The Allure of Classic Design and Construction
The sun catches the gleam of polished brass, a testament to a bygone era. The graceful lines of walnut blend seamlessly with the metallic sheen, creating a symphony of craftsmanship and functionality. This isn’t just a rifle; it’s a statement. It’s the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy, a firearm that effortlessly blends classic aesthetics with the blistering performance of a modern rimfire cartridge. This article delves into the heart of this iconic rifle, exploring its design, examining its accuracy, and ultimately deciding if the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy deserves a place in your collection.
Henry Repeating Arms has built a reputation on a foundation of quality, reliability, and a commitment to honoring the heritage of American firearms. The Henry 17HMR Golden Boy stands as a flagship model, a shining example of their dedication to beauty and function. The moment you hold this rifle, the quality is immediately apparent. The substantial weight, the smooth action, and the impeccable finish all speak to meticulous manufacturing practices.
The most striking feature of the Golden Boy is undeniably its receiver. Crafted from a polished brass alloy, it provides a stunning visual contrast to the rich, dark wood of the stock and forearm. This brass receiver isn’t just for show; it adds a distinctive character to the rifle, setting it apart from the common black-finished firearms. The brass gleams in the sunlight, catching the eye and drawing admiration.
Beyond the striking receiver, the Golden Boy boasts a blued octagonal barrel, often referred to as a “blued” barrel. This geometric shape not only adds to the rifle’s classic appeal, but also contributes to the firearm’s balance. The barrel is perfectly complemented by the sleek, traditional lines of the walnut stock and forearm. The wood is carefully selected, exhibiting attractive grain patterns and finished to a high polish. The checkering, if present on some models, is sharp and precise, providing a secure grip and further enhancing the rifle’s elegance. Every detail, from the crisp trigger pull to the smooth lever action, is carefully considered to create a firearm that is as pleasurable to handle as it is to shoot. The Golden Boy exudes a sense of timelessness, a rifle that feels like it could have come from a century ago, yet is fully capable of delivering the accuracy and performance demanded by modern shooters. The Golden Boy is not just a firearm; it’s a work of art, a testament to the beauty that can be achieved when craftsmanship meets functionality.
Understanding the Specifications of the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy
Beyond its striking appearance, the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy boasts a set of specifications that contribute to its excellent performance. Understanding these specifications helps appreciate the rifle’s design and capabilities.
The heart of the Golden Boy lies in its chambering: the potent 17 HMR cartridge. This cartridge has earned a reputation for its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory, making it an ideal choice for various shooting disciplines. More details on the 17HMR cartridge will follow in a later section.
The Golden Boy typically features a barrel measuring around twenty inches in length. This length contributes to the rifle’s overall balance and helps maximize the 17 HMR’s performance. The longer barrel allows the burning propellant to expand more fully, contributing to increased muzzle velocity.
Overall, the rifle spans a total length of approximately thirty-eight inches, creating a comfortable and manageable feel for most shooters. The weight, typically around six pounds and a half to seven pounds depending on the specific model, further enhances its controllability and balance. This makes it easy to handle and to hold steady, allowing the shooter to consistently achieve their best results.
The Golden Boy features a tube magazine, a hallmark of Henry lever-action rifles. The magazine capacity holds a generous number of rounds, allowing for extended shooting sessions before needing to reload. The tube magazine adds to the overall aesthetic, while also contributing to the rifle’s iconic status.
The action of the Golden Boy is, of course, a lever-action, the hallmark of Henry repeating rifles. This mechanism, known for its reliability and smooth operation, provides a satisfying shooting experience. The lever action is smooth and easy to manipulate, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
The sights on the Golden Boy are designed for accurate target acquisition. Typically, the rifle features a fully adjustable rear sight and a hooded front sight. These sights provide a clear and precise sight picture, enabling the shooter to quickly acquire the target and achieve consistent accuracy. The hooded front sight also helps to protect the front sight post from damage and glare.
The combination of these specifications results in a well-balanced, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing firearm. The Golden Boy offers a package that is suitable for both novice and experienced shooters alike.
Ergonomics and the User Experience
Beyond the technical specifications, it’s important to consider the practical aspects of handling and operating the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy. The ergonomics and user experience are key factors in determining whether the rifle is a joy to shoot.
The walnut stock and forearm contribute significantly to the rifle’s comfortable feel. The wood is carefully shaped to provide a secure and comfortable grip. The stock design allows the shooter to bring the rifle up to their shoulder easily, and the smooth wood feels pleasant against the skin. The forearm provides a stable platform for the non-shooting hand, enhancing control and stability.
The lever-action operation is a defining characteristic of the Golden Boy. The lever is typically smooth and easy to operate. The action is designed to be reliable and to feed rounds smoothly from the tube magazine into the chamber. The lever action provides a unique and satisfying shooting experience, adding to the rifle’s overall charm.
The Golden Boy is generally suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The ambidextrous lever action means that it is easy for both right and left-handed shooters to operate the rifle. While some shooters may prefer a specific stock configuration, most shooters find the Golden Boy comfortable to handle regardless of their dominant hand.
Loading the tube magazine is straightforward, although it may take some practice. The shooter typically inserts rounds one at a time into the tube magazine until it is full. While some shooters find this to be a slightly slower process compared to magazine-fed rifles, the tube magazine adds to the rifle’s classic design and reliable operation.
Overall, the ergonomics of the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy are well-considered, providing a comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.
The 17 HMR Cartridge: Power and Precision
The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) cartridge is the engine that powers the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy, bringing high velocity and flat trajectories to the rimfire world. Understanding this cartridge is vital to appreciating the rifle’s capabilities.
The 17 HMR is a .17 caliber cartridge that fires a lightweight bullet at incredibly high velocities. Typical bullet weights are in the range of 17 to 20 grains, and the muzzle velocity can exceed 2500 feet per second. This high velocity results in a very flat trajectory, meaning that the bullet drops very little over distance.
The 17 HMR’s flat trajectory makes it ideal for target shooting at various ranges. The bullet’s relatively low drop makes it easier to hit targets at different distances without needing to make major adjustments to the sights. This trajectory also contributes to increased accuracy at longer ranges.
The 17 HMR also provides impressive energy on impact, making it an effective choice for hunting small game and controlling pests. While not a powerhouse, the high velocity and the bullet’s design ensure that it provides sufficient knockdown power.
The 17 HMR is generally a more accurate round than other rimfire cartridges like the .22 Long Rifle, adding to the Golden Boy’s appeal.
The 17 HMR cartridge’s combination of velocity, trajectory, and accuracy makes it a popular choice for a wide range of shooting applications.
Accuracy Testing and Practical Applications
The ultimate test of any firearm is its accuracy. The Henry 17HMR Golden Boy is renowned for its precision, a reputation that has been earned through consistent performance.
Accuracy testing typically involves shooting the rifle at various distances, such as fifty and one hundred yards. The shooter aims at a target, and the size of the resulting shot groups is measured to determine the rifle’s accuracy.
The Golden Boy typically delivers impressive accuracy results. At fifty yards, it is common to achieve groups that are less than one inch in diameter. At one hundred yards, groups often remain within a reasonable size, allowing the shooter to consistently hit their targets with precision.
The rifle’s accuracy is further enhanced by its quality sights, and the 17 HMR cartridge’s flat trajectory.
The Henry 17HMR Golden Boy finds its home in several applications.
The Golden Boy is an excellent choice for hunting small game. The 17 HMR cartridge has sufficient power and accuracy to take down rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs, and other small animals with ease.
Target shooting is another area where the Golden Boy shines. The rifle’s accuracy and smooth lever-action make it a pleasure to shoot. Whether on a designated range or simply setting up targets, the Golden Boy provides an enjoyable shooting experience.
For pest control, the 17 HMR Golden Boy offers a balance of power and accuracy, making it an effective tool for eliminating nuisance animals.
The Golden Boy’s versatility and its exceptional accuracy make it a valuable addition to any shooter’s collection.
Considering the Advantages and Disadvantages
No firearm is perfect. Examining the pros and cons of the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy helps to develop a well-informed opinion.
The advantages of the Golden Boy are numerous. As previously stated, its accuracy is truly impressive, allowing for consistent shots on target. Its beautiful aesthetics, featuring the polished brass receiver and the fine walnut stock, set it apart from the competition. The smooth lever-action provides a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience. The Golden Boy is known for its reliability, with the lever-action and its tube-fed magazine offering dependable performance. It also represents excellent value for the money, considering its quality, accuracy, and classic design.
The disadvantages are fewer but still worth noting. The Golden Boy’s price, while justified by its quality, can be slightly higher than that of other rimfire rifles. The tube-fed magazine is a bit slower to load than the magazine-fed alternatives. Customization options can be limited compared to some other models on the market. The rifle’s suitability is also not recommended for all shooting situations, especially for very long-range shooting.
Considering the advantages and disadvantages will help the user to choose whether the Golden Boy is right for them.
Comparing and Contrasting with the Alternatives
The Henry 17HMR Golden Boy exists in a competitive market. Examining the alternatives gives perspective.
Compared to other lever-action rifles in the 17 HMR caliber, the Golden Boy often stands out due to its superior aesthetics and overall build quality.
Other rimfire rifles on the market offer various features and price points. Many offer similar performance characteristics.
Choosing the right firearm requires comparing models. The selection of rifle should be carefully considered.
User Reviews and Feedback
The best way to understand a product is to hear from those who use it. User reviews of the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy offer valuable insights into the rifle’s real-world performance and appeal.
Users frequently praise the Golden Boy’s accuracy, describing it as exceptional and highlighting the rifle’s ability to consistently hit the target. The rifle’s appearance is also a common source of praise, with many users appreciating the beauty of the brass receiver and the quality of the wood.
The lever-action is typically well-received, with users commenting on its smooth and satisfying operation.
While most reviews are positive, some users may note the tube magazine is a slightly slower loading process than other magazine options.
Overall, user feedback on the Henry 17HMR Golden Boy tends to be overwhelmingly positive.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Henry 17HMR Golden Boy is more than just a rimfire rifle; it’s an experience. It’s the satisfaction of holding a beautifully crafted firearm, the pleasure of the smooth lever-action, and the thrill of hitting the target with unerring accuracy.
The Golden Boy’s key strengths lie in its exceptional accuracy, its stunning aesthetics, its smooth lever-action, and its overall reliability.
The Henry 17HMR Golden Boy is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a classic rimfire rifle that delivers outstanding performance. If you appreciate quality craftsmanship, a beautiful design, and exceptional accuracy, the Golden Boy is certainly worth the investment. It’s ideally suited for hunters of small game, target shooters, and anyone who enjoys the unique experience of a lever-action rifle. This is a rifle that will be treasured for generations. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic firearms.
As the sun sets, reflecting the gleam of the brass receiver, the Golden Boy serves as a reminder of a bygone era, where attention to detail, quality materials, and a love of the shooting sports combined to create something truly special. This rifle isn’t just purchased; it’s collected and cherished.
