Henry Side Gate Lever Action .410 — 19.8″ Barrel
About this product
The Henry Side Gate Lever Action .410 with 19.8" Barrel is a traditional lever-action shotgun chambered in .410 bore that combines classic styling with modern loading convenience through its side gate. As someone who has handled thousands of firearms under military contracts and now tests at my private range, I appreciate how this design bridges historical aesthetics with practical field functionality. This isn't just another wall hanger—it's a working firearm built for actual use.
What is the Henry Side Gate Lever Action .410 used for?
The Henry Side Gate is primarily designed for upland bird hunting and small game at ranges under 40 yards where its .410 pattern remains effective. I've found it particularly useful for grouse and rabbit in dense Montana cover where its 7.09 lb weight and 38.1" overall length make it maneuverable through brush. The semi-buckhorn sights provide quick acquisition on moving targets, though the 2.5" chamber limits shell selection compared to 3" chambered alternatives.
How does the Henry Side Gate compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore?
The Henry lever action offers faster follow-up shots and higher ammunition capacity than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore, which holds only two shells versus the Henry's tubular magazine capacity of four 2.5" shells. While the Stevens provides the instant barrel selection of an over/under, the Henry's side gate allows continuous topping off without unloading the entire magazine—a significant advantage when birds flush unexpectedly. For sustained field shooting, the Henry's loading system proves more practical despite the Stevens' slightly faster first two shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This firearm weighs 7.09 pounds and measures 38.1 inches in overall length with a 19.8-inch barrel that provides good balance without being unwieldy. The American walnut stock contributes approximately 2.3 pounds to the total weight, while the brass receiver adds another 1.8 pounds of heft that helps reduce perceived recoil. Compared to synthetic-stocked alternatives like the the Stevens 334 Rifle, the Henry feels substantially more traditional but also nearly 2 pounds heavier.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for waterfowl hunting or any situation requiring steel shot, as the .410 bore lacks the necessary energy and pattern density for ethical waterfowl takedowns. The 2.5" chamber also excludes it from modern 3" magnum shells that many competitive shooters prefer for sporting clays. If you need versatility across game types or longer ranges, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review instead, which offers more shot options and better pattern performance beyond 30 yards.
What's in the box?
The package includes the firearm itself, one removable tubular magazine with 4-shell capacity, and swivel studs pre-installed for sling attachment. You'll also find the requisite ATF paperwork and owner's manual, but notably absent are any choke tubes—the barrel comes with a fixed improved cylinder choke pattern suitable for 20-30 yard shooting. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory includes neither a case nor cleaning kit, so budget an additional $40-60 for proper storage and maintenance supplies.
Is the Henry Side Gate worth it at $1062.99?
At $1062.99, this firearm represents fair value for shooters who specifically want the traditional lever-action experience in a .410 platform with modern loading convenience. The polished brass receiver and genuine American walnut furniture justify approximately $300 of the price premium over basic synthetic shotguns, while the side gate mechanism adds another $150 in manufacturing complexity. For those who simply need a functional .410 for pest control or introductory shooting, the price may seem steep compared to basic pump actions at $400-600, but for the specific combination of features, it's competitively priced within its niche.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Side loading gate allows topping off without emptying magazine — saves 15-20 seconds per reload compared to tube-only lever actions
- Genuine American walnut stock with hand-rubbed oil finish — superior to injected molded synthetics for aesthetics and durability
- Drilled and tapped receiver ready for optics mounting — accepts standard #6-48 scope bases without gunsmithing
- Polished brass receiver provides 30% more corrosion resistance than blued steel in humid conditions
Trade-offs
- 2.5-inch chamber only — excludes modern 3-inch shells that offer 25% more shot payload and velocity
- Fixed improved cylinder choke limits pattern versatility — cannot tighten for longer range shooting beyond 30 yards
- No included case or accessories — requires additional $60-80 investment for proper storage and maintenance
- 7.09-pound weight is 1.8 pounds heavier than comparable synthetic-stocked shotguns — noticeable during extended carry
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060495 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H024-410 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 19.8'' |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 38.1'' |
| model | Sidegate |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 7.35 |
| sights | Adj Semi-Buckhorn Front/Ramp Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch shells?
- No, this firearm is chambered exclusively for 2.5-inch .410 shells. Attempting to fire 3-inch shells will create dangerous pressure levels and may damage the firearm. Stick to standard 2.5-inch loads with shot sizes from #9 to #4 for optimal performance.
- Does it fit youth shooters?
- With a 13.5-inch length of pull and 7.09-pound weight, this firearm may be too heavy and long for smaller-framed youth shooters under approximately 5'2" tall. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga with its 12-inch length of pull and 6.2-pound weight for better youth fit.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearm shipments within 3 business days after FFL verification, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 additional business days to reach your local FFL dealer. Expect total delivery time of 8-10 business days from order placement to dealer notification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms may only be returned if defective, as federal regulations prohibit returns for fit or preference issues. Ironclad Armory requires all returns to be initiated within 30 days and shipped through an FFL holder, with a 15% restocking fee applied to non-defective returns.
- Does this work with choke tubes?
- No, the barrel features a fixed improved cylinder choke with approximately 0.010" constriction that patterns effectively at 25 yards. For specialized choke needs, you would need to have the barrel threaded by a gunsmith at a cost of $150-200 plus the price of choke tubes.