M1860 Henry Rifle

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	Weapon: M1860 Henry Rifle Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1860 Overall Length (mm): 1124.0 Overall Length (in): 44.25 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82

The M1860 Henry Rifle was a revolutionary lever-action repeating rifle designed by Benjamin Tyler Henry and manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company. Chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire, the rifle featured a 24-inch octagonal barrel and a 15-round tubular magazine located beneath the barrel, giving it a significant firepower advantage over contemporary muzzle-loading firearms. With its distinctive brass frame and smooth lever-action mechanism, the Henry rifle allowed soldiers to fire multiple rounds rapidly without reloading, making it one of the earliest successful repeating rifles in military history.

Production of the Henry Rifle began in 1860, with approximately 14,000 units manufactured by 1866. Although it was not widely adopted by the Union Army during the American Civil War due to its high cost and limited availability, it was privately purchased by many soldiers who recognized its superiority in battle. The rifle saw action in key engagements, particularly in the hands of Union sharpshooters and cavalry units. Its rapid rate of fire earned it a formidable reputation, leading Confederate troops to dub it "that damn Yankee rifle that they load on Sunday and shoot all week."

The M1860 Henry Rifle became an iconic firearm, influencing the development of future lever-action rifles, including the famous Winchester Model 1866. While its service life in military conflicts was relatively short, it played a crucial role in demonstrating the effectiveness of repeating rifles. Today, original Henry rifles are highly sought after by collectors and historians, recognized for their historical significance and craftsmanship. Modern reproductions continue to be popular among firearm enthusiasts, preserving the legacy of this pioneering design.