Henry H010BGMC Spirit of the Corps .45-70 22-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.1 lbs - the octagon barrel provides a stable forward balance for offhand shooting.
- Barrel length of 22 inches optimizes .45-70 ballistics, giving approximately 100 fps more velocity than an 18-inch trapper model.
- Includes a pre-installed Weaver 63B scope base, saving $25-40 and 20 minutes of gunsmith fitting time.
- 1:20 twist rate stabilizes heavy 500-grain subsonic loads for suppressed shooting after barrel threading.
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel from factory - adding suppressor capability requires a $150+ gunsmith job and NFA paperwork.
- Blued steel finish requires oiling after every range session in humid climates to prevent surface rust, unlike stainless or cerakote.
- Straight-grip walnut stock provides less leverage for rapid lever cycling than a pistol-grip style, slowing follow-up shots by 0.2-0.3 seconds.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Henry H010BGMC Spirit of the Corps .45-70 22-inch rifle? It is a limited-edition, commemorative lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with historically inspired engraving and 24K gold inlay. This is a non-NFA Title I firearm sold through licensed dealers, requiring a standard Form 4473 background check. It functions as both a display-grade collector's piece and a field-capable hunting rifle, with all the classic mechanical controls Henry is known for.
What is the Spirit of the Corps rifle used for?
This rifle is used for ceremonial display, low-volume hunting of large game like bison or bear within 150 yards, and controlled-range precision shooting with heavy .45-70 loads. The 1:20 twist rate barrel stabilizes bullets from 300 to 500 grains effectively, making it suitable for both factory ammunition and hand-loaded subsonic rounds. Unlike a tactical modern lever-action, the gold highlights and walnut stock prioritize presentation over hard field use, though the action is mechanically identical to Henry's standard Big Boy series.
How does the Spirit of the Corps compare to a Stevens 334?
The Henry H010BGMC is better for collectors and traditionalists, while the the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic is better for a budget-conscious hunter who prioritizes all-weather utility. The Stevens 334 uses a synthetic stock, weighs 6.8 lbs, and costs roughly $400, making it a tool for harsh conditions. The Henry commands a $1,600 premium for its American walnut, octagon barrel, and extensive engraving, placing it in a different category of ownership.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.1 lbs unloaded and measures 41.1 inches in overall length from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 22-inch octagon barrel contributes significantly to the weight distribution, with a forward bias that aids in offhand shooting stability but increases carry fatigue compared to a 20-inch round profile. At the receiver, the height over bore is 1.6 inches to the top of the Weaver 63B base, requiring appropriate scope rings for a proper cheek weld on the straight-grip stock.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time gun buyer or someone seeking a low-maintenance, high-round-count plinker. The blued steel and walnut require regular oiling to prevent corrosion and stock drying in humid environments, unlike the coated metal and synthetic stock of the Stevens 334. The .45-70 cartridge costs approximately $2.50 per round for basic hunting loads, making sustained fire impractical for most shooters compared to more economical calibers.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle with a Weaver 63B scope base installed, a single empty 4-round tubular magazine, and the manufacturer's warranty documentation with a dated certificate of authenticity. Henry does not include a cable lock or any cleaning supplies, so you will need a .45 caliber cleaning rod, patches, and a suitable gun oil before your first range trip. The rifle ships in a fitted cardboard carton with foam inserts, not a hard case, so invest in a padded soft case for transport to avoid marring the finish.
Is the Spirit of the Corps worth it at $2007.99?
At $2007.99, this rifle is worth it only if you value commemorative craftsmanship and are willing to pay the premium for limited-edition engraving and gold inlay over purely functional performance. For the same budget, you could purchase a standard Henry Big Boy .45-70 and a quality 1-4x scope, leaving several hundred dollars for ammunition. This model's value is emotional and collectible, tied directly to its Marine Corps tribute status; if that doesn't resonate, a standard configuration rifle makes more practical and financial sense.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835100276 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H010BGMC |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 4-Round |
| color | Brass |
| length | 40.25'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Golden Boy |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 7.5 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- The rifle is not suppressor-ready from the factory; the 22-inch barrel is not threaded. To mount a suppressor, you must have a qualified gunsmith thread the barrel to 5/8x24 or another common .45 caliber pattern, which typically costs $150-$250 and requires NFA paperwork for the suppressor itself. Always verify your local and state laws regarding suppressor ownership before proceeding with any modification.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle safe?
- Yes, the rifle's 41.1-inch overall length requires a safe interior depth of at least 42 inches with the door closed, which is standard for most long-gun safes. The octagon barrel and straight stock add no unusual width, allowing it to fit on standard rifle racks. For transport, I recommend a soft case with a minimum interior length of 44 inches, like those from Savior Equipment or Allen Company.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Our standard shipping to a licensed FFL dealer takes 3-5 business days from order processing, depending on your location relative to our logistics center. Once the rifle arrives at your chosen FFL, you must complete the required Form 4473 background check, which can add 1-10 business days depending on state instant check systems. We provide tracking information via email as soon as the carrier scans the package.
- Can I return it if I don't like the engraving?
- No, due to federal regulations surrounding firearm transfers, we cannot accept returns of this rifle unless it has a verifiable manufacturer defect that affects safety or function. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to your FFL, which is why we provide detailed photography and specifications. I strongly recommend examining a similar Henry model at a local dealer to assess engraving depth and finish before ordering online.
- Does this work with a peep sight?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a standard peep sight like the Skinner Sights Lo-Pro model, which mounts directly to the provided Weaver 63B base holes. The straight walnut stock creates a consistent sight picture with a peep, and many shooters find this combination more traditional and effective for quick shots under 100 yards than a scope. You will need to purchase the sight separately and ensure proper screw thread alignment (typically 8-40).
- What is the maximum effective range?
- With standard 405-grain factory loads, the maximum effective range for deer-sized game is 150 yards, limited by the rainbow trajectory of the .45-70 cartridge. For precision target shooting on paper, a skilled shooter can achieve consistent 4-inch groups at 200 yards using a 250-grain jacketed hollow point load and a stable rest. Beyond 200 yards, bullet drop exceeds 24 inches, making holdover impractical for most field scenarios.