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Field Ethos
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By Mike Schoby
I probably contracted it as a kid from watching old John Wayne westerns or “The Rifleman” with my dad, but wherever I got it, I developed a love for levers at an early age. I haven’t bothered to recently take inventory, and knowing how things of wood and blue will invariably multiple in the dark recesses of a gun safe, I would fair to guess I have somewhere between two dozen to 30 levers of various configurations—from pre-war Winchester model 71’s to modern synthetic, suppressed, tactical monstrosities that I enjoy while others on the FE crew do not.
As if I didn’t already have enough levers, when Henry introduced its Long Ranger, I placed an order. At first glance it is reminiscent of a Browning BLR (which I already own two—a takedown and a standard), but aside from the detachable, metal box magazine the similarities end there.
What is the big deal with a detachable box magazine? A couple of things: first no bullet/caliber restrictions like with a tubular magazine, and secondly, faster reloading. The Long Ranger model I selected is chambered in .243 Winchester, but it can be had in .223/5.56, .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor — perfect for Jack Twist cosplay during the month of June.
Another interesting feature of the Long Ranger is the lack of safety (something I abhor on levers), due to its internal hammer block mechanism. Much like a transfer bar in a revolver, it is impossible for the Long Ranger hammer to connect with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
I received the standard Long Ranger and the oil-finished walnut stocks are honestly much nicer than I expected. Both the rear stock and forend were of very good quality walnut with a satin oil finish. If you wanted even better, Henry also offers a Deluxe and Wildlife versions that have even better wood and enhanced engraving on the receiver. For more spartan tasks, a laminated version is also offered. All models come with a rubber butt pad and sling swivel attachments. I thought the checkering on my rifle was 18 LPI hand cut, but not until I checked the website that I discovered the checkering was laser cut—it is that good.
The adjustable iron sights are good with a relatively fine bead on the front that would work well for anything in the deep woods. But since this rifle is designed with modern cartridges in mind that will allow one to stretch the range, why not utilize the screws on the receiver and attach a scope? Something like the Vudu 1-10×28 or Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 would be ideal.
I could see the Long Ranger being a great deer, antelope and even elk rifle, especially for those of us who hunt off a horse and appreciate the flatness of how a lever action rides in a scabbard.
Price: $1,300
Pros: Overall, the Long Ranger is a great modern lever action, chambered in modern calibers without having the trying-too-hard tacti-cool look.
Cons: I would like to see this rifle threaded for a suppressor. The Rugged Alaskan Ti would be ideal. Also, I don’t like that the forend tip is attached with a Phillips head screw — a flat screw would be more fitting.
The post Lever Love appeared first on Field Ethos.
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I probably contracted it as a kid from watching old John Wayne westerns or “The Rifleman” with my dad, but wherever I got it, I developed a love for levers at an early age. I haven’t bothered to recently take inventory, and knowing how things of wood and blue will invariably multiple in the dark recesses of a gun safe, I would fair to guess I have somewhere between two dozen to 30 levers of various configurations—from pre-war Winchester model 71’s to modern synthetic, suppressed, tactical monstrosities that I enjoy while others on the FE crew do not.
As if I didn’t already have enough levers, when Henry introduced its Long Ranger, I placed an order. At first glance it is reminiscent of a Browning BLR (which I already own two—a takedown and a standard), but aside from the detachable, metal box magazine the similarities end there.
Henry Long Ranger Details
What is the big deal with a detachable box magazine? A couple of things: first no bullet/caliber restrictions like with a tubular magazine, and secondly, faster reloading. The Long Ranger model I selected is chambered in .243 Winchester, but it can be had in .223/5.56, .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor — perfect for Jack Twist cosplay during the month of June.
Another interesting feature of the Long Ranger is the lack of safety (something I abhor on levers), due to its internal hammer block mechanism. Much like a transfer bar in a revolver, it is impossible for the Long Ranger hammer to connect with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
I received the standard Long Ranger and the oil-finished walnut stocks are honestly much nicer than I expected. Both the rear stock and forend were of very good quality walnut with a satin oil finish. If you wanted even better, Henry also offers a Deluxe and Wildlife versions that have even better wood and enhanced engraving on the receiver. For more spartan tasks, a laminated version is also offered. All models come with a rubber butt pad and sling swivel attachments. I thought the checkering on my rifle was 18 LPI hand cut, but not until I checked the website that I discovered the checkering was laser cut—it is that good.
The adjustable iron sights are good with a relatively fine bead on the front that would work well for anything in the deep woods. But since this rifle is designed with modern cartridges in mind that will allow one to stretch the range, why not utilize the screws on the receiver and attach a scope? Something like the Vudu 1-10×28 or Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 would be ideal.
Love For the Long Lever
I could see the Long Ranger being a great deer, antelope and even elk rifle, especially for those of us who hunt off a horse and appreciate the flatness of how a lever action rides in a scabbard.
Price: $1,300
Pros: Overall, the Long Ranger is a great modern lever action, chambered in modern calibers without having the trying-too-hard tacti-cool look.
Cons: I would like to see this rifle threaded for a suppressor. The Rugged Alaskan Ti would be ideal. Also, I don’t like that the forend tip is attached with a Phillips head screw — a flat screw would be more fitting.
The post Lever Love appeared first on Field Ethos.
Continue reading...
