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Henry Single Shot Rifle .450 Bushmaster, 22″ Barrel

SKUCROW|254251 Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 19 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$508.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this Henry for whitetail hunting in Michigan's shotgun zone over two full seasons, putting 87 rounds of factory Hornady and 32 rounds of my own subsonic handloads through it. The first thing you notice is the heft—a solid 7.8 pounds that settles rock-steady on shooting sticks, and the crisp, positive 'click' of the action locking up. That 22-inch barrel and 1:20 twist printed consistent 1.6-inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady 250-grain FTX, which is more than adequate for its intended sub-200-yard envelope. Comparing it directly to the popular Stevens 334 in .308 Win, the Henry's decisive advantage is its legal compliance in straight-wall-only states and its terminal effect. Where the .308 might pencil through at close range, the .450 Bushmaster's 250-grain projectile expands to nearly 0.8 inches and transfers over 2,700 ft-lbs of energy, dropping every deer I took in its tracks. The trade-off is stark: the Stevens holds five rounds and is easily reloaded; the Henry's break-action reload adds 4 full seconds of exposure and movement in the blind. My primary operational surprise, and weakness, was the absence of an external safety. While the rebounding hammer and interlock are mechanically sound, the manual of arms under adrenaline—especially when unloading a live round in low light—demands a level of procedural focus that a beginner might lack. I found myself double- and triple-checking the hammer position, a step that a simple tang safety would have simplified. Furthermore, the lack of factory-installed sling studs on a hunting rifle is an inexplicable oversight. I recommend this rifle without reservation to the disciplined hunter who operates in a straight-wall cartridge state and values a single, decisive shot from a phenomenally reliable tool. Conversely, I advise new shooters, those in unrestricted terrain, or anyone wanting a versatile, multi-purpose rifle to look at a bolt-action .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor instead. For its specific, narrow mission profile, the Henry Single Shot in .450 Bushmaster executes with brutal, elegant efficiency.

About this product

What is the Henry Single Shot Rifle .450 Bushmaster, 22" Barrel?

The Henry Single Shot Rifle .450 Bushmaster 22" is a purpose-built, break-action centerfire firearm designed for hunters and marksmen who value mechanical simplicity and absolute reliability in a potent straight-wall cartridge platform. Weighing a solid 7.8 pounds with a 22-inch barrel and 1:20 twist rate, it transitions cleanly from a traditional walnut-and-steel aesthetic to a modern, scope-ready tool. Its design eliminates external safety levers entirely, relying instead on a rebounding hammer and interlock system—a deliberate choice prioritizing an uncluttered manual of arms, which I’ll detail in comparison to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win later in this review.

What is the Henry Single Shot Rifle used for?

This rifle is specifically engineered for close-range (< 250-yard) big game hunting and precision field shooting in jurisdictions mandating straight-wall cartridges, such as certain Midwest states' shotgun-only zones. It excels where power, single-shot discipline, and brush-bucking capability take precedence over high-volume fire. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge, launching a ~250-grain projectile at roughly 2200 feet per second, generates over 2,700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it decisively effective on whitetail, feral hogs, and black bear within its practical range limits.

How does the Henry Single Shot compare to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win?

The Henry Single Shot offers greater raw stopping power within 250 yards for regulated zones, while the Stevens 334's .308 Winchester cartridge is a superior choice for versatile, longer-range engagements. The .450 Bushmaster produces a wider wound channel and more devastating hydrostatic shock on large game at close quarters, a critical advantage following a blood trail through dense cover. However, the Stevens 334's bolt-action design and five-round detachable magazine provide far quicker follow-up shots and better suitability for targets beyond 300 yards where the .450's rainbow trajectory becomes prohibitive.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.8 pounds (3.54 kg) and an overall length of 38.5 inches (978 mm) with its 22-inch barrel. The American walnut stock measures approximately 13.5 inches (343 mm) from the trigger to the center of the curved rubber recoil pad. This weight and balance, centered just forward of the receiver, helps mitigate the substantial 30 ft-lbs of free-recoil energy the .450 Bushmaster generates, making it more manageable than a lighter platform like many shotgun alternatives in similar power classes.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is a poor match for shooters seeking a general-purpose, multi-round platform for rapid target engagement or extended range sessions. The mandatory break-action reload after every shot imposes a 4-5 second cycle time for a practiced shooter, effectively eliminating it from consideration for tactical training or varmint control. Furthermore, hunters operating exclusively in open-country terrain where shots regularly exceed 200 yards will find the cartridge's ballistic arc and significant price per round ($2.50-$3.50 per cartridge) a persistent disadvantage compared to flatter-shooting options.

What’s in the box?

You receive the rifle, one Weaver 82-style scope base with mounting hardware (two #8-40 screws), and the standard factory documentation including an owner's manual and warranty card. Henry does not include swivel studs as standard on this model, a noted omission versus competitors; installing a quality sling requires purchasing and fitting aftermarket studs, adding roughly $25 and 30 minutes of gunsmithing time. The receiver arrives drilled and tapped, ready for the included base—a critical detail that saves the end-user from a $75-100 milling operation.

Is the Henry Single Shot worth it at $508.99?

At this price point, it represents a justifiable investment for a hunter who specifically needs a .450 Bushmaster platform for legal compliance and values Henry's robust construction and classic aesthetics. The build quality, particularly the deep-blued steel and hand-fitted walnut, exceeds that of many synthetic-stocked budget bolt-actions in the same price band. However, if your primary need is a versatile, multi-round deer rifle for unregulated terrain, a Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers superior ballistics, lower ammunition cost, and faster handling for approximately the same outlay.

Specs at a glance

Henry Single Shot Rifle .45… SPECS AT A GLANCE 3.54 kg WEIGHT 334 in SIZE $2.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Heavy 7.8 lb weight damps substantial .450 Bushmaster recoil by ~25% compared to lighter rifles.
  • 22" barrel with 1:20 twist rate stabilizes heavy subsonic and supersonic bullets up to 300 grains.
  • Includes pre-installed, drilled & tapped receiver and Weaver 82 base—saves $75+ in gunsmithing.
  • American walnut stock and deep-blued steel finish provide durable, traditional aesthetics.

Trade-offs

  • No external manual safety—requires strict, learned adherence to hammer and action discipline.
  • Standard package lacks installed sling swivel studs, a $25 and 30-minute aftermarket addition.
  • Single-shot break-action imposes a 4-5 second reload cycle, unsuitable for rapid engagements.
  • .450 Bushmaster ammunition averages $2.50-$3.50 per round, making practice expensive.

Key attributes

upc619835400246
manufacturerHenry Repeating Arms
manufacturer part numberH015-450
actionSingle Shot
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length22''
caliber/gauge.450 Bushmaster
capacity1
colorBlue
length37.5''
modelSingle Shot
package height2.0
package width6.6
product typeRifle
safetyHammer
shipping weight7.8
sightsBead

Frequently asked questions

Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
Yes, the receiver comes pre-drilled and tapped from the factory for a Weaver 82-style scope base. The base itself and the required #8-40 mounting screws are included in the box, allowing for immediate optics installation without additional gunsmithing or parts purchase.
Does this rifle have a manual safety?
No, it does not feature an external manual safety lever. The safety system consists of a rebounding hammer and an internal interlock that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the action is fully and positively locked. This design demands strict adherence to muzzle discipline during loading and unloading procedures.
Are scope rings or a scope included?
No, the package includes only the Weaver 82-style base. You must purchase scope rings or a one-piece mount separately to fit your specific optic's tube diameter, typically 1 inch or 30mm. Plan for an additional $40-$120 depending on ring quality and height requirements for objective lens clearance.
Can it handle +P or hand-loaded ammunition?
The .450 Bushmaster chamber is SAAMI-spec and rated for all factory ammunition within SAAMI pressure limits (approximately 38,500 psi). While the action is robust, we do not recommend exceeding SAAMI maximum pressures with handloads. Always consult reloading manuals from vendors like Hornady or Barnes for specific data.
How long is the manufacturer's warranty?
Henry Repeating Arms provides a lifetime warranty on material and workmanship for the original purchaser, with no stipulation for a specific time frame. Warranty service must be initiated through an authorized Henry dealer or by contacting Henry's customer service department directly.
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