More History of the Henry Rifle and the Confederate "Invasion" of Vermont

The Henry rifle was such a significant step forward in innovation, one video couldn't tell the whole story. Tune in one more time for the sequel.
Volcanic Rifle and Pistol: Cashrunyan19, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Christopher Spencer: www.hackman-ada..., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Spencer full length rifle: Jadechat, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spencer Cutaway : Stones River National Battlefield Tennessee, US NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Spencer Action Open: Louis Figuier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Spencer Action Cutaway: Louis Figuier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
1st District of Columbia Cavalry Regiment: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Corn Crib: Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jennings Rifle: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Robbins and Lawerence, Windsor, Vermont: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
American Precision Museum: User: Stilfehler at wikivoyage shared, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Black and White factory equipment: Lowe, Jet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Black and White factory Equipment 2: Lowe, Jet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Robbins and Lawrence near River: Lowe, Jet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Factory Water Wheel: Osorio, German, creator, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
St Albans bank, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Dr. Todd l really hope you do more Civil War history story's like this excellent video.....Shooting is well and good but Civil War history story's is awesome.......Thank you Sir. Old F-4 Phantom pilot Shoe🇺🇸

[@MikeArnold-i5c]

There was a movie about that Confederate raid into Vermont. "The Raid"- 1954 starring Van Heflin. Pretty accurate to your presentation of it. Nice Henry.

[@frontierwesternheritage1356]

@@MikeArnold-i5c Thanks for letting me know about the movie. I'll look that up. Todd

[@SlickSixguns]

Hey Doc, it is possible to fire a Spencer from the shoulder and stay on target. It takes a little more understanding of the mechanism and practice but can be done. That being said the Henry is faster, no doubt

[@larryzink4708]

Dr. Kesner, Being a fair amount older than you , I am so impressed with your knowledge of history and the firearms that went with it. I collect some of these weapons, and it’s great to hear all the history behind them! Keep up the good work and take care.

[@davidbones8947]

Well done Dr. Thanks

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

Very interesting Historical Background. If you go to Graf and Sons you can order Black Powder from them and they will ship it to your door . They used to carry Swiss but were out of stock for a while. I haven't been to there website for a while so I don't know what they have in stock right now. I live in N.W. Arizona and have been having fits with the wind also.

[@samsmigla]

Interesting how deadly the Henry was despite the fact it was considered "underpowered" even for the time. The Henry prioritizing precise shot placement and quick follow up shots with a smaller cartridge was about 100 years ahead of its time back then. Great video.

[@millcreekrange]

Definitely enjoyed this video Sir. Well done and definitely learned some new interesting things. Especially with me being from the South in the Heart of Dixie. Looking forward to more videos. 👍

[@453421abcdefg12345]

A very concise and interesting history of the early attempts at a multi shot rifle system. Although it was in essence only a parlour rifle the rocket ball system went on the become the 1886 Winchester 50/110, which although not a very powerful lever action rifle, it was at least practical. The common assumption that todays system of CNC is a world beating manufacturing method, and that nothing from the past is equal is a very often quoted "fact", in truth there are a lot of objects from the past that just cannot be made by the CNC system, 7 groove rifling being one common one, although , by design adaption things can be made repeatedly accurately, the artistic qualities are however somewhat lacking. Many thanks for this excellent video, I hope you can soon get out to the range and make smoke! Chris B.

[@dougdukes1039]

Wow, been looking for a rocketball round for my collection. Nice find.

[@45-70Guy]

Those old buildings that still stand today In New England are a great step back into history. I’m not sure if I missed it but did you make a trip to Windsor Vermont Tood?

[@charlescomly1]

Thanks for the history lesson I never heard of this event neer the border.

[@DennisQuist-pk3jv]

Hello Dr. Kesner, I am interested in the wooden cleaning rods that were made for these rifles. Any information as to the availability of finding reproduction ones out there. Thanks for your information on the Henry rifles... Regards...Dennis Quist........

[@gotsloco1810]

I glanced at a No. 2 Volcanic Carbine at the Antique Arms Show a couple of weeks ago. It was at the Lock Stock and Barrel display and will be part of their 1 March 2025 Auction. Page 113 of the Auction Catalog Lot 297. Not any great images of the breach.

[@daleweller5193]

I have a bicentennial henery for the UPRR made by Navy Arms. Mine is #73 of 100 .