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In another thread there was mention made of a .44 Henry Centerfire. Interesting study, I've read in Frank Barnes' work Cartridges of The World where he mentions such a round. I have seen specimens so identified, but they lacked a headstamp or box label. In each case I believe they were .44 S&W American rounds, except one was the 10.8mm German.
It is known that a few Henry and Winchester Model 1866 rifles were made in .44 caliber centerfire. I have in my collection a .44 Henry Flat rimfire, and a round noted as the .44 Colt and Henry, both of these rimfire. All the rounds called .44 Henry C.F. have the conical, or rather pointed round nosed bullet. This makes me wonder if the .44 Henry R.F. was flat nosed for the tubular magazine, why would a C.F. version have a pointed bullet? Especially a C.F. round where the flat would be preferred.
When Smith & Wesson submitted their first top-break for Army approval, it was a .44 rimfire. According to Roy Jinks, S&W historian, the Army returned the revolver with the instructions to submit a revolver "of central fire." S&W simply changed the firing pin to centerfire configuration, without changing chamber dimensions. Hence the .44 Henry C.F. and the .44 S&W American had the same nominal case dimensions.
Until I find a cartridge so headstamped, or a surviving box, I will contend there was no .44 Henry C.F.
Any thoughts or additional data?
Bob Wright
It is known that a few Henry and Winchester Model 1866 rifles were made in .44 caliber centerfire. I have in my collection a .44 Henry Flat rimfire, and a round noted as the .44 Colt and Henry, both of these rimfire. All the rounds called .44 Henry C.F. have the conical, or rather pointed round nosed bullet. This makes me wonder if the .44 Henry R.F. was flat nosed for the tubular magazine, why would a C.F. version have a pointed bullet? Especially a C.F. round where the flat would be preferred.
When Smith & Wesson submitted their first top-break for Army approval, it was a .44 rimfire. According to Roy Jinks, S&W historian, the Army returned the revolver with the instructions to submit a revolver "of central fire." S&W simply changed the firing pin to centerfire configuration, without changing chamber dimensions. Hence the .44 Henry C.F. and the .44 S&W American had the same nominal case dimensions.
Until I find a cartridge so headstamped, or a surviving box, I will contend there was no .44 Henry C.F.
Any thoughts or additional data?
Bob Wright
