Henry Golden Boy American Farmer .22 S/L/LR 20in Octagon
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.75 pounds — 0.75 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win
- Holds 21 rounds of .22 Short — 5 more than many tubular magazine .22 rifles
- 20-inch octagon barrel provides 50% more sight radius than 16-inch barrels
Trade-offs
- Lever-action cycle time averages 2 seconds per shot — slower than semi-automatics
- No threaded barrel for suppressors — limits NFA customization options
- Decorative engraving adds $300 to price over utilitarian models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Henry Golden Boy American Farmer .22 S/L/LR 20in Octagon rifle? It's a lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Short/Long/LR with a 20-inch octagonal barrel, American walnut stock, and nickel-plated receiver featuring 24K gold engraving, designed for small-game hunting, target shooting, and collecting. This tribute edition honors American agricultural heritage while maintaining practical functionality, including a tubular magazine that holds 16 rounds of .22 LR or 21 rounds of .22 Short. Its 38.5-inch overall length and 6.75-pound weight reflect robust construction rooted in traditional firearms design.
What is the Henry Golden Boy American Farmer used for?
The Henry Golden Boy American Farmer is primarily used for small-game hunting, target shooting, and as a collectible piece due to its heritage styling. It handles .22 S/L/LR ammunition reliably, making it versatile for pest control or plinking, and the semi-buckhorn sights support accuracy at typical rimfire ranges of 50 to 100 yards. However, it’s not suited for high-volume shooting or tactical applications where a semi-automatic like the Stevens 334 Rifle would excel.
How does the Henry Golden Boy American Farmer compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Henry Golden Boy outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in ammunition affordability and recoil management, as .22 LR costs about $0.08 per round versus $0.80 for .308 Win, but the Stevens 334 offers superior long-range power and is better for larger game. While the Henry weighs 6.75 pounds compared to the Stevens 334's 7.5 pounds, the Stevens’ bolt-action system allows for quicker follow-up shots in demanding scenarios. For collectors or beginners, the Henry’s aesthetic and low recoil make it a more appealing choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry Golden Boy American Farmer weighs 6.75 pounds (108 ounces) and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with a 20-inch octagon barrel. Barrel twist is 1:16 inches, optimizing stability for .22 LR rounds up to 40 grains, and the fixed tubular magazine extends 12 inches under the barrel. Compared to compact shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga, which is 26 inches long, the Henry is longer and heavier, emphasizing balance over portability.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters pursuing game larger than small varmints or users needing high-capacity, rapid-fire capabilities. The lever-action cycle time averages 2 seconds per shot, slower than semi-automatics, and the decorative finish may deter those prioritizing durability over aesthetics. If you require a shotgun for bird hunting, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
Included are the rifle, one tubular magazine pre-installed, and a owner’s manual covering maintenance and safety protocols. No additional accessories like slings or optics are provided, though the semi-buckhorn sights come pre-adjusted for 50-yard zero. The packaging is standard cardboard with foam inserts, weighing 8.2 pounds total for shipping.
Is the Henry Golden Boy American Farmer worth it at $1003.99?
At $1003.99, this rifle is worth it for collectors or shooters valuing craftsmanship and heritage, but not for those seeking pure utility. The price reflects the 24K gold engraving and walnut stock, adding $300 over plainer models, while performance matches $500 rifles like the Rossi R92. For budget-conscious buyers, read our blog on affordable lever-actions — our editorial take before deciding.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835016188 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H004AF |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 16+1-Round |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
| model | Goldenboy American Farmer Ed. |
| package height | 2.1 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 7.7 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| 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, it only chambers .22 Short, Long, and LR rounds. Using .22 WMR could cause dangerous pressure issues and damage the rifle. Stick to specified calibers for safety.
- Does it fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits cases designed for rifles up to 40 inches in length. The 38.5-inch overall length allows clearance in most hard cases, but check interior dimensions before purchase.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items via FedEx Ground. Delays may occur during peak seasons or for regulatory checks in certain states.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if the rifle is unused and in original packaging. A 15% restocking fee applies, and firearms returns require an FFL transfer for compliance.