RDS On A Lever Gun

General Firearms General Bolt & Lever Action Rifle
1

I’ve always wanted a 357 lever gun… Specifically a Henry Steel Boy with round carbine barrel and a side gate. They finally make them and I have one on the way.

I’m probably going with a RDS, but am considering a low power scope. Anyone have suggestions for one over the other, and how to mount it as low as possible? I’m looking at the EGW & Phoenix Weaponry RMR style mounts for a SRO.

It’s main use is plinking and teaching others rifle shooting (I already use a Henry 22lr for the same purpose). It will also be a truck gun when camping.

Thanks

2

It would depend on intended use of lever gun.
Chambered in .357 I’d figure I’m limited to 150 yds best case. A RD makes perfect sense to me; no eye relief to mess with, light/precise and fast on target- just like the rifle.
I’d experiment with some 180 gr WFN Cast Gas Check bullets and H110/296.
Rainbow trajectory, but those hit hard and been accurate out of my revolvers.

3

Personally, I prefer a Micro over an SRO (or other open emitter).

4

RDS for me. No eye relief issues, very usable from 0-150 yards. Mine is set up on a Rossi R92 .44mag.

5

I have a 509t mounted in place if the rear sight on my BHA 89. Works very well for me, just like a RDS on a AR15. I’ve used scopes on Guide Guns in the past but didn’t care for the extra weight and lack of a good cheek weld. I’m trying with the idea of buying another 89 with their rail and mounting a Scout or other EER scope to revisit the idea. My first thought would be to look to Talley or Leupold for ultra-low rings.

6

I like the looks of the LPVO, but its hard to argue how useful a LPVO vs RDS would fair in 357.

Caporider, I like that leather cheek weld, cool looking extra. I have been tempted to put a dot on one of my tactical shotguns that I never shoot, LOL.

PB

7

I bought a Henry in the spring after wanting one for a long time! Because I’m old and blind and “cheap” I mounted an existing scope I already had. I think it looks cool and a little out of place, but it works great and she prints decent groups from the bench @ 100yrds. I have a couple of different older RDS that could work ok also & maybe over the winter months I’ll play around with that but for now, I like my little 1x8 power scope! Couple targets @ 50 yards,the 140XTP bullets shoot pretty decent @ 50. That’s a sharp-looking Rossi for sure. Where did you get the cartridge carrier?

8


I put a Swamp Fox on my Henry .22. It is a very fun gun to shoot and fast on target!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

9

That side-loading Henry looks aces, and shoots!

Cartridge cuff is from Mason Leather: https://www.masonleather.com/store/c7/cartridge-cuffs#/

10

Thanks everyone. After suggestions here and elsewhere I’m researching closed emitters… Steiner MPS, Acro, Kraken, 509T…
Anyone have hands on experience with them?

11

I have a 509 on a pistol and love it if that helps. I’m sure with the right mount and correct height it would be awesome on the rifle.

12

If you were leaning towards a scope, I would suggest a Leupold compact 2.5x over a LPVO for cost and weight savings with minimal loss of utility.

I am no help at all on the MRDS front.

Andy

13

RMR type red dot on a very low profile mount on my Henry steel Big Boy carbine in 41 mag.

Love it, I did not want the weight and size of a scope screwing with the balance of my carbine.

14

Older Big Boy Steel .357 before the side load gate. EGW mount and a Venom. It is a lot of fun.

15

Thanks. What dot and mount? I don’t see any pics if you added them.

16

You have a full cheek weld with the EGW? Who made your ammo cuff?

17

More upper jaw than cheek, but my head is more upright behind the dot and don’t fee like I’m compromising.

The cuff was from a guy I found on Etsy with good reviews. CG Haynes out of Tuscaloosa.

18

I have a Big Boy X in 45Colt. Tried and LPVO at first and did not like the balance and plus the fact that this carbine is for close in deer. Put a Sig Romeo on it and love the set up.

19

EGW Sight Mount For Burris Fastfire, Vortex Venom & Viper for Ruger PC Carbine(also specified for the Henry big boy, also sold under Henry label)

Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight (3moa variant)

Mountsplus.com had a special where you got the mount for free if you bought the Red Dot.

I’m quite pleased with the vortex venom, though I know there are a bunch of people who will tell you the 507 or similar is better. But for the special I decided to give it a try

It’s a very effective combination on a carbine and adds almost no weight or bulk.

20

Ya got me thinking, LOL. I have a Sig Romeo on an AR upper that I have not shot in ages so it’s just sitting there, I also have a Holosun kicking around. I love the 1x8 scope but when you and others talk about weight/balance I think I would be better off with the RDS for sure. I don’t hunt with this rig so just range and goof around stuff. I’ll keep ya posted when I do the switch!:wink: