First Impressions of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight
The lever-action rifle, a true icon of the American West, has always held a special place in my heart. I remember my grandfather’s old Winchester, a trusty companion on countless hunting trips, and the smooth, satisfying action of working the lever. However, the traditional wooden stocks often left something to be desired in terms of modern ergonomics and adaptability. When I first laid eyes on the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This isn’t just a replacement stock; it’s a reimagining of a classic, blending the timeless appeal of a lever-action with the modularity and features of a modern rifle platform.
I’d been looking for a way to modernize my Henry Big Boy without sacrificing its classic feel. The factory stock was functional, but I wanted adjustability for better cheek weld when using optics and more options for sling attachment. I considered some of the other aftermarket stock options, but the Midwest Industries offering stood out due to its adjustable cheek piece, M-LOK compatibility, and overall robust design.
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight arrived well-packaged and upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the fit and finish. The aluminum was perfectly anodized, and the polymer cheek piece felt solid and well-made. The weight felt balanced, and the stock had a reassuring heft that spoke to its quality construction. My initial thought was excitement; this looked like exactly what my Henry needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight was at my local shooting range. I wanted to zero in a new red dot sight I had mounted on my Henry, and the adjustable cheek piece was a godsend. No more straining to get a proper sight picture. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect for an afternoon of target practice.
The stock felt instantly more comfortable than the factory wood. The improved ergonomics allowed me to maintain a consistent cheek weld, which translated to tighter groups downrange. There were no immediate issues, and the installation process had been a breeze, taking only a few minutes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. I’ve taken it on a couple of hunting trips in varying conditions, from dry and dusty to damp and chilly, and it has performed flawlessly. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
Cleaning is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it needs. Compared to my previous experience with the factory stock, which required occasional oiling and treatment, the Midwest Industries stock is virtually maintenance-free. It significantly outperforms the factory stock in terms of durability and adaptability.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight
Specifications
- The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight is designed specifically for Henry straight grip rifles, including the Henry Big Boy series. This ensures a proper and secure fit.
- It features a hardcoat anodized finish for exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This tough coating protects the aluminum from the elements.
- The stock maintains a factory length of pull (13.5 inches) for comfortable shooting. Spacer plates are available separately for those needing a longer length.
- Weighing in at 1.25 lbs, it adds minimal weight to the rifle while significantly enhancing its features. The lightweight design helps maintain good balance.
- Constructed from a combination of aluminum and polymer, the stock is both strong and lightweight. The aluminum provides structural integrity while the polymer offers comfort and adjustability.
- The stock boasts an adjustable cheek piece, allowing for customized cheek weld height when using iron sights, red dots, or magnified optics. This adjustability significantly improves accuracy and comfort.
- It’s an ambidextrous design, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters. This caters to a wider range of users.
- Originating from the USA, it reflects the quality and craftsmanship expected from American-made products. This also helps ensure quality control and availability of support.
These specifications are vital because they directly influence the rifle’s ergonomics, adaptability, and overall performance. The adjustable cheek piece, for instance, ensures proper eye alignment with optics, leading to improved accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight significantly enhances the performance and functionality of a Henry lever-action rifle. The adjustable cheek piece allows for a customized fit, improving accuracy and comfort, especially when using optics.
The M-LOK compatible slots provide ample opportunity to add accessories like shell holders or sling mounts. This modularity is a major upgrade over the factory stock. While the stock performs exceptionally well, a slightly more aggressive texture on the grip panels would be a welcome addition.
It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations. The improved ergonomics and modularity have transformed my Henry into a more versatile and capable rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight features a thoughtful design that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics. The combination of aluminum and polymer creates a strong yet lightweight platform, and the hardcoat anodized finish gives it a sleek, professional look.
The ergonomics are a vast improvement over the factory stock. The adjustable cheek piece and comfortable grip panels make it a pleasure to shoot for extended periods. There is no significant learning curve; the stock is intuitive to use and easy to adjust.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust construction of the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight suggests that it will last for many years with proper care. The hardcoat anodized finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, and the polymer cheek piece is durable and weather-resistant.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is typically sufficient. The stock is also easy to disassemble for more thorough cleaning if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight offers numerous customization options. The M-LOK compatible slots on either side allow for the attachment of accessories such as shell holders, sling mounts, or even small sections of Picatinny rail.
It’s also compatible with aftermarket sling swivels and other accessories designed for M-LOK systems. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for tailoring the rifle to individual needs and preferences. The most popular accessories would be M-LOK compatible sling mounts and shell carriers.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight
Pros
- Adjustable Cheek Piece: Provides optimal cheek weld for use with various optics, enhancing accuracy.
- M-LOK Compatibility: Offers versatile options for attaching accessories, increasing functionality.
- Durable Construction: Built from high-quality aluminum and polymer for long-lasting performance.
- Ambidextrous Design: Suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process.
Cons
- Grip Texture: A slightly more aggressive texture on the grip panels would improve grip in wet conditions.
- Price: The price point might be a barrier for some potential buyers.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight?
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight is perfect for Henry Big Boy owners looking to modernize their rifle and enhance its functionality. It’s especially well-suited for hunters who use optics, as the adjustable cheek piece provides a comfortable and consistent sight picture. Competitive shooters who want to optimize their rifle for accuracy and speed will also appreciate the added features.
Those who prefer a purely traditional look and feel might want to skip this product. Also, budget-conscious shooters might find the price a bit steep.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a quality M-LOK compatible sling mount and a set of M-LOK shell holders.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight
Overall, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight is a fantastic upgrade for any Henry Big Boy rifle. It combines the classic appeal of a lever-action with the modern features and ergonomics of a contemporary rifle platform.
The price is justified given the quality of construction, the enhanced functionality, and the increased versatility it provides. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to modernize their Henry lever-action.
If you’re looking to take your Henry Big Boy to the next level, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Straight is a worthy investment. It’s a game-changer.