The SPD Predator is a new rifle from the folks at Henry USA. SPD stands for the Special Products Division at Henry, and it’s basically their own skunkworks group for projects that exude cool all over the drawing board. The SPD Predator takes the lever action rifle into the future with modern materials and designs.
I got my hands on the SPD Predator at SHOT Show’s Range Day and I was immediately impressed with how light weight it was. Even with a Harris bipod and a substantial optic, the rifle weighed under 10 pounds. Without the accessories, the SPD Predator is 6.2 pounds. Since this is designed as a precision lever gun, there are no iron sights. The user is expected to mount a suitable optic for their particular use.
The barrel is 416R stainless steel that’s been tension wrapped with carbon fiber and is threaded. Caliber is listed as .223/5.56, and the ammo we fired was 77grain Federal .223. Henry guarantees sub-MOA 3-round groups.
The receiver takes any AR pattern magazine, but the rep I was speaking with indicated that Magpul PMAGs are the preference. Since most us have dozens lying around, that works well.
The SPD Predator’s stock is a wood laminate with an adjustable cheek riser. Other features include a 14” length of pull, front and rear sling studs, and a Pic rail.
Shooting the Predator was a pleasure. The trigger broke cleanly at the 4 lbs. factory setting and cycling the action was uneventful. More importantly, I was able to keep my cheek weld with my eye behind the optic between every shot. The rifle I shot was equipped with a suppressor, and recoil was hardly noticeable.
If you’re looking for an alternative in the .223/5.56 chambering that’ll take non-proprietary magazines and you’ll be proud to own, take a look at the Henry SPD Predator.
Barrel Length:18″
Barrel Type: Free-Floated Carbon Fiber Tension-Wrapped 416R Stainless Steel
Rate of Twist:1:8
Overall Length: 38.06″
Weight: 6.21 lbs.
Receiver Finish: Hard Anodized Black
Scope Mount Type: Picatinny Rail (Preinstalled)
Stock Material: Checkered Laminate with Adjustable Cheek Rest
Stock/Grip Style: Pistol Grip
Buttplate/Pad: Solid Rubber Recoil Pad
Length of Pull: 14″
Safety: Tang Safety Switch
Best Uses: Hunting (Varmint/Predator), Target
Embellishments/Extras: Harris S-LM Bipod, Forged Carbon Fiber Picatinny Rail, Sling Sling Swivel Studs, Threaded Barrel (1/2×28), Match-Grade Adjustable Trigger,Trigger Adjustment Tool Included.
MSRP: $2,510