Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate .44 Mag 20″ 10rd

About this product

What is the Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate .44 Mag 20″ 10rd? It's a lever-action rifle specifically designed for shooters who require corrosion resistance and the ability to quickly top off ammunition from the side in harsh climates, delivering traditional lever-action ergonomics with enhanced durability. For anyone operating in the wet, dusty, or salt-air conditions common to maritime and mountain terrains, this rifle's industrial hard chrome plating directly addresses the environmental degradation that destroys standard blued steel in less than a season. This model updates the classic tubular magazine lever gun by integrating a loading gate—a feature notably absent on earlier Henry Big Boy models—allowing you to maintain the magazine's ten-round capacity without the tedious process of fully unloading through the muzzle.

What is the Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate .44 Mag used for?

This rifle is primarily for hunting medium game and as a primary defensive firearm in remote or brush-heavy terrain where caliber power and quick follow-up shots are critical. Its .44 Magnum chambering is ballistically effective for deer, hog, and black bear within 100 yards, and the 20-inch barrel provides an optimal balance between sight radius for iron sights and the maneuverability needed in dense cover. The side loading gate transforms the rifle's utility, letting you maintain a loaded chamber and a topped-off magazine tube during a hunt without breaking your sight picture, a significant operational advantage over traditional tube-loaded-only lever actions.

How does the Henry Big Boy All-Weather compare to a lever-action like the Stevens 334?

The Henry Big Boy is better for rapid follow-up shots and harsh environmental use, while the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle is superior for precision shooting at longer distances. While my Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior long-range accuracy and a detachable box magazine, it cannot match the sustained rate of fire or corrosion resistance of the Henry's hard chrome plated action. For driving brush or engaging multiple threats under 150 yards, the Henry's lever action and 10-round capacity are definitive advantages; however, for any shot requiring sub-MOA precision beyond 200 yards, the bolt-action Stevens is the mechanically superior choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This Henry Big Boy weighs 7 pounds unloaded and measures 37.5 inches in overall length. The 20-inch round barrel has a 1:38-inch twist rate, which is standard for stabilizing .44 Magnum projectiles up to 240 grains, and the rifle's receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount (specifically, a Henry BB-RSM type). With a sling and a full tube loaded with ten 240-grain rounds, expect the operational weight to increase to approximately 8.1 pounds—manageable for all-day carry, but notably heavier than synthetic-stocked bolt actions like the Stevens 334, which can weigh about 6.5 pounds.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the long-range precision shooter or the budget-conscious buyer seeking a lightweight carbine. If your primary requirement is engaging targets beyond 200 yards with tight groups, a bolt-action platform like the Stevens 334 chambered in .243 Winchester or .308 Winchester offers a fundamentally more stable and accurate locking system. Furthermore, at $1,038.99, this Henry represents a significant investment over more basic blued-steel lever guns, so it's an expense justified only by a genuine need for its specific all-weather hardening and side gate functionality. For casual plinking with .44 Specials, a less expensive, standard-finish model is more cost-effective. For guidance on selecting a firearm based on intended range, see resources on our firearm selection blog.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, no optic or mount, and Henry's standard owner's manual and lock. The specific manual includes ATF-approved regulatory guidance on interstate transportation, which is a necessary document to retain for legal compliance. The rifle ships from the factory with a clean bore but requires standard break-in and lubrication per the manual, a process I recommend involves firing 20 rounds to seat the action, followed by a complete takedown for inspection and application of a quality grease like Slip 2000 Extreme on the lever pivot points.

Is the Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate worth it at $1,038.99?

Yes, if you operate in environments where corrosion is a constant threat and require the tactical flexibility of a side-loading gate. The industrial hard chrome plating is not a cosmetic finish; it's a functional barrier that prevents rust in high-humidity coastal or rainforest conditions where a standard blued finish would begin to pit within months. The price premium of roughly $250 over a standard blued Big Boy is directly attributable to this plating process and the machining for the loading gate, which are manufacturing steps that add tangible, field-proven durability for serious users who can't afford a firearm failure due to environmental exposure.