First Impressions of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip
The lever-action rifle, a true icon of the American West, has always held a special place in my heart. When I saw the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This stock promises to modernize and enhance the handling of my Henry Big Boy, blending classic aesthetics with modern ergonomics.
I had been looking for a way to improve the ergonomics of my Henry Big Boy without sacrificing its classic appeal. The factory stock, while traditional, lacked adjustability and could be uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions. I also wanted to add modern accessory attachment points.
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip arrived well-packaged and the first thing I noticed was the solid feel. The combination of aluminum and polymer felt robust and well-made. Compared to the original wood stock, this felt like a significant upgrade in durability. I’d considered options from Ranger Point Precision and Modular Driven Technologies, but the Midwest Industries design seemed to offer a more complete, integrated solution, and the adjustable cheek riser was a major selling point. I was very excited to install this and see how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip was eye-opening. I tested it at my local outdoor range, focusing on accuracy and handling drills. The weather was mild and sunny, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The most noticeable improvement was the enhanced grip and adjustability. The pistol grip provided a much more secure and comfortable hold, especially during rapid lever cycling. The adjustable cheek piece allowed me to perfectly align my eye with my red dot sight, improving my accuracy significantly. There were no initial issues, and the installation process proved simple and straightforward, getting me up and running quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip has proven to be incredibly durable. It has held up well to various conditions, including exposure to rain, mud, and extreme temperatures. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
Cleaning and maintaining the stock is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps it looking like new. Compared to the original wood stock, this is a far more robust and weather-resistant option. It significantly outperforms the factory stock in terms of both ergonomics and durability, making it a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip boasts a range of impressive specifications. The stock is compatible with Henry Big Boy rifles, offering a significant upgrade in ergonomics and functionality. The key specifications are:
- Manufacturer: Midwest Industries
- Color: Black
- Finish: Hardcoat Anodized
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum, Polymer
- Gun Make: Henry
- Gun Model: Henry Big Boy
- Length: 13.5 in
- Weight: 1.5 lb
- Additional Features: Adjustable Cheek Piece
- Condition: New
- Country of Origin: USA
These specifications translate to a durable, lightweight, and highly adaptable stock. The aluminum construction ensures strength, while the polymer cheek piece provides a comfortable and adjustable platform for optics. The hardcoat anodized finish protects against corrosion and wear. The adjustable cheek piece is particularly important for achieving a proper cheek weld when using optics, significantly improving accuracy and consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip dramatically improves the performance and functionality of the Henry Big Boy. The pistol grip provides a more natural and ergonomic hand position. This allows for better control and faster follow-up shots.
The adjustable cheek piece is a game-changer. It enables users to customize the stock to their specific needs and optic setup. One minor weakness might be the initial setup of the cheek riser, which requires some adjustment to find the perfect height, but once dialed in, it’s rock solid. Overall, the stock exceeds expectations, offering a significant improvement in handling and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip is well-thought-out and ergonomic. The combination of aluminum and polymer provides a balance of strength and weight. The grip is comfortable and secure, even with wet or gloved hands.
The stock is relatively user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools. The adjustable cheek piece is intuitive to adjust. There is a slight learning curve to optimizing the cheek piece height for different optics, but the overall design is very ergonomic.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip is built to last. The aluminum construction and hardcoat anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. I expect this stock to last for many years of hard use.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. The durable materials and finish ensure that it can withstand harsh conditions with minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip is compatible with a wide range of accessories and customization options. The stock features M-LOK compatible slots on either side. This allows for the attachment of accessories such as shell holders or M-LOK panels for aesthetics.
The stock also features several properly placed anti-rotation QD swivel sockets. It also incorporates one standard sling swivel location and stud for versatile sling placement. The adjustable cheek piece is a customizable feature in itself, allowing users to fine-tune the stock to their specific needs. Compatibility with standard slings and M-LOK accessories makes it a versatile platform for customization.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip
Pros
- Dramatically improved ergonomics and handling.
- Adjustable cheek piece for optimal optic alignment.
- Durable aluminum and polymer construction.
- M-LOK compatible slots for accessory attachment.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Price may be a barrier for some buyers.
- Cheek piece adjustment requires initial setup.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip?
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and recreational shooters. Anyone looking to improve the ergonomics and handling of their Henry Big Boy will benefit from this upgrade. It’s a must-have for those using optics on their lever-action rifle.
This product may not be necessary for those who prefer the traditional look and feel of the factory wood stock. Those on a very tight budget might also find the price prohibitive.
A must-have accessory would be a quality red dot sight or scope to take full advantage of the adjustable cheek piece. An M-LOK compatible shell holder or sling attachment would also enhance the functionality of the stock.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip is an outstanding upgrade for the Henry Big Boy rifle. It offers a significant improvement in ergonomics, adjustability, and durability. The enhanced grip, adjustable cheek piece, and M-LOK compatibility make it a versatile and functional addition to any lever-action rifle.
The price is justified by the quality of materials and the enhanced shooting experience it provides. I would highly recommend this stock to anyone looking to modernize and improve the handling of their Henry Big Boy. Upgrade your lever-action experience today with the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Pistol Grip!