Henry Golden Boy H004L Large Loop .22 LR 20in Octagon 16rd
Pros & cons
What works
- 16-round tubular magazine capacity — 4x higher than typical bolt-action .22 rifles
- 6.75-pound weight balances well for off-hand shooting compared to 8+ pound centrefire lever guns
- Brasslite receiver resists corrosion without requiring constant polishing like pure brass
Trade-offs
- No included scope bases — requires $45-60 aftermarket purchase for optical mounting
- 1:16 twist rate limits bullet selection to 40 grains or lighter for stable flight
- Manual lever action cycles slower than semi-automatics — approximately 2-3 seconds between shots
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Golden Boy H004L is a classic large-loop lever-action .22 caliber rifle designed for traditional styling and reliable small-game performance. I've handled dozens of these over my career, and this model stands out for its balanced weight distribution and regulatory simplicity compared to NFA-restricted platforms. Built with a 20-inch octagon barrel and Brasslite receiver, it maintains historical aesthetics while offering modern functionality for recreational shooters.
What is the Henry Golden Boy H004L used for?
This rifle excels as a lightweight small-game hunting and plinking firearm weighing 6.75 pounds. The .22 LR chambering handles squirrels and rabbits effectively up to 75 yards, while the large loop lever facilitates smooth operation even with gloves during Montana winters. I'd recommend keeping shots within 100 yards for consistent accuracy with standard velocity ammunition.
How does the Henry Golden Boy H004L compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Golden Boy serves entirely different purposes than the bolt-action Stevens 334 .243 Win, with the Stevens offering superior long-range precision for varmints over 200 yards. While the Stevens achieves sub-MOA groups with match ammunition, the Henry provides faster follow-up shots and higher capacity with its 16-round tube magazine versus the Stevens' 4-round internal box.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle measures 38.5 inches overall with its 20-inch barrel and weighs 6.75 pounds unloaded. The octagon barrel profile adds marginal weight compared to cylindrical barrels but enhances heat dissipation during sustained firing strings. The large loop measures 2.25 inches wide to accommodate gloved hands without compromising leverage.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitive shooters seeking sub-MOA precision should avoid this rifle. The 1:16 twist rate limits stabilization to bullets under 40 grains, and the semi-buckhorn sights lack the precision of modern ghost ring or aperture systems. For high-volume training, the manual cycling action proves slower than semi-automatic alternatives like Ruger 10/22 platforms.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the rifle, one 16-round tubular magazine, and owner's manual with compliance documentation. Unlike some competitors, Henry doesn't include scope bases or sling swivels, requiring approximately $40-60 in additional hardware for optical mounting. The manual clearly outlines .22 Short/Long/LR compatibility specifications.
Is the Henry Golden Boy H004L worth it at $568.99?
At this price point, the Golden Boy delivers fair value for shooters prioritizing aesthetics and traditional operation over pure performance. The American walnut stock and Brasslite receiver justify approximately $150 premium over synthetic-stocked alternatives like the Rossi Rio Bravo, but the action smoothness requires breaking in over 200-300 rounds. For pure utility, the Stevens 334 offers better accuracy per dollar, but lacks the Henry's nostalgic appeal.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835041005 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H004L |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Short |
| capacity | 16 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 38.5'' |
| model | Golden Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | 1/4 Cock |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front/Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 WMR ammunition?
- No, the H004L exclusively chambers .22 Short, Long, and LR cartridges. The receiver and barrel aren't rated for .22 WMR pressures, which peak at 24,000 PSI versus .22 LR's 16,000 PSI maximum. Stick to standard velocity or high-velocity .22 LR loads for optimal safety and performance.
- Does it fit youth shooters?
- The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates adult frames better than youth dimensions. Shooters under 5'4" may struggle with the 38.5-inch overall length and 6.75-pound weight. Consider the Henry Mini Bolt youth model for smaller frames, which weighs 3.75 pounds with a 11.5-inch length of pull.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day, requiring signature upon delivery. Montana deliveries typically arrive within 5-7 total days from order placement, excluding FFL transfer processing time at your local dealer.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The 1/2x28 threaded barrel models (H004T series) accommodate suppressors, but this H004L variant lacks threading. Permanent modification would require gunsmithing and potentially NFA registration if barrel length drops below 16 inches. I recommend purchasing a threaded model if suppressed shooting is planned.