
Not Your Everyday 22LR: The “American Eagle” from Henry Repeating Arms
With Christmas just around the corner finding that special gift for the outdoorsman can be challenging. For decades a .22 rifle has been one of the most common firearms to find under the tree at Christmas.
Whether it be for that special occasion or you are really just looking for a one-of-a-kind tribute rifles, Henry Repeating Arms leads the pack. And although the American Eagle has been around for about three years now, its standing as a true work of art is worth another look.
Henry Repeating Arms, founded in 1996 is a well know name in the shooting and hunting community. Based in New Jersey with another factory in Wisconsin, Henry produces more tribute rifles than any other company.
The American Bald Eagle has been the iconic symbol of America since 1782. Henry pays tribute with the American Eagle rifle by blending styles of US history, the old west and its heritage. Henry built this rifle on the Golden Boy platform for which the company is well known.
The American Eagle sports a nickel-plated butt plate, receiver, and barrel bands with a blued octagon barrel instead of the usual gold accents of the Golden Boy.
A unique feature of the American Eagle is the wood finish stock (Walnut) with a look of ivory, making this rifle truly a one-of-a-kind offering with stunning eye appeal.
The American Walnut Stock goes through a unique process as follows:
“Layers of primers and ivory color are applied then sanded down between applications to highlight the wood grain and achieve a natural look.
The ivory-colored walnut stock is then deeply engraved with the buttstock featuring the head of a bald eagle centered in a leafy, vine-engraved pattern. In addition, the American Eagle’s forend sports deep checkering and scrollwork, giving the look and feel of the old west”.
Additional specifications and features of the American Eagle include:
- Caliber: 22 S/L/LR
- Lever action
- Magazine capacity: 16 LR/21 S
- Barrel length: 20 inches
- Octagon blue steel barrel
- Overall length: 38.5 inches
- Weight: 6.75 pounds
- Rear sight: fully adjustable Buckhorn with diamond insert
- Front sight: brass bead
- Receiver drilled and tapped for scope mounts
- Length of pull: 14 inches
- Receiver and butt plate: nickel finish
- Stock: American Walnut with Ivory appeal and engravings
- Safety: ¼ cock
If a person does some shopping, the American Eagle can be found in the $775 to $900 price range. Realizing the craftsmanship and appeal this rifle has to offer, I would say that is a bargain.
Henry Repeating Arms slogan is “made in America or not at all.” Additionally, the company has a proud legacy as an American employer and backs each of their firearms with a lifetime guarantee.
If you are looking for that one-of-a-kind firearm with a twist of the old west and Americana, the Henry American Eagle truly fits the bill.