The Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black Made a Bold First Impression
Lever guns. They are iconic, they are classic, and they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially as platforms for modern optics. I was thrilled to get my hands on the Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black, designed specifically to bridge the gap between these timeless rifles and the world of modern sighting systems.
My aging eyes needed some help picking up targets quickly, and the factory sights on my Henry just weren’t cutting it anymore. A solid, reliable scope mounting solution was the answer and the Area 419 rail seemed to promise exactly that. Opening the package, I was immediately struck by the clean lines and the robust feel of the rail.
Compared to some of the cheaper, stamped steel rails I’d seen, the Area 419 offering exuded quality. I had considered a Weaver-style rail from another manufacturer, but the Picatinny design of the Area 419 provided more flexibility in optic placement. The integral recoil lug was another point in its favor, something lacking in simpler designs. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; this rail looked the part of a high-quality upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black was at my local shooting range. I mounted a Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 scope, a common pairing for lever guns intended for quick target acquisition. The installation was straightforward using the provided wrench, torquing the screws to the recommended 15 in/lbs.
The rail felt incredibly solid and secure once mounted. Zeroing the scope was a breeze, and the 0MOA design proved true, requiring minimal adjustment at 100 yards. Even after several boxes of .30-30 rounds, the rail showed no signs of loosening or shifting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including a deer hunting trip in less-than-ideal conditions, the Area 419 rail continues to perform flawlessly. The Type III hardcoat anodized finish has proven to be remarkably durable, resisting scratches and wear despite being exposed to brush and inclement weather. The rail remains rock-solid, maintaining zero even after being bumped and jostled in the field.
Cleaning is simple, a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Comparing this to some cheaper rails I’ve used in the past that would bend or loosen after repeated use, the Area 419 offering is a significant upgrade in both performance and peace of mind. I have total confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of hunting and range use.
Breaking Down the Features of Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black
Specifications
The Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black boasts impressive specifications. It is machined from a single piece of T7075 aluminum. This material choice offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to the more common 6061 aluminum, crucial for maintaining stability under recoil.
- Material: T7075 Aluminum – Provides exceptional strength and rigidity for demanding use.
- Finish: Type III Hardcoat Anodized – Offers superior corrosion resistance and durability in harsh environments.
- MOA: 0 MOA – Ensures a parallel mounting surface for optimal scope performance at typical lever-action ranges.
- Compatibility: Henry Lever Action Rifles (see fit guide) – Designed for a precise fit on specific Henry models, eliminating guesswork.
- Mounting Hardware: Included – Comes with the necessary wrench for easy installation.
- Receiver Screw Compatibility: Available in 3-Screw (Short Action) and 4-Screw (Long Action) variants. – Ensuring compatibility across a range of Henry rifle models.
These specifications are not merely numbers; they translate directly into a superior shooting experience. The 7075 aluminum and Type III anodizing mean that the rail can withstand significant abuse without losing its integrity or finish. The 0MOA ensures that your scope is aligned correctly with the bore, maximizing its effective range.
Performance & Functionality
The Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black performs its primary function admirably: providing a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics. Its rigid construction ensures that your scope holds zero even under heavy recoil, and the Picatinny rail allows for a wide range of optic placement options. One minor area for potential improvement could be slightly more aggressive recoil lug engagement, but this hasn’t been an issue in practice.
The rail exceeds expectations in terms of durability and stability. I have no reservations about recommending it to anyone looking to mount a scope on their Henry lever action.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The rail is machined to precise tolerances, ensuring a perfect fit on compatible Henry rifles. The weight is negligible, adding very little to the overall mass of the rifle.
Mounting the rail is a breeze, requiring only the included wrench and a few minutes of your time. The low profile design doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s handling or aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
The Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black is built to last a lifetime. The robust construction and durable finish ensure that it can withstand years of use and abuse. Maintenance is virtually non-existent, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary function of the Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black is to facilitate the mounting of Picatinny-compatible optics. This opens up a world of customization options, from traditional scopes to red dot sights and even scout scopes. The rail is compatible with virtually any optic that utilizes a Picatinny mounting system.
Pros and Cons of Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black
Pros
- Machined from high-strength 7075 aluminum for superior durability.
- Features a Type III hardcoat anodized finish for excellent corrosion resistance.
- Provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting a wide variety of optics.
- Easy to install with included wrench and clearly defined torque specifications.
- Designed with 0 MOA for optimal performance at typical lever-action ranges.
Cons
- The price is higher than some competing rails made from less durable materials.
- Only compatible with specific Henry lever action models with drilled and tapped receivers.
Who Should Buy Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black?
The Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone looking to modernize their Henry lever action with a quality optic. It’s also an excellent choice for those who demand reliability and durability in their gear.
If you’re simply looking for the cheapest possible scope mounting solution, this might not be for you. Likewise, if you own a Henry rifle that isn’t drilled and tapped for scope mounting, this rail won’t work without modification. A quality set of scope rings is a must-have accessory to properly mount your optic to the rail.
Conclusion on Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black
The Area 419 Henry LA 1913 Improved Scope Rail 7075 Alum 0MOA Type III Black is a premium upgrade that delivers on its promises. The price is justified by the exceptional build quality, durability, and performance. I wholeheartedly recommend this rail to anyone serious about mounting an optic on their Henry lever action.
Stop struggling with iron sights and experience the improved accuracy and versatility that a modern optic can provide. Upgrade your Henry with the Area 419 rail today!