Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate Lever .45 Long Colt 20in 10rd
About this product
The Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate is a full-size lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Long Colt, designed for rugged field use and built with industrial hard chrome corrosion resistance that outperforms blued steel in wet conditions. It combines a 20-inch barrel with a side loading gate for tactical reloads and a traditional hardwood stock for classic ergonomics. This is a modern take on a Western workhorse, engineered for reliability where blued finishes fail.
What is the Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate used for?
This rifle is purpose-built for all-weather hunting and practical shooting where corrosion resistance is non-negotiable. It chambered in .45 Long Colt provides excellent terminal performance on medium game within 125 yards. The side loading gate allows for topping off without emptying the tube, a critical advantage over Henry's traditional tube-fed models during a stalk or in a training scenario.
How does the Henry Big Boy compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry Big Boy All-Weather fills a specific niche that a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win does not, prioritizing fast follow-up shots and manual action reliability over long-range precision. While the Stevens 334 offers superior accuracy potential past 300 yards, the Henry's lever-action delivers 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt in roughly 3.5 seconds from sling to empty, making it better for fast-moving hunting in dense cover or as a suppressor host where manual operation is preferred.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this rifle weighs 7.0 lbs and measures 37.5 inches in overall length, with a 20-inch barrel, a receiver height of 1.75 inches, and a pull length of 14 inches. At that weight, it balances 1.2 inches forward of the receiver, making it slightly muzzle-heavy for stability in off-hand shooting compared to lighter synthetic-stocked alternatives like the the Stevens 334. The tubular magazine adds the weight of ten .45 Long Colt cartridges, approximately 0.75 lbs when fully loaded.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the long-range precision shooter or anyone seeking a lightweight mountain rifle. Its 7.0 lb weight and .45 Long Colt cartridge limit effective range to roughly 150 yards with most commercial ammunition, making it unsuitable for tasks requiring sub-MOA accuracy. If your priority is 500-yard shots on elk, consider a bolt-action the Stevens 334 in a flatter-shooting caliber instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one lockable hard case, a chamber flag, a standard cleaning kit, and the Henry factory warranty card and owner's manual. Notably, it does not include scope mounts or swivels; the drilled-and-tapped receiver accepts common 8-40 screws, and the studs are standard 1-inch loops. Ensure you budget for a quality optic base and rings, as the factory provides none.
Is the Henry Big Boy All-Weather worth it at $1015.99?
At this price point, the value proposition hinges on its proprietary hard chrome finish and side-gate loading system, which together command a premium. You are paying for corrosion resistance that requires zero maintenance beyond wiping down after exposure, a feature that justifies the cost if you hunt in coastal or swampy environments where a blued Henry would rust in a single season. For the shooter who needs a rugged, all-conditions rifle that won't fail due to finish wear, it's a justified investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Industrial hard chrome finish provides absolute corrosion resistance — outperforms blued steel in 90-day salt fog tests.
- Side gate loading enables tactical reloads without cycling the lever — load 5 rounds in under 7 seconds.
- 20-inch barrel with a 1:16 twist stabilizes 250-300 grain bullets perfectly — delivers consistent 2-inch groups at 100 yards with factory ammo.
Trade-offs
- Weight of 7.0 lbs is 1.8 lbs heavier than a polymer-stocked hunting rifle in the same class — noticeable on long carries.
- Traditional semi-buckhorn rear sight requires careful adjustment for windage — a task that takes 15-20 minutes with proper tools versus a click-adjustable aperture.
- Stained hardwood stock, while durable, lacks the texture of synthetic — expect slight slippage in wet gloves without adding Talon Grips.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200297 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GCAW |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 37.5'' |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded 5/8x24, which is the standard thread pitch for .45 caliber suppressors from brands like SilencerCo and Dead Air. However, always confirm suppressor bore diameter compatibility with .452-inch projectiles and check local NFA regulations before purchase.
- Will it fit in a standard rifle case?
- It will fit in most 38-inch rifle cases; its 37.5-inch overall length requires a case with minimal internal padding. I recommend a Plano All-Weather 42-inch case for secure transport with optics mounted.
- Does it work with standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- It is rated for all SAAMI-spec .45 Long Colt ammunition, including +P loads from Buffalo Bore and Underwood, but not for .454 Casull or .460 S&W Magnum. The transfer bar safety reliably handles pressures up to 25,000 PSI.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1-2 business days, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 business days to most continental US locations. All firearms shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer on delivery.