The Henry rifle company celebrates its 20th anniversary by auctioning off 20 hand-engraved rifles, the first of which went for more than $25,000.
Henry Repeating Arms celebrated its 20th year in business by donating 20 hand-engraved Big Boy .44 Magnum lever-action rifles for various auctions that support hunting and shooting sports. The first Henry rifle sold at auction brought in an impressive $25,225.
Gunbroker.com sold that rifle (serial number 20HENRY01), with the proceeds going to Hunting Heritage Trust, a charitable organization created in 2002.
Hunting Heritage Trust mission is to focus on programs that "enhance appreciation of our hunting heritage and increase public understanding and participation in recreational shooting sports."
"I am beyond pleased that serial number 1 was able to raise over $25,000 at auction," said Henry Repeating Arms President Anthony Imperato. "There was a bit of a bidding war at the end, and we'd like to congratulate and thank the winner for choosing to own such a special rifle. I think it surpassed everyone's expectations, and it's a good sign for what's to come with the other 19 rifles in the series."
A few other organizations that benefited from the Henry donations include the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (rifle serial number 20HENRY02, whcih sold for $5,025), Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (rifle serial number 20HENRY03, which sold for $4,500) and the Boone & Crockett Club (rifle serial number 20HENRY04, which sold for $3,625).
Other organizations receiving Henry's rifle donations include the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Dallas Safari Club, Ducks Unlimited, Kids & Clays, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The Mule Deer Foundation also received one of the special rifles (serial number 20HENRY12).
"We greatly appreciate this generous donation in support of MDF and our mission and thank Henry Repeating Rifles, and its president and owner Anthony Imperato, for all they do for the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry," commented Brian Fienhold, the Foundation's Chief Operating Officer. "Henry has been producing fine quality firearms here in the United States for 20 years and this unique rifle is no different. It's number 12 out of only 20 being produced and will be a valuable collector's item for the discerning gun buyer."
The Big Boy rifles display exceptional hand engraving, presentation-grade AAA American walnut stocks, and come with beautiful walnut display cases. The company's motto, "Made in America or Not Made at All," is prominently engraved on the right side of each receiver.
The Gunbroker auctions for the Henry rifles are scheduled to continue through Feb. 18. The winning bids total is estimated to exceed $100,000.
"Over the past two decades, I've come to realize that it's our customers that make Henry the brand it is today," Imperato said. "Henry is a brand that represents many different things for customers from all walks of life. It's their stories, their passion for Henry and shooting sports that continue to push us to be the best possible firearms manufacturer we can be."
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