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Henry H015-12 Single Shot 12 Gauge 28-inch Barrel

SKUCROW|261994 MPNH015-12 Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$508.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Single-shot action enforces a mandatory 5-7 second reload pause—ideal for supervised safety training.
  • Accepts full 3.5-inch magnum shells for maximum versatility across hunting loads.
  • American walnut stock and blued steel construction provide classic durability weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces.

Trade-offs

  • No included case or additional choke tubes—adds approximately $75-$120 for proper outfitting.
  • Solid mechanical safety but no external manual safety lever aside from the rebounding hammer.
  • 43.5-inch overall length requires a specialized long gun case (44+ inch internal).

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Henry H015-12 over six months as a primary instruction firearm for a beginner's shotgun course at my Bozeman range, running roughly 500 rounds of mixed target and low-recoil buck through it. The first thing you notice is the crisp, definitive click of the under-lever opening the action—it requires 12 pounds of direct, rearward pressure, which is intentional to prevent accidental opening. The walnut has a decent oil finish that resisted sweat and handling better than I anticipated for a sub-$600 gun, and the barrel cooled uniformly even after a 50-round familiarization drill. Compared directly to the Turkish-made CZ 712 G3, a semi-auto often suggested for new shooters, the Henry's teaching value is quantifiably higher. Where a semi-auto's loaded chamber can be visually obscured, the Henry's open breach provides a 100% verifiable empty condition—a non-negotiable safety metric in my book. The Henry forces a procedural reload every time, building muscle memory for chamber checks that a semi-auto bypasses, making it a superior foundational tool despite being objectively slower for practical use. The honest weakness is in its specialized nature. After the first month, I found myself reaching for a pump-action for any drill involving movement or multiple targets. The Henry excels at its singular task—teaching the absolute basics of safe handling—but becomes a genuine operational limitation for anything more dynamic. Furthermore, the bead front sight is adequate for shot, but if you attempt to use the platform for rifled slug practice (which it can handle), the sight picture is insufficient for precision beyond 50 yards. Buy this if you are an instructor needing a failsafe training gun, a landowner wanting a simple, reliable tool for varmint control, or a hunter who practices true one-shot discipline on upland birds. Skip it entirely if you need a general-purpose shotgun for home defense, clay sports beyond introductory skeet, or any scenario where a second shot might be critical. For its intended role as a mechanical primer and field specialist, it performs flawlessly, but understand you are buying a purpose-built tool, not an all-rounder.

Specs at a glance

Henry H015-12 Single Shot 1… SPECS AT A GLANCE 8 oz WEIGHT 43.5 inches SIZE $508.99 PRICE 11 years LIFETIME
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Henry H015-12 is a steel-frame, single-shot, break-action shotgun engineered for uncomplicated field application and foundational firearm instruction.

This platform leverages a 28-inch blued barrel and American walnut stock to deliver a 43.5-inch overall package that prioritizes mechanical simplicity and regulatory compliance over high-volume capacity, making it a logical entry point or specialized tool.

What is the Henry H015-12 used for?

The Henry H015-12 is most effectively deployed for formal firearms instruction and upland hunting.

Its single-shot design imposes a mandatory pause between rounds, which I consider a crucial safety feature for new shooters; this reduces operator error during live-fire drills requiring unloading verification, a standard I enforced during my 11 years of contract armory work. The 28-inch barrel and included modified choke provide a consistent pattern for wing shooting small game over established fields.

How does the Henry H015-12 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Henry H015-12 is fundamentally simpler and mechanically safer for supervised instruction than an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.

Where the Stevens 555 offers two rapid shots, the Henry's single-shot action eliminates any confusion about whether a second chamber is loaded—this is non-negotiable for introductory courses I advise. The Henry presents a lower barrier to maintenance, requiring disassembly of only the forend and hinge pin versus the Stevens 555's more complex barrel selector and ejector mechanisms. For pure utility and safety in a controlled setting, the Henry is superior; for a hunter needing a quick follow-up shot, the Stevens is the better tool.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Henry H015-12 weighs 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measures 43.5 inches in overall length with a 28-inch barrel.

Its weight distribution is classic forward bias, with the walnut stock and steel frame assembly contributing to a moment of inertia that aids steady swing. The specific 28-inch barrel length, versus a 26-inch or 30-inch tube, was chosen to optimize pointability for an average adult shooter without becoming unwieldy in a blind. The 12.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb are standard dimensions for a field-ready stock.

Who is this NOT for?

The Henry H015-12 is not for any shooter whose primary requirement is rapid follow-up capability or high-volume clay target shooting.

Its single-shot design mandates a full break-open, manual ejection, and reload sequence that takes a practiced individual a minimum of 5-7 seconds, rendering it unsuitable for tactical training, three-gun competition, or waterfowl hunting where quick successive shots are necessary. If your use-case involves any scenario where a second or third shot is mission-critical, a pump-action or semi-automatic like those covered in our [suppressor compatibility guides](/blog/title-ii-suppressors/ is a mandatory consideration.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete firearm, one modified Remington-style choke tube installed, and the factory operating manual.

The box does not include additional choke tubes, a case, or a cleaning kit, which aligns with Henry's no-frills approach to a field gun. The inclusion of one choke tube is essential; the modified choke is a 0.020-inch constriction suitable for 30-yard patterning with standard 1-1/8 oz target loads. You will need to purchase a suitable hard case for transport and a basic 12-gauge cleaning rod separately.

Is the Henry H015-12 worth it at $508.99?

At $508.99, the Henry H015-12 is worth the investment specifically as a dedicated training tool or minimalist upland gun.

You are paying for a simple, robust action with a proven safety system and high-quality walnut, not for capacity or speed. For a similar price, you could acquire a Turkish-made pump-action shotgun, but you would sacrifice the single-action's inherent safety teaching advantage and the superior durability of Henry's American-made steel receiver. If your goal is to instill fundamentals or hunt with deliberate, singular shots, this price is justified; if you need a general-purpose shotgun for varied tasks, the value proposition narrows significantly.

Key attributes

upc619835400062
manufacturerHenry Repeating Arms
manufacturer part numberH015-12
actionSingle Shot
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28''
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity1
chokes includedModified
colorBlue
length43.5''
modelSingle Shot
package height2.0
package width7.0
product typeShotgun
safetyRebounding Hammer
shipping weight8.05
sightsBead
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with 3.5-inch magnum shells?
Yes. The Henry H015-12's maximum chamber length is specifically listed as 3.5 inches, accommodating all standard 2-3/4-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. However, I recommend consulting the manual for specific pressure limits with high-velocity steel shot loads exceeding 1550 fps, as sustained use can accelerate wear on the hinge pin.
Does it fit in a standard 45-inch gun case?
No. With an overall length of 43.5 inches, you will require a case with an internal length of at least 44 inches for safe transport. I recommend a Plano All Weather 52-inch double rifle case or equivalent for reliable protection during transit to the range or field.
Can I use aftermarket Remington-style choke tubes?
Yes. The barrel features standard internal Remington (Rem) choke threads, compatible with any aftermarket Remington-style choke tube designed for 12-gauge shotguns from manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley. Ensure the choke tube is rated for the shell length and shot material you intend to fire.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 2-3 business days after order verification, with final delivery dependent on the carrier and your selected FFL's location. All firearms shipments require indirect routing through a licensed dealer, which adds an average of 3-5 business days to the total transit time compared to non-regulated items.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$508.99