Henry Big Boy Deadeye H17 Revolver .357/.38 4″ 6rd Blued
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About this product
What is the Henry Big Boy Deadeye H17 Revolver? It's a double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, a six-shot wheelgun built with classic styling, modern manufacturing tolerances, and a 4-inch blued steel barrel, designed as a compact general-purpose firearm for both recreational shooting and personal carry.
What is the Henry Big Boy Deadeye H17 Revolver used for?
This revolver is best used as a general-purpose, compact-carry handgun for recreational target practice and home defense. The .357 Magnum chambering gives it significant stopping power for defensive use, while the .38 Special compatibility makes it economical for extended range sessions. Its 4-inch barrel provides a practical balance between sight radius and concealability, and the 34-ounce weight helps mitigate the stout recoil of full-power magnum loads.
How does the Henry Big Boy Deadeye H17 Revolver compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry H17 is categorically superior for personal carry and close-quarters defensive use, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is better suited for hunting and long-range precision. The revolver's 4-inch barrel and 34-ounce weight make it a viable sidearm, whereas the Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel and 7.1-pound platform is designed for deliberate, accurate fire at distances beyond 100 yards. The Henry's six-round cylinder capacity is standard for its class but pales next to a bolt-action magazine.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Its total unloaded weight is 34 ounces, or 2.12 pounds. The barrel length is precisely 4 inches, with a 1:16 twist rate. The cylinder holds six rounds and measures approximately 1.6 inches in diameter. For comparison, the overall length with the birdshead grip is roughly 8.5 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for competitive shooters who require high-capacity, fast-reload platforms like those used in USPSA. Nor is it ideal for a new shooter's first handgun, as the birdshead grip can be punishing with full-power .357 loads. Finally, it's a poor choice for someone seeking a dedicated suppressor host, as the barrel isn't threaded.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, a single key-lockable hard case for storage or transport, and the manufacturer's manual with warranty information.
Is the Henry Big Boy Deadeye H17 Revolver worth it at $795.99?
At $795.99, it's a fair offering if you value Henry's build quality and traditional aesthetics over absolute modern utility. You're paying approximately $200 more than a comparable Taurus Model 66 for the Henry name and the premium walnut grip. For a shooter who wants a reliable, handsome six-shooter for the range or woods carry, it justifies its price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Uses both .357 Magnum and .38 Special — dual-caliber versatility for training and defense.
- Weighs 34 ounces — heavy enough to tame .357 recoil without being unwieldy.
- Transfer bar safety mechanism — a modern drop-safe design in a classic package.
- Fully adjustable rear sight — enables precise zeroing for your preferred load.
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel — cannot accept a suppressor or compensator without aftermarket gunsmithing.
- Birdshead grip profile — offers poor purchase for follow-up shots with stout .357 Magnum loads.
- 34-ounce unloaded weight — on the heavy side for all-day concealed carry compared to polymer alternatives.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835400765 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H017BDMA |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4'' |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 9'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Golden Boy |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| sights | Adjustable Rear Sight & Ramp Front Sight |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .357 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, it's compatible with all standard .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition from any major vendor like Federal, Winchester, or Hornady. The 1:16 barrel twist rate is optimized for 125 to 158-grain projectiles.
- Does it fit in standard K-frame revolver holsters?
- Standard small-frame duty holsters for K-frame revolvers from makers like DeSantis or Safariland may fit, but due to its specific birdshead grip profile, we recommend ordering a dedicated holster. Holster fit can vary by 10-15%.
- How long does shipping take?
- We process orders within 1-2 business days, and shipping via our standard carrier typically takes 3-7 business days to arrive at your selected FFL dealer. The entire transfer process, once your FFL receives it, usually adds another 15-30 minutes of paperwork.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Direct firearm returns to Ironclad Armory are not permitted for safety and regulatory reasons. All functional issues must be handled directly through Henry Repeating Arms' manufacturer warranty service.