Henry Repeating Arms Company
Founded in 1996, Henry Repeating Arms is an American firearms manufacturer that specializes in rifles and shotguns. The company bears the name of Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor of the original Henry rifle, one of the most significant lever-action repeating rifles in history. While the modern-day Henry Repeating Arms is not a direct successor to Benjamin Tyler Henry's company, it continues the legacy of manufacturing high-quality, American-made firearms with the same ethos of craftsmanship and reliability.
The Founding
In 1996, in Brooklyn, New York, Louis Imperato and his son Anthony Imperato decided to revive the spirit of the American firearm industry by founding Henry Repeating Arms. The name was chosen as a tribute to Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor of the original Henry rifle that played a critical role in the Civil War. Though there is no historical lineage between the original Henry company and the current one, the latter has preserved the core values of innovation, quality, and customer service.
The Arms Manufactured
Henry Repeating Arms produces a wide range of firearms, focusing primarily on lever-action rifles, but also offering single shot, bolt-action, and pump-action models. The company offers these in a wide variety of calibers and finishes, catering to different market needs, from hunting to shooting sports and home defense.
One of the company's most iconic firearms is the "Classic Lever Action .22" rifle. This rifle embodies the traditional American lever-action design and is chambered for the .22 caliber round, making it a popular choice for small game hunting and sport shooting. Its appeal lies in its affordability, reliability, and the nostalgic charm of its design.
Another standout model is the Henry Big Boy, a modern reinterpretation of the classic big-bore lever-action rifle. Chambered for powerful pistol calibers like .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .357 Magnum, the Big Boy is a favorite among hunters and cowboy action shooters.
The company also produces a line of tribute edition firearms, dedicated to groups like the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and even specific industries like trucking and farming. These tribute editions are unique, with detailed engravings and finishes that honor their respective groups.
The History of the Company
The history of Henry Repeating Arms is relatively short compared to other firearm manufacturers, yet it is rich and eventful. The company faced early hurdles, particularly given the established competition and the complicated American gun market. However, they managed to overcome these by focusing on high-quality, American-made products, and excellent customer service.
In 1997, a year after its inception, the company launched its first product, the Henry Classic Lever Action .22 rifle. It was well received, setting the stage for a series of successful models that followed, each embodying the lever-action tradition in their unique ways.
In the early 2000s, Henry Repeating Arms expanded its operations, moving from Brooklyn to a larger facility in Bayonne, New Jersey. In 2008, the company opened a second manufacturing facility in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to meet increasing demand. These expansions reflect the steady growth the company has enjoyed since its founding.
Major Innovations
While Henry Repeating Arms is best known for maintaining the tradition of lever-action firearms, they've also introduced significant innovations in the industry. In 2020, the company introduced a line of lever-action rifles with side loading gates, while still maintaining the original tube magazine loading system. This feature, often requested by customers, made it possible to reload the rifle without having to remove the magazine tube, thus improving convenience and speed.
In 2013, the company broke new ground with the release of the Henry U.S. Survival AR-7. This semi-automatic .22 LR rifle can be disassembled, with all parts fitting into the impact-resistant, waterproof stock. This design makes it a unique survival tool for outdoor enthusiasts and pilots.
The Company's Place in History
Despite its relatively recent inception, Henry Repeating Arms has carved a distinctive place in the firearms industry and American history. While it shares no direct lineage with the original Henry company, it has carried forward the tradition of the lever-action rifle, an iconic symbol of the American West.
By focusing on manufacturing in the United States, Henry Repeating Arms has supported American jobs and contributed to local economies. The company's dedication to customer service and the quality of their products has also garnered a strong reputation among firearms enthusiasts.
Competition
The firearms industry is highly competitive, and Henry Repeating Arms faces numerous competitors. Marlin Firearms and Winchester, both with a rich history of producing lever-action rifles, are among the most direct competitors. Other manufacturers, such as Ruger and Remington, also provide competition, though they are more diversified and produce a wider range of firearms types.
Despite the competition, Henry Repeating Arms has managed to carve a niche for itself. The company's dedication to quality, its focus on customer service, and its commitment to American manufacturing have set it apart. By preserving the tradition of the Henry rifle and continually innovating to meet customer needs, Henry Repeating Arms has secured its place in the competitive landscape of the firearms industry.
Conclusion
The story of Henry Repeating Arms is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-made, reliable firearms. Through honoring past designs and innovating for the future, the company has successfully navigated the challenges of a competitive industry. Its legacy, although not as long as other firearms manufacturers, is rooted in a commitment to quality, innovation, and American craftsmanship — principles that have made it a respected name in the industry.
Henry USA can be found here.
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