Henry H1 Mare’s Leg .22 WMR 12.875-inch Blued/Walnut
About this product
What is the Henry H1 Mare’s Leg? The Henry H1 Mare’s Leg is a Title I pistol, not an SBR or AOW, defined by its 12.875-inch blued steel barrel and lever-action repeater mechanism chambered in .22 WMR. It’s a specific, modern-manufacture interpretation of the “Mare’s Leg” concept popularized by mid-century Westerns, built with traditional American walnut and blued steel. However, its 24.5-inch overall length and 4.45-pound weight mean it occupies a legal and practical niche distinct from both full-length rifles and modern handguns.
What is the Henry H1 Mare’s Leg used for?
This platform is primarily a recreational range tool and collection piece, effective for reactive steel target shooting at distances under 75 yards. Its .22 WMR chambering produces about 20% less muzzle energy than a typical .22 LR rifle from an equivalent barrel, but it offers a distinctive manual-of-arms that emphasizes deliberate, slower-paced shooting. The large loop lever and 12.875-inch sight radius make it more suitable for casual plinking than for varmint control or defensive applications.
How does the Henry H1 Mare’s Leg compare to the Stevens 334 rifle chambered in .243 Win?
The Henry H1 is categorically less versatile for hunting but offers vastly lower operating cost and a unique shooting experience. A Stevens 334 in .243 Win with a 20-inch barrel is a purpose-built centerfire hunting rifle delivering over 1,900 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, capable of ethically taking deer at over 200 yards. The Henry H1, by contrast, generates roughly 280 ft-lbs, making it suitable only for small pests and paper. The Henry is the better choice for low-cost, high-volume fun; the Stevens is objectively superior for harvesting game or reaching beyond 100 yards with authority. For those interested in other rimfire plinking options, consider the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry H1 weighs 4.45 pounds, or 2,019 grams, with a compact 24.5-inch overall length. The barrel is precisely 12.875 inches long with a 1:16 twist rate, which is optimal for stabilizing the lightweight .22 WMR projectiles. At this weight and length, it’s 8.7 inches shorter in overall length but nearly 1.5 pounds heavier than a typical 9mm Glock 19.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a firearm for anyone seeking a practical defensive weapon or a high-volume training analog for a centerfire lever gun. The .22 WMR rimfire cartridge is less reliable than centerfire ammunition and generates insufficient energy for personal defense. Furthermore, the pistol’s 4.45-pound heft and specific lever mechanics don’t translate to training muscle memory for a lighter, faster-handling Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in or a modern carbine.
What’s in the box?
You receive the pistol, a basic owner's manual, and the manufacturer's warranty card. There is no case, lock, or cleaning kit included from the factory, a common omission with Henry’s base models that adds about $25-40 to your initial setup cost.
Is the Henry H1 Mare’s Leg worth it at $512.99?
At its current price, the Henry H1 demands you value its unique form and classic construction over raw utility. For approximately $100-150 more, you could purchase a far more capable rimfire rifle with a full-length stock, greater sight radius, and higher magazine capacity. The value proposition hinges entirely on your desire for the specific “Mare’s Leg” aesthetic and the tactile pleasure of its lever-action mechanism in a compact pistol platform.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.45 lbs (2,019g) — provides a stable, substantial feel for off-hand shooting.
- 12.875-inch barrel length — offers a 24.5-inch sight radius, 50% longer than a typical pistol.
- American walnut straight-grip stock — provides a classic, non-slip surface in all weather conditions.
- 3/8-inch grooved receiver — allows direct mounting of rimfire-specific optics without a base.
Trade-offs
- No factory-installed sling swivels — adding them requires drilling hardwood, risking finish damage.
- Large-loop lever is not interchangeable — cannot be swapped for a standard loop without gunsmithing.
- Only ships with an owner's manual — no case or lock included, adding $30-$50 to initial cost.
- Limited aftermarket support — far fewer dedicated holsters or accessories than for common pistols.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835011695 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H001ML-22M |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 12.875 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Black |
| length | 24.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 8-Round |
| model | H1 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 5.1 |
| sights | Blade Front/Adjustable Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Potentially, but it is not suppressor-ready from the factory. The 12.875-inch barrel has traditional iron sights and is not threaded. To mount a suppressor, you would need a qualified gunsmith to thread the barrel (typically 1/2x28 TPI for .22 cal), which costs approximately $120-$200 and requires transferring the firearm to an FFL/SOT for the work.
- Does it fit in a standard pistol case?
- No, its 24.5-inch overall length exceeds the internal dimensions of most pistol cases. You will need a compact rifle case or a rectangular hard case with an interior length of at least 28 inches, such as models from Plano or Pelican. A common Plano Protector Double Scoped Rifle Case, model 117020, provides adequate space with room for accessories.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, our standard processing time is 1-2 business days. Ground shipping via FedEx or UPS to a verified FFL dealer typically adds 3-7 business days transit time, depending on the destination. Always confirm your chosen FFL's license and acceptance policy with our customer service before ordering.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to a non-licensee once the transfer at the FFL is complete. All firearm sales are final after the ATF Form 4473 is processed and the firearm is transferred to you. We recommend researching the Henry lever-action trigger feel, which averages a 4.5-pound break weight with some take-up, before purchasing.
- Does this work with .22 LR ammunition?
- Absolutely not. Firearms chambered for .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) are designed for a longer, higher-pressure case and cannot safely chamber or fire .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Attempting to do so can cause a dangerous obstruction and catastrophic failure. You must use only .22 WMR ammunition, which is widely available from brands like CCI, Federal, and Winchester.