun for backcountry or defensive use in bear country. The idea of pushing the rifle further is raised, including a potential overnight test where the gun would be left outside in the cold to see how it performs after extended exposure. This segment underlines the All-Weather branding, focusing on durability, corrosion resistance, and confidence when the rifle is subjected to real-world winter abuse.
Loading Methods, Capacity, and Practical Carry Tips
The middle portion of the video explains how to load and run the Henry All-Weather .45-70 efficiently. The host details the roughly six-round tube capacity and demonstrates both the side loading gate and the removable magazine tube, showing that users can choose their preferred method. A plus-one technique is described, running one in the chamber with the hammer safely dropped. The rifle’s basic front blade and rear adjustable ghost ring sights are covered, along with a slightly enlarged lever loop that accommodates gloved hands. The durable laminate wood stock and thick recoil pad are highlighted as practical features for recoil management and weather resistance. The host also mentions a simple aftermarket sling and the use of a side-saddle to carry extra cartridges, emphasizing practical field carry and quick access to ammunition.
Rapid Cycling, Minor Hiccups, and Performance Impressions
The focus turns to real-world handling and shooting speed with the Henry All-Weather .45-70. The host demonstrates rapid cycling, running the lever briskly to show how quickly the rifle can be fired when needed. Detailed tips are given for loading hollow point ammunition through the side gate, including starting the first round so that a bit of brass remains visible, making it easier to push subsequent rounds in smoothly. During fast shooting, a minor feeding or loading hiccup occurs, which the host attributes either to the hollow point profile or to the rifle not being cleaned after a few hundred rounds. Despite this small issue, the overall impression is that the rifle performs well in snowy, cold conditions, maintaining reliability and shootability while delivering the heavy-hitting performance expected from the .45-70 cartridge.
Future Torture Tests, Lever-Gun Prizes, and Range Setup
In the closing segment, the host invites viewers to suggest future durability and torture tests for the Henry All-Weather .45-70, such as leaving it outside overnight in freezing temperatures to push the all-weather claim further. The discussion then shifts to potential lever-action prizes for CFCcontest.com, asking whether viewers would prefer a tactical lever gun customized by Mad Pig Customs similar to the one seen in the latest John Wick movie, a classic Henry Golden Boy, or an All-Weather model equipped with a quality optic. Viewers are encouraged to comment with both their preferred lever-gun prize and the challenges they want to see the rifle face. The video wraps up with a brief behind-the-scenes look at the range, steel targets from Shooting Targets USA, and the filming setup using a 4Runner with an ARB awning sheltering the camera, followed by a sign-off and mention of Classic Firearms.