Uberti Henry Model 1860 .44-40 Win Lever-Action Rifle Front-Loading, 1989
SOLD FOR: $1075
LSB#: 220205PH005
Make: Henry, made by Uberti
Model: 1860
Serial Number: 03651
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (AU date code)
Gauge: .44 – 40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Front-Loading Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “HENRY’S PATENT. OCT. 16, 1860 / MANUFACT’D BY A. UBERTI GARDONE V.T. ITALY” and “03651”. The right side of the barrel is marked with two Italian proof marks, the date code “AU” in a square, and “ CAL. 44-40”. The bottom tang is marked “CAT. 1559, a cartouche, “A. Uberti & Co. Italy”, two Italian proof marks, and “03651”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade inserted in a slotted base fixed to the top of the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a V-notch flip-up ladder sight dovetailed into the top rear of the barrel. The ladder sight is marked from “2 to 8” and has a U-notch rear when the ladder is in the down position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece wood featuring a straight wrist, straight comb and brass crescent buttplate. The buttplate has a hinged trap for storing a cleaning rod (not included). There are a few minor scuffs, nicks, scratches and compressions along the stock but there are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate which only shows some minor wear. The stock is in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some persistent fouling. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some light scratches and surface oxidation on the receiver. There is also some thinning on the barrel, primarily on some of the edges. The screw heads show some light tooling marks but remain well defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition and would be “Fine-plus” except for a mechanical issue. Please see “Mechanics”.
Mechanics: Most of the action functions correctly except for one issue. When the lever is cocked and then closed sharply, the hammer falls to the SAFETY POSITION. Though not as hazardous, this is still a safety issue and we recommend having a qualified gunsmith address the issue upon receiving the rifle. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: As paraphrased from the Uberti website: “Tyler Henry of New Haven Arms Company designed the Model 1860 just in time for the Civil War. Only 1,700 of these repeating rifles were issued to Union troops, but the rifle’s reputation quickly grew. Southerners dubbed it “that tarnation Yankee rifle that they load on Sunday and shoot all week”. The Henry was also used in the fight at Little BigHorn. Unfortunately for Custer, all the Henry’s used were by Indians.” With its 24” barrel, this rifle holds 13 cartridges in the magazine, and is great for those Cowboy Action team events where you have to split a log or knock down 50 targets. The .44-40 cartridge is great for blackpowder shooters since the bottleneck cartridge does a better job of sealing the chamber than straight wall cases like the .45LC. All this rifle needs is some maintenance work and it’ll be ready for action. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!