Henry Axe Lever Action .410 Bore 15.14-inch Barrel Brass Receiver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Henry Axe Lever Action .410 Bore 15.14-inch Barrel Brass Receiver? This is a Title II-regulated short-barreled shotgun requiring a $200 tax stamp and ATF approval prior to transfer, built on Henry Repeating Arms' robust lever platform. It combines National Firearms Act (NFA) classification with classic American firearm aesthetics in a 5.75 lb, 26.4-inch overall package.
What is the Henry Axe used for?
The Henry Axe is a dedicated recreational and training tool for NFA enthusiasts looking for a compact, 2.5-inch chambered shotgun for controlled-range scenarios. Its 15.14-inch barrel and threaded Invector chokes make it suitable for stationary clay target practice and low-recoil familiarization drills, while its compact dimensions require a specialized NFA-compliant case measuring roughly 27 inches. I find it most effective for building muscle memory with lever action manipulation in .410 bore before scaling up to more powerful platforms.
How does the Henry Axe compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in?
The Henry Axe offers fundamentally different regulatory and mechanical operation compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in .410. The Stevens 555 is a conventional, non-NFA over/under shotgun with a 28-inch barrel for traditional clay sports, requiring no tax stamp and capable of handling 3-inch shells. The Henry Axe's compactness and NFA status make it better for those specifically seeking an SBS for collection or specialized training, while the Stevens 555 is the objectively better choice for any shooter needing a standard-length shotgun for competition or hunting without federal paperwork.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The firearm weighs 5.75 lbs (92 oz) and measures 26.4 inches in overall length with a 15.14-inch barrel. The American walnut pistol grip stock adds approximately 13.5 inches of length of pull, and the round blued barrel has an outside diameter of 0.75 inches. The brass receiver requires about 45 minutes of polishing every 250 rounds if you wish to maintain its high-luster finish against carbon fouling and handling marks.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for any shooter unwilling or unable to navigate the ATF Form 4 process, which involves fingerprinting, a passport photo, and a current average wait time of 6-8 months for approval. It is also a poor choice for hunters requiring standard-length shotguns for waterfowl or upland game, or for those seeking a defensive shotgun, as its lever-action mechanism and .410 bore with 2.5-inch shells offer limited tactical utility compared to a standard 12-gauge pump like a Mossberg 590.
What's in the box?
Henry ships the Axe with an installed full Invector-style choke tube, one set of Weaver 63B scope base screws, and a standard owner's manual. You do not receive the scope base itself, additional choke tubes (like the improved cylinder or modified chokes useful for different shot patterns), or a transfer case suitable for an NFA item—budget an additional $85-$120 for a compliant hard case and another $30-$50 per extra choke.
Is the Henry Axe worth it at $1038.99?
At $1038.99 before the $200 tax stamp, transfer fees (often $50-$100), and a compliant storage solution, the Axe presents a niche value proposition. It is worth it exclusively for collectors and enthusiasts who specifically want a brass-receiver, lever-action SBS for its unique mechanical and regulatory profile. For a shooter simply wanting a .410 for recreation or training without NFA hurdles, a standard Stevens 555 at half the cost is the more rational purchase.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Brass receiver and American walnut stock provide classic aesthetics with zero synthetic components.
- Weighs 5.75 lbs (92 oz)—approximately 2.3 lbs lighter than a typical pump-action 12-gauge shotgun.
- Internal Invector choke system allows for pattern tuning; includes full choke installed.
- Drilled and tapped receiver ready for Weaver 63B scope base (screws included).
- Compact 26.4-inch overall length meets the legal minimum for a manufactured SBS.
Trade-offs
- Title II/NFA item: requires $200 tax stamp, ATF Form 4, fingerprints, photo, and 6-8 month wait—not for immediate purchase.
- Chamber limited to 2.5-inch .410 shells only; incompatible with more common and versatile 3-inch shells.
- Brass receiver requires frequent hand polishing (approx. 45 min every 250 rounds) to maintain finish against fouling.
- No scope base, additional chokes, or NFA-compliant storage case included—adds $120+ in necessary accessories.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835500076 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H018BAH-410 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | Pistol Grip Firearm |
| barrel length | 15.14'' |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 16.4'' |
| model | Axe |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 6.6 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this ship directly to my door?
- No. As an NFA-regulated short-barreled shotgun, it must ship to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder with a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) stamp, typically a Class 3 dealer. You must file an ATF Form 4 through that dealer and receive approval before taking possession. Standard shipping transit time from our warehouse to your chosen SOT is 3-7 business days.
- Is it compatible with 3-inch .410 shells?
- No. The chamber is specifically machined for 2.5-inch shells only. Attempting to fire 3-inch shells, like Federal Premium or Winchester Super-X, will cause a dangerous over-pressure condition and can damage the rifle. Always verify chamber length before loading, which is clearly marked on the barrel.
- What scope mounts fit the drilled and tapped receiver?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a Weaver 63B base pattern. This directly accepts any scope rings designed for a Weaver/Picatinny base, such as those from Warne, Leupold, or Burris. The screws for the bases are included, but the base itself is not—you must purchase it separately.
- Can I install a suppressor on the barrel?
- No. The barrel is threaded internally for Invector-style choke tubes only, using a standard pattern with a pitch of approximately 1.2mm. These threads are not compatible with any standard muzzle device or suppressor mounting system like 1/2x28 or 5/8x24. The barrel is also not externally threaded.