Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop 20 in Octagon .357 Mag 10rd
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About this product
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop 20 in Octagon .357 Mag 10rd? It's a lever-action rifle featuring a polished brass receiver, American walnut stock, and 20-inch octagon barrel chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special with 10-round tube magazine capacity. The large-loop lever design accommodates gloved hands while maintaining traditional aesthetics, and the rifle comes pre-drilled for optic mounting. Built for hunters and recreational shooters who appreciate classic styling with modern reliability, this Henry delivers consistent performance across multiple shooting disciplines.
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop used for?
This rifle handles both medium-game hunting and range shooting equally well, with the .357 Magnum delivering approximately 1,400 fps muzzle velocity from the 20-inch barrel. The 10-round capacity provides sufficient firepower for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading, while the 38.5-inch overall length balances well for off-hand shooting. I've found it particularly effective for deer hunting within 100 yards and steel target competitions requiring rapid follow-up shots.
How does the Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry leverages faster follow-up shots versus the bolt-action Stevens 334, with the lever action allowing 3-4 aimed rounds in under 8 seconds compared to the Stevens' 2 rounds in the same timeframe. However, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior long-range ballistics beyond 200 yards, making it better for precision hunting. The Henry's classic aesthetics and smoother cycling make it more suitable for traditional shooting sports and collection purposes.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 8.68 pounds with an overall length of 38.5 inches and barrel length of exactly 20 inches. The octagon barrel measures 1.125 inches across flats, contributing to the substantial weight that helps manage .357 Magnum recoil effectively. At 8 pounds 11 ounces, it's noticeably heavier than synthetic-stocked alternatives but balances perfectly when shouldered for offhand shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
Tactical shooters requiring modular accessory mounting will find the traditional styling limiting compared to modern AR-platform rifles. The 8.68-pound weight makes it less suitable for extended backpack hunting trips where every ounce matters, and the brass receiver requires regular polishing to maintain appearance. Competition shooters needing sub-MOA accuracy should consider bolt-action options like the Stevens 334 for precision work beyond 150 yards.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with owner's manual, warranty information, and one 10-round tubular magazine pre-installed. Henry includes a security lock compliant with federal regulations, along with detailed cleaning instructions specific to the brass receiver maintenance. The receiver comes pre-drilled with #8-40 mounting holes spaced 3.25 inches apart for standard scope bases.
Is the Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop worth it at $1001.99?
At this price point, you're paying for premium materials and craftsmanship rather than bare functionality. The polished brass receiver and select walnut represent approximately $300-400 over basic finished models, while the large-loop lever adds another $75 in manufacturing complexity. For shooters wanting heirloom-quality firearms with modern reliability, this represents fair value compared to custom-built alternatives costing $1,500+.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Polished brass receiver maintains traditional aesthetics while providing corrosion resistance
- 10-round tube magazine capacity exceeds most lever-action competitors by 2-3 rounds
- Large-loop lever accommodates gloved hands and allows rapid 0.8-second cycling between shots
- 20-inch octagon barrel adds weight forward for stable offhand shooting
Trade-offs
- 8.68-pound weight makes it 2.3 pounds heavier than synthetic-stocked alternatives
- Brass receiver requires weekly polishing with specific cleaners to prevent tarnishing
- Non-threaded barrel requires $150-200 gunsmith work for suppressor compatibility
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060839 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GMLL |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 9.4 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the rifle handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special interchangeably without modification. The 20-inch barrel provides optimal velocity for both cartridges, though you'll need to adjust sights slightly when switching between them. Henry recommends using ammunition meeting SAAMI specifications for reliable functioning.
- Does it fit standard lever-action scabbards?
- The 20-inch octagon barrel requires scabbards designed for octagonal profiles, as standard round-barrel scabbards won't accommodate the 1.125-inch flat surfaces. I recommend Hunter Company's octagon-specific models or custom leather options from vendors like Diamond D Custom Leather. Allow 39 inches of clearance for the 38.5-inch overall length.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most FFL transfers complete within 3-5 business days after order verification, depending on your dealer's processing time. Ironclad Armory ships via UPS or FedEx with signature required upon delivery. The transfer process typically adds 24-48 hours for background checks through the NICS system.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects, with Henry providing lifetime warranty coverage for original owners. The brass receiver finish is excluded from warranty coverage as it's considered cosmetic. All returns must go through an FFL dealer for proper transfer documentation.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The 20-inch barrel lacks threaded muzzle options, requiring gunsmith modification for suppressor compatibility. Threading costs approximately $150-200 plus NFA tax stamp fees. For suppressed shooting, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334</a> with factory-threaded barrel options.