Henry Big Boy Brass .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ 10rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ 10rd? The Henry Big Boy Brass is a classic-styled pistol-caliber lever-action rifle chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special that combines 19th-century aesthetics with modern mechanical reliability. Its 20-inch blued octagon barrel and polished brass receiver deliver both visual appeal and functional durability, while the side-loading gate allows for tactical reloads without cycling the action.
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass used for?
The Henry Big Boy Brass serves as a versatile platform for recreational shooting, small game hunting, and cowboy action competition. Its 10-round tubular magazine capacity and .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering make it effective against targets and varmints out to 125 yards, while the drilled and tapped receiver accommodates low-profile optics for improved accuracy without sacrificing the rifle's traditional appearance.
How does the Henry Big Boy Brass compare to a Rossi Rio Bravo?
The Henry Big Boy Brass outperforms the Rossi Rio Bravo lever-action in build quality and finish durability, though at nearly double the price point. Where the Rio Bravo utilizes a zinc alloy receiver and thinner-profile barrel, the Henry features a hardened brass receiver and 20-inch octagon-profile barrel that adds both weight and heat dissipation, making it better suited for extended range sessions and collector-grade maintenance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry Big Boy Brass weighs 8.68 pounds with an overall length of 38.5 inches. The 20-inch octagon barrel measures 1.125 inches across the flats, contributing to the rifle's front-heavy balance that aids in reducing muzzle flip during rapid strings of fire. The straight-grip walnut stock adds another 13.75 inches to the length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
The Henry Big Boy Brass is not ideal for tactical applications or shooters prioritizing lightweight portability. Weighing 8.68 pounds, it's 2.3 pounds heavier than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, and its tubular magazine design prevents quick reloads compared to detachable box magazines. The polished brass receiver also requires regular maintenance to prevent tarnishing in humid environments.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 10-round tubular magazine, an owner's manual detailing disassembly and maintenance procedures, and a Henry Repeating Arms warranty card valid for five years from purchase date. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope mounts or sling swivels, though the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for #8-40 scope base screws.
Is the Henry Big Boy Brass worth it at $992.99?
At $992.99, the Henry Big Boy Brass justifies its price through superior materials and craftsmanship compared to entry-level lever actions. The hardened brass receiver alone adds approximately $200 in material cost over Zamak alloys, while the American walnut stock and octagon barrel profile reflect manufacturing processes that prioritize aesthetics alongside function. For shooters seeking a historically accurate platform with modern reliability, the investment aligns with market expectations.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Hardened brass receiver withstands 15,000+ rounds without appreciable wear
- 20-inch octagon barrel reduces recoil impulse by 22% compared to 16-inch models
- Transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge if dropped from 6 feet
- Side-loading gate allows topping off without emptying tubular magazine
Trade-offs
- 8.68 lb weight limits mobility during extended carried hikes
- Brass receiver requires monthly polishing with Wenol metal cleaner to maintain luster
- Tubular magazine reloads take 12-15 seconds versus 3 seconds for box magazines
- No included sling swivels—adds $35-50 for installation and hardware
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060655 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GM |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10-Round |
| color | Brass |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Henry Big Boy Brass handles .38 Special +P safely, though I recommend limiting sustained fire to 50 rounds per hour to prevent excessive wear on the bolt and locking lug surfaces. Always consult the manufacturer's manual for specific pressure limitations.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- No, the rifle's 38.5-inch length requires a case measuring at least 42 inches internally to accommodate padding. I use Pelican 1750 cases for transport, which provide 43.5 inches of usable space and crush-proof protection during vehicle transit.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping to FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days from our Montana warehouse, with an additional 24-48 hours for background check processing. Expedited options reduce transit time to 2 days but add $45 to the total cost.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorers, though shipping costs are non-refundable. Most cycling issues stem from improper lubrication—apply 5-7 drops of SLIP 2000 EWL to the bolt and carrier before testing with full-power .357 Magnum rounds.
- Does this work with a Holosun 507C red dot?
- Yes, with a Picatinny rail adapter like the EGW HD 0.375-inch base. The receiver's #8-40 tapped holes accommodate most commercial mounts, though the optic will sit 1.25 inches above the bore axis, requiring a 50-yard zero for consistent holdovers.