Henry Mare’s Leg .22 S/L/LR Lever-Action Pistol

About this product

The Henry Mare's Leg H001ML is a lever-action pistol chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, designed for legal handgun carry and handling while delivering traditional lever-action mechanics in a compact package. This configuration falls squarely into the 'firearm' category under ATF definitions, not a pistol made from a rifle, which has critical implications for state-level registration and transport. At 4.45 pounds unloaded with its 12.5-inch barrel, it bridges the gap between ranch plinkers and legal maneuverability for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a 19th-century action design in a 21st-century compliant format.

What is the Henry Mare's Leg .22 used for?

The Mare's Leg is used for recreational plinking, handgun-proficiency training with a lever-action platform, and short-range small-game hunting where legal. Its .22 S/L/LR chambering makes it economical to shoot for extended practice sessions, burning through a 100-round brick in under 20 minutes at a relaxed pace, while the adjustable sights support consistent hits on small targets out to about 50 yards. This isn't a primary defensive tool, but rather a functional novelty that teaches manual-of-arms for larger-caliber lever guns without the cost and recoil.

How does the Henry Mare's Leg compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?

The Henry Mare's Leg is dramatically better for low-cost, low-recoil practice and close-range plinking, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is superior for actual deer hunting at extended ranges. The Mare's Leg's .22 LR ammunition costs roughly 8 cents per round versus 80 cents for .308 Winchester, allowing for 10 times the trigger time for the same budget. However, the Stevens 334's bolt-action delivers far greater accuracy potential and energy at 100+ yards, making it a serious hunting rifle where the Henry is primarily a trainer.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Henry Mare's Leg weighs 4.45 pounds (71.2 ounces) and measures 23.5 inches in overall length with a 12.5-inch round barrel. The walnut pistol grip adds approximately 1.5 inches of width at its thickest point, and the large-loop lever requires a clearance arc of about 8 inches to cycle fully. This makes it notably heavier than polymer-frame .22 pistols like the Ruger Mark IV (which clocks in around 35 ounces) but balances the weight forward of the grip for stable off-hand shooting.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for shooters seeking a compact defensive sidearm, a high-capacity plinker, or anyone operating in states with restrictive 'assault weapon' laws that may ambiguously classify lever-action pistols. The 10-round tubular magazine capacity and manual cycling action make it ill-suited for rapid defensive use compared to a semi-automatic like a Glock 44. Furthermore, its 23.5-inch overall length may still violate some state concealed carry statutes, so always verify local law—my 11 years in compliance work taught me to never assume.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the Mare's Leg pistol, one empty 10-round tubular magazine, and the factory manual—no case, lock, or additional accessories are included from Henry. The magazine loads through a port on the right side of the barrel tube and requires manual indexing for each round, a process that takes about 45 seconds to fully load 10 rounds of .22 Long Rifle. You'll need to source your own 3/8" dovetail rings if mounting optics, and I recommend a quality set that won't shift under the lever's cycling vibration.

Is the Henry Mare's Leg worth it at $438.99?

At $438.99, the Mare's Leg is worth it for shooters who specifically want the novelty and tactile training of a lever-action pistol, not for those seeking the most practical .22 plinker. You're paying a premium for the machined steel action and walnut furniture over a basic bolt-action .22 rifle, which can be found for under $250. However, if your goal is to practice lever manipulation for hunting with a larger Stevens 555 Sporting O/U or similar field gun, this provides relevant muscle memory at a fraction of the centerfire ammunition cost.