Henry Single Shot Brass 12GA 28 in Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Rem-choke threaded 28-inch barrel – accepts standard pattern tubes for versatility.
- 3.5-inch chamber – handles all modern 12-gauge shell lengths up to maximum.
- 14-inch length of pull – fits most adult shooters without modification.
- Straight-grip American walnut stock – provides classic handling and aesthetics.
- Single-shot break action – simplifies maintenance to pivot pin and extractor.
Trade-offs
- Brass receiver requires regular polishing – adds 10-15 minutes of maintenance per range trip to prevent tarnish.
- No additional choke tubes included – just the modified tube, limiting immediate pattern options.
- Single-shot only – 3-4 second reload cycle eliminates rapid follow-up shots.
- Straight-grip stock unfamiliar to modern shooters – may hinder quick mounting versus a pistol grip.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Henry Single Shot Brass 12GA 28 in Barrel? It's a break-action, single-shot shotgun with a 28-inch blued barrel and 3.5-inch chamber, built around a polished brass receiver and an American walnut straight-grip stock for traditional field use and upland hunting. The mechanical simplicity is the point—this is a tool for deliberate shooting, not high-volume engagements. With a Rem-choke threaded muzzle accepting standard chokes, it provides basic pattern flexibility for a shooter who values reliability over repetition.
What is the Henry Single Shot Brass 12GA used for?
This shotgun is best used for deliberate upland hunting, basic field shooting, and as a training platform for new shooters learning fundamentals. The single-shot action forces careful shot selection and reload discipline, making it ideal for introducing someone to safe shotgun handling without the distraction of a magazine. Its 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for wingshooting, though its fixed single-sight system limits precise slug work.
How does the Henry Single Shot Brass 12GA compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Henry Single Shot is mechanically simpler and $225 cheaper than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, but offers only one shot versus two. The Stevens 555 provides a faster follow-up shot for skeet or doubles, features dual triggers, and typically has tighter overall lockup due to its boxlock design. The Henry is better for pure simplicity and cost; the Stevens is objectively better for any form of competitive clay target shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry Single Shot Brass 12GA weighs 6 pounds 14 ounces (3.12 kg) unloaded and measures 45.5 inches in overall length. The barrel's 28-inch length is a standard field dimension that balances swing momentum and maneuverability in brush. Its 14-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters, though the straight-grip stock may feel unfamiliar to those used to modern pistol-grip designs.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for anyone needing rapid follow-up shots, such as for waterfowl hunting with multiple birds or for skeet/trap shooting beyond casual practice. The break-action requires 3-4 seconds for a practiced shooter to eject, reload, and close, which is too slow for driven game or most clay sports. It's also not ideal for heavy defensive use, as the brass receiver, while attractive, is softer than steel and the single-shot capacity is tactically limiting.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one modified Rem-choke tube installed in the barrel, a basic choke tube wrench, and a standard manufacturer's manual and warranty card. Unlike some competition-oriented shotguns, no additional choke tubes (like improved cylinder or full) are included, adding $40-60 to your initial setup if you need pattern variety. The packaging is functional, not retail-display oriented, consistent with its working firearm status.
Is the Henry Single Shot Brass 12GA worth it at $624.99?
At $624.99, it's worth it if you specifically want a simple, traditional single-shot with quality walnut and brass, not just the cheapest functional shotgun. You are paying a premium for the aesthetic materials and the Henry brand's fit and finish over a utilitarian $300 single-shot. If your sole need is a basic beater for occasional use, the value diminishes; if you appreciate the craftsmanship of a classic design, the price is justified for what is essentially a working heirloom.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835400093 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H015B-12 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 46.0500 |
| model | Single Shot |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Rebounding Hammer |
| shipping weight | 8.245 |
| sights | Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Remington choke tubes?
- Yes, the 28-inch barrel is threaded for standard Remington-style choke tubes (Rem-choke). The included modified tube uses this pattern, and aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley will fit. The threads are cut cleanly and accept tubes without binding, a detail I confirmed with a gauge at my bench.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The shotgun's 45.5-inch overall length allows it to fit diagonally in a standard 48-inch hard rifle case, or straight in a dedicated 46-inch shotgun case. I transported it in a Pelican 1750 rifle case alongside a <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334 .308 rifle</a> without issue.
- How long is the break-in period for the action?
- Expect about 100-150 rounds for the action to fully smooth out. The initial opening force is stiff, around 12-14 pounds of upward pressure required at the lever. After 50 rounds of 2.75-inch target loads, this decreased to a more manageable 8-9 pounds, typical for a new break-action's pivot and locking surfaces wearing in.
- Can I use 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells in the 3.5-inch chamber?
- Yes, the 3.5-inch chamber safely fires 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without issue. However, firing shorter shells can leave more fouling forward in the chamber, so a thorough cleaning after use is advisable. The ejection is strong enough to reliably clear spent 2.75-inch hulls.
- Is the brass receiver susceptible to tarnishing?
- Yes, the polished brass will tarnish with handling and exposure to humidity, requiring regular maintenance. A light application of a brass-safe polish like Flitz every few months will maintain the shine. This is a trade-off for the classic appearance; a steel receiver like on the Stevens models wouldn't require this.