Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″
Pros & cons
What works
- Polished brass receiver with custom engraving - adds $400-600 value over standard models
- 10-round tubular magazine capacity - 2 rounds more than most lever-action competitors
- Semi-fancy American walnut stock with brass buttplate - premium materials throughout
- Side-loading gate plus tubular loading - dual loading options for versatility
Trade-offs
- 8.68 lb weight - 2.3 lb heavier than synthetic-stocked alternatives like Marlin 1894
- No threaded barrel - requires $150-300 gunsmith work for suppressor compatibility
- Brass receiver requires frequent polishing - adds 15 minutes maintenance after each range session
- Traditional sights lack night sight compatibility - limits low-light usability
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ is a premium lever-action rifle combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. Built with a polished brass receiver and semi-fancy American walnut stock, this firearm delivers both aesthetic appeal and reliable performance for hunting, target shooting, and collection purposes. As someone who's handled everything from military-grade platforms to collector pieces, I appreciate how Henry balances historical authenticity with practical usability.
What is the Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved used for?
This rifle excels in medium-game hunting and recreational shooting, particularly with its .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering offering versatile ammunition options. The 20-inch octagon barrel provides excellent balance for off-hand shooting, while the 10-round tubular magazine capacity makes it suitable for extended range sessions without frequent reloading. I've found it particularly effective for whitetail deer within 150 yards when using .357 Magnum hollow points.
How does the Henry Big Boy Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Henry lever-action provides faster follow-up shots than the bolt-action Stevens 334, though the .308 Winchester chambering in the Stevens delivers superior long-range energy. Where the Stevens 334 .308 Win offers modern synthetic construction and higher power for larger game, the Henry prioritizes traditional materials and rapid cycling for closer engagements. For brush hunting or rapid target acquisition, the Henry's lever mechanism proves superior, while the Stevens maintains advantage in precision shooting beyond 200 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle measures 38.5 inches overall with an unloaded weight of 8.68 pounds, making it noticeably heavier than many modern sporting rifles. The 20-inch octagon barrel contributes significantly to the weight distribution, creating a forward balance that experienced shooters will appreciate for steady aiming. The brass receiver adds approximately 1.2 pounds compared to steel alternatives, giving it that distinctive classic feel.
Who is this NOT for?
Tactical shooters seeking modular accessory mounting should avoid this rifle, as the traditional design lacks Picatinny rails and modern mounting solutions beyond the drilled and tapped receiver. The 8.68-pound weight makes it impractical for extended carry during mountain hunts, where lighter options like the Stevens 334 would serve better. Those requiring high-capacity magazines beyond 10 rounds will find the tubular design limiting compared to detachable box magazine systems.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one 10-round tubular magazine pre-installed, and basic owner's documentation covering operation and maintenance. Unlike some modern firearms, no cleaning kit or additional accessories are included, reflecting Henry's traditional approach to packaging. The rifle arrives with protective grease coating the action and barrel, requiring proper cleaning before first use.
Is the Henry Big Boy Deluxe worth it at $1987.99?
At nearly $2000, this represents a significant investment in traditional firearms craftsmanship rather than pure utility. The premium materials and hand-engraved details justify the price for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate historical design, but practical hunters might prefer more affordable options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win at nearly half the cost. For those valuing aesthetics alongside function, the price reflects quality materials and construction that mass-produced firearms cannot match.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060853 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GMD |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | Big Boy Deluxe Engraved |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front/Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounting?
- No, the 20-inch barrel lacks threaded muzzle options for direct suppressor attachment. You would need gunsmith modification costing $150-300 to add threading, plus ATF Form 1 or Form 4 approval for suppressor ownership. Henry designed this as a traditional hunting rifle without modern suppressor considerations.
- Does it fit standard .357 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds interchangeably through the same barrel. The 1:16 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 125 to 158 grains effectively, with best accuracy typically achieved with 158 grain loads. I recommend Federal Premium 158 grain JSP for hunting applications.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers typically require 3-5 business days processing plus 2-3 days shipping via FedEx or UPS. Montana deliveries often arrive within 7 total days from order confirmation, depending on your local FFL's processing speed. We require signed copy of FFL license before shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, following ATF regulations. We allow returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, requiring inspection and authorization from Henry's warranty department. All returns must go through your transferring FFL for proper documentation.
- Does this work with Skinner sights?
- Yes, the drilled and tapped receiver accepts Skinner Precision's peep sight models specifically designed for Henry rifles. Installation requires basic gunsmithing tools and typically takes 15-20 minutes for proper alignment. I've mounted the Skinner Alaskan model on three separate Henry platforms with excellent results.