Video Review
Head-to-Head Specs
Features: The basic build of both guns is surprisingly similar. Both are side-ejecting, slide-action rimfires. While the Henry wears American walnut stocks, Rossi’s offers a less costly German beechwood. Both are topped with a polymer butt plate. Rossi includes sling studs, while Henry does not.
The receiver finish on both guns is a fairly simple black. Where the Henry utilizes a metallic lever for releasing the action, Rossi uses a polymer piece at the front of the trigger guard. Those seeking a magnum chambering must buy a Henry, while buyers wanting a semi-tactical, blacked-out pump rimfire must choose the Rossi.
Chamberings: Henry is a clear winner here for several reasons. First, they produce two base chamberings: the standard and the magnum (.22 WMR). Further, the standard rifle is clearly marked for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle and cycles all with ease. The Rossi Gallery, however, is now marked only for .22 LR.
Markings: It seems an odd fact to notice, but sitting side-by-side, the difference between the markings becomes clear. Whereas Henry shows classic engraving on the barrel, which is also gold-filled for a classy appeal, Rossi uses more of a digitized dot-style engraving. Also of note, our test Rossi Gallery is boldly serialized at both the receiver bottom and along the barrel. Though perhaps practical, it is a tad intrusive.
Sights: Both rifles wear a grooved receiver for easy optics mounting, but each also come with shootable iron sights. Henry’s sights are reminiscent of what’s found on many of its other rifles, with a brass-bead front sight and fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear with the white diamond insert. The Rossi wood variant wears more of a full-buckhorn rear against a brass front, while the black synthetic version makes use of contrasting red and green fiber optics.
RELATED: Rossi Pump Rimfire Review
Capacity: Both rifles feed from the standard tubular magazine. The Rossi lists capacity solely as 15 rounds of .22 LR. Henry’s capacity varies by chambering, with the standard version holding 15 rounds of Long Rifle against 21 Shorts. The .22 Magnum, meanwhile, has a capacity of 12 rounds.
Metrics: Henry gets the nod here in terms of barrel style and length, with a 20-inch heavier octagonal steel barrel. The Rossi, meanwhile, opts for an 18-inch round barrel with more of a taper. In terms of scale numbers, the beechwood Rossi weighs in at 5.25 pounds while the black synthetic is a few ounces less. The Henry weighs in slightly heavier than both and comes in at 6 pounds even.
Shooting Comparisons
Function: We ran a mix of ammunition brands, weights, and bullet types through both rifles. Without doing bench work – bench-rest accuracy isn’t really the forte of pump actions anyway – both easily shot minute-of-squirrel groups offhand or from a field rest. The Henry was stiff for the first 200 or so rounds but loosened up pretty well. We found both guns to run with 100-percent reliability through multiple ammunition brands and bullet types.
Trigger Pull: One area of noticeable difference rests with the trigger pull. While both guns proved themselves accurate enough, the Henry measured at 3.5 pounds of pull against Rossi’s nearly 8 pounds. Not many folks shoot bullseye with a slide action, but there’s no doubt that better triggers aid in greater accuracy potential.
Safety: This is one of the most notable areas of difference in the designs. While it may seem minor, it can be a major factor in some buyers’ decisions. Rossi Gallerys come with a manual push-button crossbolt safety. Henry continues to forgo manual safeties, preferring to maintain the look of the original guns.
Instead, Henry uses a traditional quarter-cock hammer safety. This comes down to a matter of personal preference. Many shooters prefer to have the manual safety option, while other purists prefer to omit the added security measure in exchange for maintaining clean lines on an Old West-style rifle.
RELATED: Henry Rimfire Pump Action Octagon .22 Review
Bonuses & Extras
Build Location: Henry, as always, is made in America or not made at all. There’s no doubt what buyers get with each purchase. Rossi’s are marked as being built in Brazil, which is reflected in the markings on these pump actions. While there’s nothing wrong with the Rossi’s build, Henry is the clear choice for those seeking American-made hardware.
Cost: This is one area where Rossi has the clear edge on up-front cost. The new Rossi retails for $345 in black polymer and $395 with wood. The Henry Pump Action Octagon in .22 S, L, LR retails for $636.00 and $680.00 in the .22 Magnum.
Warranty: While it’s not a knock on Rossi, there’s really no competing with the level of customer service at Henry. We’ve yet to hear of a gun they haven’t stood fully behind should it require service. Rossi, meanwhile, offers only a one-year long-gun repair policy. After that time, customers would be fully responsible for any repair or replacement. Per Rossi’s website, “This warranty does not cover grips, sights, accessories, or cosmetic defects after one year, or damage caused by customer abuse at any time.”
Fit, Finish, and Feel: There’s no denying the Henry is stiffer – at least at first – and shows tighter tolerances right out of the box. But running rounds though it and playing on the range gets it loosened up fine. The new Rossi comes out fairly loose already, if not a tad rattly, but most pump actions are that way by their nature. Henry’s wood-to-metal fit is superior to the Rossi, but certainly not comparable to Henry's higher-end rifles. Although Rossi’s Beechwood stocks look a bit cheaper, we’re glad to see a wood-furniture option on a budget gun. Besides, both guns functioned exactly as they should.
Conclusion: Any Clear Winner?
