The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard Made a Bold First Impression
The venerable Henry 45-70 lever action rifle, a true American classic, gets a modern tactical makeover with the Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a complete transformation aimed at enhancing the rifle’s versatility and functionality. The key features that initially grabbed my attention were the full-length Picatinny rail, M-LOK compatibility, and integrated ghost ring sight system.
For years, I’ve appreciated the power and reliability of the 45-70 cartridge for hunting and bear defense in the backcountry. However, the factory setup always felt lacking in terms of mounting options for modern optics and accessories, and the traditional sights left something to be desired for fast target acquisition in dynamic scenarios. The Midwest Industries handguard promised to solve these issues.
Unboxing the Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard revealed a robust, well-machined piece of equipment. The hard coat anodized finish on the 6061 aluminum looked incredibly durable, and the weight felt substantial without being cumbersome. My initial thought was, “This thing is built like a tank!”
I considered options from other manufacturers like Ranger Point Precision, but the Midwest Industries offering stood out because of the integrated ghost ring sight and the generous amount of Picatinny rail space. I needed a solution that was rugged, reliable, and offered maximum flexibility for mounting a red dot optic and a weapon light. The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard seemed to tick all the boxes.
My first impression was definitely one of excitement. The quality of the materials and the overall design instilled confidence. I was eager to get it mounted on my Henry and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard to the Test
First Use Experience
The first real test for the Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard came during a hog hunting trip in central Texas. The terrain was thick brush and dense woods, requiring quick target acquisition and rapid follow-up shots. This was a far cry from leisurely target practice.
We encountered heavy rain and muddy conditions throughout the hunt. The handguard’s finish proved to be highly resistant to the elements, and I didn’t experience any issues with grip or functionality despite the wet conditions. Installing the handguard was straightforward. The improved grip and sighting system immediately made target acquisition easier and faster.
The biggest surprise was how much the ghost ring sight improved my ability to get on target quickly in low-light conditions. Having the full length Picatinny rail allowed a red dot optic to be mounted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after being subjected to rough handling and adverse weather conditions. Cleaning is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime.
Compared to the original factory forend, the Midwest Industries handguard is a game-changer. It offers significantly improved ergonomics, enhanced sighting capabilities, and greater versatility for mounting accessories. It has exceeded my expectations in every way.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard
Specifications
Fits Henry X .45-70 variants: This ensures compatibility with one of the most popular modern lever-action rifles. Proper fit is essential for both safety and performance.
Screw-in front sight compatible: This allows for easy adjustment and replacement of the front sight post. A screw-in design is more secure and reliable than a friction-fit system.
Heavy-duty ghost ring for fast target acquisition: The ghost ring provides a wide field of view and allows for rapid target engagement. The robust construction ensures the sight can withstand heavy recoil and harsh conditions.
Wide windage and elevation adjustment range for use with different ammunition: This allows for precise zeroing of the rifle with a variety of 45-70 loads. A wide adjustment range is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy.
Midwest Industries sight adjustment tool included: Having the proper tool makes sight adjustments much easier. No need to purchase a separate tool, Midwest Industries has included what is needed to adjust the included sights.
Steel rear aperture and front sight post: Steel construction ensures maximum durability and resistance to damage. Steel is a far superior material choice compared to polymer or aluminum for critical sighting components.
Features a forward-mounted sling swivel for the use of conventional hunting slings: The sling swivel allows for comfortable and secure carry of the rifle. Its forward mounting position is ideal for maintaining balance and accessibility.
Includes one 5-slot M-LOK rail section: The M-LOK rail section allows for the attachment of accessories such as lights, lasers, or vertical grips. M-LOK is a widely supported standard, offering a wide range of compatible accessories.
Slim and lightweight for enhanced feel: The handguard is designed to be both slim and lightweight, preserving the rifle’s balance and handling characteristics. This ensures comfortable and intuitive operation.
Ultra-rigid design that provides multiple points of contact with the firearm: The rigid design enhances accuracy and stability. Having multiple points of contact ensures that the handguard remains securely attached to the rifle, even under heavy recoil.
Constructed from Hard Coat Anodized 6061 Aluminum for a lifetime of service: The 6061 aluminum and hard coat anodized finish provide exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. This ensures the handguard can withstand years of use in harsh environments.
Features full 16 inches of top Picatinny rail for lights lasers or additional accessories: The full-length Picatinny rail offers ample space for mounting optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories. The Picatinny rail allows for a wide variety of attachments.
Handguard length: 13.625 inches: The handguard’s length provides ample gripping surface and accessory mounting space. This allows for a comfortable and ergonomic shooting experience.
Handguard width: 1.640 inches: The slim width enhances handling and maneuverability. A slim profile is essential for maintaining a comfortable grip and reducing weight.
Weight: 15.5oz: The lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle. Keeping the weight down is crucial for preserving the rifle’s balance and handling characteristics.
Patent Pending: This indicates that the design incorporates unique and innovative features. This protects the Midwest Industries design from being copied.
Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty: This ensures high quality and reliable performance. A lifetime warranty is a testament to the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard significantly enhances the rifle’s performance in several key areas. The improved ergonomics and sighting system make it faster and easier to acquire targets, especially in dynamic situations. The handguard is rugged enough to handle the recoil of a 45-70 load.
The only minor weakness I’ve found is that the M-LOK slots can be a bit tight when attaching certain accessories. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily resolved with a bit of patience. Overall, the handguard far exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The hard coat anodized aluminum feels incredibly durable and provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The handguard feels great in the hand and does not add excessive weight to the rifle.
There is virtually no learning curve. The handguard is intuitive to use and integrates seamlessly with the Henry lever action platform.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard is built to last. The aluminum and hard coat anodized finish are highly resistant to wear and corrosion. Maintenance is simple and straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The handguard comes with a 5-slot M-LOK rail section. The full-length Picatinny rail allows for a wide range of optic mounting options, and other accessories can be added to the M-LOK slots. The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard is compatible with many popular accessories from other brands, including lights, lasers, and vertical grips.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard
Pros
- Dramatically improved ergonomics: The slim, lightweight design enhances handling and maneuverability.
- Enhanced sighting system: The integrated ghost ring sight allows for fast target acquisition.
- Maximum versatility: The full-length Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots provide ample space for mounting accessories.
- Exceptional durability: The hard coat anodized aluminum construction ensures years of reliable service.
- Easy installation: The handguard can be installed quickly and easily with basic tools.
Cons
- M-LOK slots can be tight: Some accessories may require a bit of extra effort to install.
- Price: The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard is more expensive than some other options.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard?
The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard is perfect for hunters who want to modernize their lever action rifle. It is also well suited for those who use their 45-70 for bear defense in the backcountry. Anyone who wants to add versatility and functionality to their Henry 45-70 will benefit from this upgrade.
Those who are on a tight budget or prefer a more traditional aesthetic might want to skip this product. However, for those who value performance, versatility, and durability, the Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard is well worth the investment.
A must-have accessory is a quality red dot optic. A weapon light is a great addition for low light scenarios.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard
The Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard is a game-changing upgrade for the Henry 45-70 lever action rifle. It transforms a classic firearm into a modern, versatile platform. The price of $332.49 is justified by the exceptional quality, enhanced performance, and added functionality.
I would absolutely recommend the Midwest Industries Henry 45-70 Sight System Handguard to anyone looking to modernize their Henry 45-70. It is a worthwhile investment that will significantly enhance your shooting experience. Upgrade your Henry 45-70 today and experience the difference!