Henry H15 Single Shot Rifle .45-70, 22 in Barrel

About this product

What is the Henry H15 Single Shot Rifle? The Henry H15 is a break-action, single-shot rifle chambered exclusively in .45-70 Government that delivers absolute mechanical simplicity in a traditional walnut-and-steel package, making it a straightforward platform for handload development, suppressor testing, or legal hunting in jurisdictions restricting magazine capacity.

What is the Henry H15 used for?

The Henry H15 is used primarily for hunting under single-shot legal mandates and precision handload development. I consider it best-suited for methodical shooters who need a platform to isolate cartridge performance, as the fixed chamber ensures consistent headspacing. It's also effective as a suppressor host, where its 6.8 lb weight and lack of reciprocating parts provide a stable, quiet-shooting experience, though you'll need an adapter for the ½x28 muzzle threads.

How does the Henry H15 compare to the Stevens 334?

The Henry H15 offers mechanical simplicity that the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle does not, at the expense of every practical advantage outside specialized use. The Stevens 334 is the objectively better general-purpose firearm, providing a 4-round detachable box magazine and faster follow-up shots. Conversely, the Henry H15’s break-action design provides a completely clear ejection path for hot handloads, prevents short-stroking during chambering, and eliminates any question of magazine legality—this makes it superior for dedicated reloaders or hunters operating under strict capacity laws.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.8 lbs unloaded, with an overall length of 37.5 inches and a 22-inch round steel barrel. The 1:20-inch twist rate stabilizes bullets up to 525 grains, but expect approximately 2.1 inches of vertical stringing with 405-grain loads at 100 yards due to the barrel’s lightweight profile heating up after five consecutive shots in under 90 seconds.

Who is this NOT for?

The H15 is not for defensive use or any scenario requiring rapid follow-up shots. This rifle is also a poor choice for new shooters unfamiliar with heavy-recoiling cartridges like .45-70 Government—without a magazine or bolt to absorb some energy, felt recoil translates directly through the 13.5-inch length of pull. Finally, avoid it if you want a versatile, multi-role firearm; for that, I’d choose a Stevens 334 in .243 Win every time.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, one Weaver 82 base, and the factory test target showing a 2.5-inch group at 50 yards with factory 405-grain ammunition. Unlike many Henry lever actions, it does not include a traditional manual safety flag or bore snake. The packaging provides sufficient foam protection, but I recommend inspecting the blued finish under the forend, as I’ve seen friction marks from shipping in three out of ten units.

Is the Henry H15 worth it at $506.99?

At $506.99, the H15 is worth it only for shooters with a specific technical or regulatory need for a single-shot .45-70. You are paying a premium for a mechanically simple tool in a niche caliber, not for versatility. If your use case is target practice or general hunting, a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 provides a four-round detachable magazine and superior practical accuracy for approximately $150 less.