Ok folks, quick discussion here. I want a lever action .357/.38 as a fun range toy. Not sure I'd ever do more with it than that. The 1873 and HBBs seem to be about the same price for similar setups. With the Henry, I can get the 16.5" barrel or the 20". Winchester only has a 20". I'm not worried about the reduced capacity of 7 rounds vs 10 (I don't think) on the 16.5" Henry. I also know for sure I want a steel or color case hardened receiver, not anything silver or gold.
I *think* I want to put this new 1.5 to 4X Leupold VX-2 on it that I just got. It's got intermediate eye relief. Leupold calls it a scout scope, but based on the eye relief it definitely isn't. So I think it'd be perfect for a lever gun. However the 1873 isn't drilled and tapped for a scope, so it'd have to be modified.
So which should I buy? Based on the above, it seems like the Henry is the better purchase. However I know people love the new production 1873 (as does Winchester based on the price tag). Any guidance?
I *think* I want to put this new 1.5 to 4X Leupold VX-2 on it that I just got. It's got intermediate eye relief. Leupold calls it a scout scope, but based on the eye relief it definitely isn't. So I think it'd be perfect for a lever gun. However the 1873 isn't drilled and tapped for a scope, so it'd have to be modified.
So which should I buy? Based on the above, it seems like the Henry is the better purchase. However I know people love the new production 1873 (as does Winchester based on the price tag). Any guidance?