Henry Big Boy Brass .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Lever Rifle

About this product

What is the Henry Big Boy Brass .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Lever Rifle? It's a side-gate loading lever-action rifle with a polished brass receiver and 20-inch octagonal barrel chambered for .45 Long Colt, designed for shooters who value traditional aesthetics without sacrificing modern functionality. This firearm bridges the gap between historical reenactment pieces and practical field use, offering both visual appeal and reliable performance under various conditions.

What is the Henry Big Boy Brass .45 Long Colt used for?

This rifle serves as an excellent choice for cowboy action shooting, medium-game hunting, and recreational plinking where .45 Long Colt's moderate recoil and ballistic performance are ideal. The 20-inch octagonal barrel provides better muzzle velocity and sight radius than shorter barrels, while the tubular magazine holds 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt—2 more than many competing lever guns in this caliber. I've found it particularly effective for deer hunting within 150 yards when using modern +P ammunition.

How does the Henry Big Boy Brass compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Henry Big Boy Brass offers superior historical authenticity and smoother lever action than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, though the Stevens provides greater long-range precision and harder-hitting capability. Where the Henry excels with its polished brass receiver and American walnut stock weighing 8.68 pounds, the Stevens 334 features a matte black synthetic stock at 6.5 pounds—making it 2.18 pounds lighter but less aesthetically traditional. For period-correct competition or collectors, the Henry is clearly superior; for practical hunting where weight and weather resistance matter, the Stevens 334 dominates.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle measures 38.5 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel and weighs 8.68 pounds (138.9 ounces) unloaded. The octagonal barrel profile adds both visual distinction and approximately 12 ounces of forward weight compared to round barrels, improving balance and reducing muzzle rise during rapid firing. The straight-grip walnut stock contributes to the overall heft but provides excellent stability when shooting offhand or from supported positions.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't suitable for tactical applications or shooters requiring high-capacity detachable magazines, as its tubular loading system limits reload speed to approximately 15-20 seconds for a full 10-round tube. The polished brass receiver shows fingerprints and requires more maintenance than blued or coated finishes, making it poorly suited for harsh weather conditions or neglectful owners. Additionally, the 8.68-pound weight makes it less ideal for extended carry compared to lighter options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win at 6.5 pounds.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 10-round tubular magazine, owner's manual, and a cable lock measuring 6.5 inches in length. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include scope mounts or cleaning kits—expect to purchase the Henry BB-RSM scope mount separately if optic mounting is planned. The packaging consists of a cardboard box with foam inserts specifically cut to the rifle's 38.5-inch length and octagonal barrel profile.

Is the Henry Big Boy Brass worth it at $980.99?

At $980.99, this rifle justifies its price through superior fit and finish compared to entry-level lever actions, though it requires additional investment for optics readiness. The polished brass receiver alone adds approximately $200 in manufacturing cost over blued steel equivalents, while the American walnut stock represents another $150 premium over synthetic alternatives. For shooters wanting historical authenticity with modern reliability, this represents fair value; for those purely focused on functionality, more affordable options exist.