Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ 10rd

About this product

The Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ 10rd is a modern iteration of the classic lever-action rifle that pairs the nostalgic handling of the Old West with contemporary safety features and a side-loading gate. Chambered for the iconic .45 Long Colt cartridge, this firearm bridges the gap between historical homage and practical utility for modern hunters and sport shooters. Unlike many budget-friendly lever guns that rely on cost-cutting measures, the Big Boy Steel’s construction prioritizes a solid, reliable shooting platform, reflected in its blued steel barrel and receiver combined with genuine American walnut furniture.

What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ 10rd used for?

This rifle is primarily built for medium-game hunting and recreational target shooting where its 20-inch barrel and .45 Long Colt chambering offer effective ballistics out to approximately 100 yards. The cartridge generates manageable recoil compared to modern bottlenecked rounds, making it suitable for extended range sessions, while its substantial 7-lb weight helps absorb energy during follow-up shots. The transfer bar safety system and drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics make it adaptable for hunters wanting a traditional platform with modern accessory compatibility.

How does the Henry Big Boy Steel compare to a named alternative like the Stevens 334?

The Henry Big Boy Steel offers a fundamentally different operating principle and user experience than a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334. The Henry's lever-action cycling is faster for follow-up shots from a standing position, a distinct advantage in brush hunting, but the Stevens 334's .308 Win chambering delivers superior long-range energy and flatter trajectory for precision work. Deciding between them comes down to intended use: the Henry for nostalgic, rapid-handling scenarios under 125 yards, and the Stevens for reaching out beyond 300 yards with modern high-velocity ammunition.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7 pounds (112 ounces) unloaded and features an overall length of 37.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. Its 20-inch round barrel contributes to this length, providing a sight radius of approximately 19.5 inches from the brass bead front sight to the adjustable semi-buckhorn rear, which aids in accurate shot placement. This weight and length distribution creates a point of balance roughly 8 inches forward of the receiver, giving it a slightly muzzle-heavy feel that many shooters prefer for steady offhand aiming.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for shooters prioritizing long-range precision, extreme modularity, or cartridge versatility. The .45 Long Colt, while effective, has a pronounced ballistic arc and limited factory-loaded performance compared to modern cartridges like .30-30 Win or .450 Bushmaster. Furthermore, the tubular magazine design precludes quick unloading without cycling all 10 rounds through the action one at a time, a consideration for range safety protocols where a detachable box magazine is preferred. It's also a poor choice for tactical carbine training, as the action style and sight system are ill-suited for rapid magazine changes and optic-heavy setups.

What's in the box?

Inside the box, you'll find the rifle, one Henry-branded locking security cable, and a product manual that includes warranty information. Notably, the package does not include the proprietary BB-RSM scope base needed for optics mounting, which is a separate purchase, nor does it include swivel stud hardware for a sling, despite having pre-drilled holes in the stock. This is standard for most factory rifles but contrasts with some packages, like those for the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, which often include basic chokes and cleaning tools.

Is the Henry Big Boy Steel worth it at $933.99?

At just under $934, the Big Boy Steel delivers fair value for a shooter wanting a classic-feeling but reliable lever-action in a proven caliber. Its key justification is the robust all-steel construction and the modern side-loading gate, a feature historically absent from many Henry models, which prevents needing to unload the entire tube to add a round. While you could find budget lever guns for $100-200 less, they often use more aluminum and inferior wood in the furniture. The price reflects the cost of genuine materials and the transfer bar safety engineering, making it a buy for those valuing durability and traditional aesthetics over absolute budget pricing.