First Impressions of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader immediately caught my eye as a potential upgrade for my new Henry Homesteader. As a long-time fan of lever-action rifles and carbines, the promise of modernizing this traditionally-styled firearm was intriguing, and I was particularly interested in improving its ergonomics and adaptability for different sighting systems. My initial impression was a mix of excitement and skepticism, wondering if this aftermarket stock could truly enhance the Homesteader without compromising its classic appeal.
I was looking for a solution to improve the Homesteader’s cheek weld when using optics. The factory stock felt too low for comfortable and consistent use with red dots or magnified scopes.
Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader exuded quality. The aluminum construction felt robust and well-finished, and the polymer cheek piece provided a tactile sense of adjustability. Compared to the factory wood stock, this felt like a significant step up in terms of durability and modern design.
I considered other aftermarket stocks, but the Midwest Industries offering stood out due to its adjustable cheek piece and M-LOK compatibility. It seemed to offer the best balance of classic aesthetics and modern functionality compared to more radical designs.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see how this stock would transform the handling and versatility of my Henry Homesteader.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader primarily at my local shooting range. I wanted to assess its impact on accuracy and overall handling, especially with a red dot sight mounted.
The stock performed admirably in dry conditions. The adjustable cheek piece allowed me to achieve a perfect cheek weld for comfortable and consistent aiming.
The installation process was straightforward and required minimal tools. The improvement in ergonomics was immediately noticeable, providing a more stable and comfortable shooting platform. There were no immediate issues during the first range session, and the stock felt secure and well-integrated with the rifle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no signs of wear and tear on the aluminum stock body.
The hardcoat anodized finish has held up well against scratches and abrasions. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth. Compared to the original wood stock, this is far easier to maintain.
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader has exceeded my expectations. Its improved ergonomics and modularity have significantly enhanced my shooting experience with the Henry Homesteader.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader
Specifications
- The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader is specifically designed for Henry Homesteader rifles. This ensures a perfect fit and seamless integration.
- It features a black hardcoat anodized finish. This finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
- The stock is constructed from aluminum and polymer, offering a balance of strength and weight savings. It weighs in at 1.5 lbs.
- It retains the factory length of pull (13.5 inches). This makes it comfortable for a wide range of shooters.
- The stock boasts an adjustable cheek piece. This allows for optimal eye alignment with various optics.
- The ambidextrous design caters to both left- and right-handed shooters.
- It is made in the USA by Midwest Industries.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s handling, adaptability, and long-term durability. The adjustable cheek piece, in particular, addresses a key shortcoming of the factory stock by enabling comfortable use with various optics.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader performs exceptionally well. It enhances accuracy and overall handling by providing a more stable and ergonomic shooting platform.
Its strengths lie in its adjustability, durability, and ease of installation. A minor weakness could be the lack of included spacers to increase the length of pull for larger shooters, although these are available as an add-on. It meets and exceeds expectations by transforming the Henry Homesteader into a more versatile and user-friendly firearm.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The aluminum and polymer construction feels robust and well-finished, while the weight is balanced and comfortable.
The stock is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. The adjustable cheek piece is intuitive to use, and the M-LOK slots offer ample opportunities for customization.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader is built to last. The hardcoat anodized finish and durable materials ensure long-term reliability, even under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. The stock is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, facilitating thorough cleaning and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader features M-LOK compatible slots. These slots allow for the attachment of various accessories, such as shell holders and sling mounts.
Midwest Industries offers optional spacer plates to increase the length of pull. The stock is also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket sling mounts and other M-LOK accessories from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader
Pros
- Adjustable cheek piece allows for optimal eye alignment with various optics.
- Durable aluminum and polymer construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Ambidextrous design caters to both left- and right-handed shooters.
- M-LOK compatible for accessory customization.
Cons
- Length of pull might be too short for some shooters without purchasing additional spacers.
- Relatively expensive compared to other stock options.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader?
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader is perfect for Henry Homesteader owners seeking to improve ergonomics and adaptability, especially when using optics. It is well-suited for recreational shooters, hunters, and those who appreciate modernizing classic firearms.
This product may not be ideal for purists who prefer the traditional wood stock aesthetic. Also, those on a very tight budget might find the price prohibitive.
A must-have accessory is the Midwest Industries spacer plate kit if a longer length of pull is desired. A quality sling is also a worthwhile addition to take advantage of the multiple sling mounting points.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader is a worthwhile upgrade for the Henry Homesteader rifle. It significantly improves ergonomics, enhances adaptability, and adds a touch of modern functionality to a classic platform.
The price is justified by the quality of construction, thoughtful design, and tangible improvement in the shooting experience. I would personally recommend it to any Henry Homesteader owner looking to modernize their rifle.
If you are looking to improve the ergonomics and versatility of your Henry Homesteader, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Henry Homesteader is an excellent choice. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference!