A Piece of History, a Touch of the West
The allure of a bygone era, a touch of Hollywood swagger, and the sheer uniqueness of its design – the Mares Leg has long captivated firearm enthusiasts. This shortened lever-action, instantly recognizable, is a conversation starter, a range toy, and a historical artifact rolled into one. Today, we’ll delve deep into the heart of one of the most popular iterations: the Henry Repeating Arms Mares Leg chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum. This **Henry Mares Leg 357 Review** will examine its features, explore its performance, and help you decide if this modern take on a classic deserves a place in your collection.
The Mares Leg’s origins are firmly rooted in the American Wild West. The stories, often embellished, tell tales of stagecoach drivers, cowboys, and outlaws who, needing a shorter, more easily concealed firearm, sawed off the barrels and stocks of their lever-action rifles. The result was a compact, highly maneuverable firearm that became instantly iconic. Its popularity surged again through the lens of Hollywood, cementing its place in popular culture and solidifying its appeal to gun aficionados worldwide. It’s a design that evokes images of frontier life, dusty trails, and daring exploits.
Unlike a standard lever-action rifle, the Mares Leg features a significantly shortened barrel and stock, often terminating at a pistol grip. This design makes it ideally suited for close-quarters scenarios, but the trade-off is a reduced effective range and a need for a different shooting stance and technique. It’s a firearm that demands respect and an understanding of its strengths and limitations.
Now, before we proceed, it’s important to briefly mention the legalities surrounding short-barreled firearms. These vary significantly depending on your location. Be sure to fully comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the purchase, ownership, and handling of any firearm.
Unveiling the Details: Features and Construction
The **Henry Mares Leg 357** embodies Henry Repeating Arms’ commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this firearm tick.
The receiver is typically crafted from either a durable steel or a handsome brass alloy, depending on the specific model. The finish is impeccably applied, offering excellent protection against the elements and giving the rifle a polished, attractive appearance. The steel receiver variants often feature a deep blued finish. This combination adds both elegance and practical utility.
The barrel itself, typically made of steel, comes in a length that defines its classification. The rifling, critical for accuracy, is carefully machined to stabilize the bullet in flight, ensuring a tighter grouping. The barrel’s profile and finish contribute to both the firearm’s aesthetic appeal and the overall performance.
The stock, in most cases, is constructed from beautifully finished American walnut. The wood is expertly shaped and checkered to provide a comfortable grip. The wood is sealed and treated in a manner that provides some protection against moisture and weather exposure. The contrast between the walnut stock and the receiver’s finish adds to the gun’s visual appeal.
Sights are typically a basic but effective bead front sight and an adjustable buckhorn rear sight. While functional, they may be considered basic by shooters looking for more precision at longer distances. This is often a focal point for modifications, where many owners opt for aftermarket sights to enhance their shooting experience.
The lever action itself is, of course, the hallmark of this design. Smooth and reliable, the action allows for rapid follow-up shots. The action is typically extremely smooth, making it enjoyable to cycle rounds through the firearm.
The magazine capacity is typically quite generous for a pistol-caliber lever-action. It’s important to note that the magazine is loaded through a port on the side of the receiver.
Safety features are incorporated to prevent accidental discharge. The Henry Repeating Arms Mares Leg typically incorporates a hammer-mounted safety that is easy to engage and disengage.
Taking it in Hand: Handling and Ergonomics
The **Henry Mares Leg 357** presents a unique experience in the hands. Its compact size and lack of a shoulder stock immediately set it apart from other firearms. Holding it is reminiscent of holding a very heavy handgun, yet the lever-action mechanism gives it an added level of complexity and engagement.
The balance is generally good. The weight is typically distributed in a way that feels solid and reassuring. It’s not a lightweight firearm, and its weight contributes to its feeling of quality and adds stability during firing.
The absence of a shoulder stock requires a specific shooting stance. Most shooters will adopt a two-handed grip, either holding the lever-action away from the body or, with practice, holding the lever action firmly against the hip. The position and method of shooting is completely unique. It requires a degree of flexibility and a comfortable stance to manage the recoil effectively.
Loading is relatively straightforward. With the side loading port open, rounds can be easily inserted into the magazine. Unloading is simple as well, typically involving cycling the lever-action to eject the rounds, a critical step to ensure firearm safety.
Operating the lever action itself is a pleasure. The mechanism is smooth and positive. It requires minimal effort to cycle rounds through the action quickly. The lever’s design and ergonomics make it easy to grip and manipulate.
A potential challenge to consider lies in the ergonomics. For shooters accustomed to a shoulder stock, the transition can take some getting used to. Some may find the shorter stock length and lack of a conventional grip less comfortable than a traditional rifle. The pistol grip also provides less leverage and can increase felt recoil.
Putting it to the Test: Performance and Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical factor for any firearm. In evaluating the **Henry Mares Leg 357**, the expectation of pinpoint accuracy needs to be adjusted given the short barrel and sight system.
When testing, various types of ammunition are crucial. Different bullet weights and types, such as full metal jacket, hollow point, and soft point, are used to assess the rifle’s versatility and to determine what it likes to “eat”. This testing often takes place at ranges. Targets are evaluated at specific distances to determine group size.
The felt recoil is manageable, although the short barrel makes it more noticeable than with a traditional rifle. The stout .357 Magnum cartridge can deliver a significant kick, especially in this compact form. Using a well-supported stance and proper grip is essential to manage recoil effectively.
Reliability is a key element in any firearm. The **Henry Mares Leg 357** has gained a reputation for reliability, the lever action cycle is usually flawless, with minimal failures.
Understanding the Pros and Cons
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the **Henry Mares Leg 357**:
The positives of this firearm are very evident. The Mares Leg has an undeniable visual appeal and often draws a crowd. The build quality, as one would expect from Henry Repeating Arms, is impressive. The rifle is mechanically sound and well-made. The lever-action mechanism is fun to operate. The **Henry Mares Leg 357** is suitable for a variety of uses. Its use in plinking is well-documented, and many owners enjoy the unique experience of shooting this firearm.
There are several potential drawbacks to acknowledge. This gun might not be the best choice for all shooters. The compact design and limited sight radius mean that long-range shooting is not its forte. For some shooters, the recoil may be more significant than they are accustomed to. As mentioned before, using aftermarket sights is a very popular approach, which means that an owner should be prepared for potential modifications and added costs to fine-tune it for their needs.
Comparing and Contrasting
There are other similar firearms on the market, although the Henry Mares Leg stands out in terms of build quality and reputation. There are other Mares Leg models produced by Henry, which gives the owner the flexibility to choose different models in varying calibers. The most frequent comparison is against a regular lever action .357 Magnum. In comparison, the **Henry Mares Leg 357** has a reduced effective range and a different shooting style, which is a critical distinction.
Assessing the Value and Cost
The price of the **Henry Mares Leg 357** places it in a competitive space. It is generally considered an excellent value, offering exceptional build quality and a unique shooting experience for the money. For those who appreciate the classic design and the enjoyment of a lever-action firearm, the price is not prohibitive. When considering the overall value, take into account the quality of the materials, the smooth action, and the sheer fun factor.
Making the Decision
In conclusion, the **Henry Mares Leg 357** is a compelling firearm. It successfully combines the charm of a classic design with the reliability and quality that Henry Repeating Arms is known for. The unique handling characteristics may not be for everyone, but for those seeking something distinctive, enjoyable, and a touch of Old West nostalgia, this is an excellent option. The build quality and shooting experience are strong selling points.
While the limited range and unique shooting posture may not make it the best choice for every application, the **Henry Mares Leg 357** excels as a fun range gun, a conversation starter, and a solid addition to any firearms collection. It’s a distinctive firearm that offers a unique experience. It can be a blast for plinking or simply enjoying the joy of shooting.
If you are considering a purchase, it is highly recommended. It’s a well-built, reliable, and enjoyable firearm, offering a unique shooting experience.
If you have had any experience with the **Henry Mares Leg 357**, please share it in the comments below. What do you like or dislike about the firearm?
Disclaimer: Always observe all safety regulations when handling firearms. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. Always store firearms securely and in compliance with all local laws.
