GForce Arms GFLVR44P Mare’s Leg .44 Magnum 12″ Walnut/Black
About this product
What is the Ironclad Armory GForce Arms GFLVR44P Mare’s Leg .44 Magnum? It is a legally classified handgun built as a compact, modern interpretation of the historic Mare’s Leg, utilizing a lever-action mechanism to cycle .44 Magnum cartridges through a 12-inch barrel. This configuration places it under federal handgun regulations, not rifle or National Firearms Act (NFA) rules, which is a critical distinction for buyers. Its hybrid design merges a classic silhouette with contemporary materials like an aluminum receiver, creating a niche firearm that appeals to specific practical and recreational uses.
What is the Ironclad Armory GFLVR44P Mare’s Leg used for?
This firearm is best suited for close-range tactical training (inside 50 yards), recreational steel target shooting, and as a compact, high-caliber tool for ranch or property defense where maneuverability in vehicles or tight spaces is paramount. The large-loop lever and 3-position hammer facilitate operation with gloved hands, common in outdoor work, and the .44 Magnum cartridge provides decisive power in a package with an overall length of only 25.5 inches. It is not a substitute for a scoped hunting rifle or a duty-grade defensive handgun, but fills a specific role where its unique ballistic profile and handling characteristics excel.
How does the GFLVR44P compare to the Henry Mare’s Leg .45 Colt?
The Henry Mare's Leg chambered in .45 Colt is a significantly heavier and more traditionally constructed firearm, making the primary difference material and weight, not caliber. The Henry model features a solid steel receiver and full American walnut stock, resulting in a mass typically over 6 pounds, compared to the GFLVR44P's 4.5-pound aluminum-alloy frame. The Henry is better for pure aesthetics and traditionalist appeal, while the GForce Arms variant is better for extended carry and handling due to its lighter weight and modern manufacturing tolerances that often yield smoother initial lever action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This Mare’s Leg weighs 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg) and measures 25.5 inches in overall length, 12 inches in barrel length, and stands approximately 8 inches tall with its iron sights. The 12-inch 4140 steel barrel provides a substantial sight radius of 10.75 inches, aiding in practical accuracy more than a standard revolver's sight picture. Its compact dimensions, specifically the 13.5-inch length from trigger to muzzle end, make it stowable in many vehicle compartments where a shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at over 46 inches overall would be impractical.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for first-time shooters unfamiliar with the unique manual of arms of a lever-action, nor for those seeking a primary home defense weapon where a pump-action shotgun or modern semi-automatic rifle offers superior capacity and reload speed. It is also not for hunters requiring ethical shots beyond 75 yards, as its iron sights and pistol-caliber ballistics are limiting. Compliance-wise, it is not for buyers in jurisdictions with blanket restrictions on threaded barrels or specific bans on .44 Magnum chambering in handguns—always verify local laws pre-purchase.
What's in the box?
The firearm ships from the distributor with one (1) GFLVR44P Mare’s Leg pistol, one (1) 1/2-28 thread protector installed on the muzzle, and the required manufacturer's documentation and lock. A hard-sided plastic case is standard for this SKU, as are the factory-installed iron sights, which are zeroed at 50 yards. The box does not include any optics mounts, sling swivels, or spare magazines (it is tube-fed), so budgeting an additional $40-$120 for a basic lever-action cartridge carrier and a quality thread-on muzzle device is prudent for functional use beyond the range.
Is the Ironclad Armory GFLVR44P worth it at $521.99?
At just over five hundred dollars, this Mare’s Leg represents strong value for a shooter specifically wanting the novelty and handling of the platform without investing in a premium-priced collector's piece. The cost is justified by the use of Turkish walnut furniture and a machined 4140 steel barrel, materials that balance aesthetics and durability, unlike the purely synthetic stocks on budget options like the Stevens 334 Rifle. For the price, you get a functional, conversation-starting firearm that performs its intended role reliably, but accept that its $521.99 MSRP does not include the cost of .44 Magnum ammunition, which averages $1.25 per round for factory loads.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Aluminum-alloy receiver keeps weight at 4.5 lbs — 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable all-steel Henry Mare's Leg.
- 12-inch barrel with 1/2-28 threads accepts suppressors or compensators for .44 Magnum without gunsmithing.
- 10.75-inch sight radius from front blade to rear notch improves practical accuracy over standard revolvers.
- Turkish walnut furniture provides classic aesthetics not found on polymer-stocked alternatives in this price range.
Trade-offs
- 5+1 round capacity is low compared to modern semi-automatic pistols or carbines in the same caliber.
- Manual safety and 3-position hammer add complexity unfamiliar to shooters used to striker-fired handguns.
- .44 Magnum ammunition costs approximately $1.25 per round for factory loads, making practice sessions expensive.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 643477867891 |
| manufacturer | GForce Arms |
| manufacturer part number | GFLVR44P |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 12" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 5.7 |
| sights | Iron Front & Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a .44 Magnum suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 threaded muzzle is compatible with many .44 caliber (.429" bullet diameter) pistol suppressors from brands like SilencerCo and Dead Air. However, you must verify the suppressor's rated pressure for .44 Magnum and ensure proper piston or fixed-mount attachment, as rifle cans are often not compatible. Always file the appropriate ATF Form 4 and comply with NFA regulations before possession.
- Can I shoulder this with a stock attachment?
- No, attaching a shoulder stock to this firearm would legally reclassify it as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under the National Firearms Act, requiring prior ATF approval via Form 1 and a $200 tax stamp. The receiver is not drilled or tapped for a stock, and modifying it to accept one without the proper paperwork is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
- What is the tube magazine capacity?
- The under-barrel tube magazine holds 5 rounds of .44 Magnum, plus 1 in the chamber for a total capacity of 6 rounds. Loading is performed through a gate on the right side of the receiver, a slower process than a detachable box magazine but traditional for the lever-action design. Complete unloading requires cycling the lever to eject each live round sequentially.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping from Ironclad Armory's warehouse typically takes 3-5 business days before the firearm is in transit. The carrier (usually FedEx or UPS) will then deliver to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder within another 2-5 business days, depending on your zone. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide your information and arrange the transfer, which normally incurs a fee of $25-$50.