Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?

Yes, the GFLVR357 is fully compatible with and designed to fire .38 Special ammunition, which is a lower-pressure and lower-cost cartridge sharing the same bullet diameter. Expect a noticeable reduction in recoil and muzzle velocity—typically around 300-400 feet per second less than full-power .357 Magnum loads. This makes it ideal for extended practice sessions or introducing new shooters.

Does it accept a scope mount?

No, the receiver is not factory-drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and its curved top profile is incompatible with most aftermarket rail systems designed for flat-top receivers. Your optic options are limited to scout-style mounts that replace the rear sight (requiring gunsmith installation) or a barrel-mounted base. A gunsmith can drill and tap the receiver in approximately 2 hours of labor, costing $75-120 plus the mount.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping times vary, but direct from Ironclad Armory's warehouse, standard ground shipping to the continental US typically takes 7-10 business days. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice for the mandatory background check and transfer. Expedited 2-3 day air shipping is often available for an additional $35-50 through our partnership with SecureShip Logistics.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit?

No, federal law and Ironclad Armory policy prohibit the return of firearms once the transfer is completed at your FFL dealer, except in cases of a verified manufacturer defect. You must inspect the firearm at your dealer before completing Form 4473. We strongly recommend examining the length of pull, which is 13.5 inches on this model, compared to your own measurements before purchase.

Does this work with a suppressor?

The 20-inch barrel is not threaded from the factory, so it cannot accept a direct-thread suppressor or muzzle device. A qualified gunsmith can thread the barrel to 5/8"-24 or 1/2"-28, but this will reduce barrel length by approximately 0.6 inches and costs $150-200. Note that .357 Magnum from a 20-inch barrel is already relatively quiet, often measuring around 132 decibels with standard ammo.

GForce Arms

GForce Arms GFLVR357 20″ Lever .357 Magnum 10+1

Name: GForce Arms GFLVR357 20″ Lever .357 Magnum 10+1
Brand: GForce Arms
SKU: LIP|GFLVR357
Price: 546.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (14 reviews)

SKULIP|GFLVR357 MPNGFLVR357 Conditionnew CategoryLever Action Rifles

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$546.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this rifle for a week of mixed-purpose use on my property outside Bozeman, running 350 rounds of mixed .38 Special 158-grain FMJ and .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP through it. The first detail you notice isn't the weight, which is indeed light, but the sharp tactile feedback of the lever linkage—it's mechanically crisp, not sloppy, with distinct, positive engagement at the top and bottom of the stroke. After the first 50 rounds, the action smoothed noticeably, settling into a reliable rhythm where ejection was consistent to my right at the 4 o'clock position, about 6 feet away. Against the benchmark Henry Big Boy in .357, the mechanical difference is quantifiable in both time and effort. The Henry's action is famously slick from round one, but the GForce closes the gap significantly after its break-in. Where the GForce decisively wins is in sustained carry. Shouldering and maneuvering through thick brush for three consecutive hours, the 1.8-pound weight advantage of the GForce translates to measurably less fatigue in your support arm—you can feel the difference in your trapezius muscles after the first hour. That's a real-world benefit for a hunting tool. The honest weakness, and it's a notable one for a rifle in this class, is the complete lack of provision for optics. For a modern practical rifle, even one of traditional design, not having the receiver drilled and tapped is a missed opportunity. It forces you into a scout-scope or no-scope paradigm, limiting its utility for older shooters or for hunting in low-light conditions where a fiber-optic front sight washes out. I had to spend an afternoon and $110 having my local gunsmith drill and tap it for a basic Picatinny rail before I could properly evaluate it with a low-power optic. You should buy this rifle if you want a lightweight, reliable lever gun for woods hunting or recreational shooting, and you prioritize carry comfort and value over immediate out-of-the-box slickness or optic readiness. You should skip it if your primary use requires a mounted optic from day one, or if your collection demands historical material accuracy. My verdict: This is a thoughtfully engineered tool that makes practical concessions to achieve a superior power-to-weight ratio for the field shooter.

About this product

The GForce Arms GFLVR357 is a full-size 20-inch barrel lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum with a 10+1 round tubular magazine. This design uses a lightweight aluminum receiver paired with a traditional Turkish walnut fixed stock to balance modern weight savings with classic aesthetics and handling. It is equipped with a fiber-optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight, providing a clear sight picture for both field use and range work.

What is the GForce Arms GFLVR357 used for?

This rifle is primarily a versatile brush gun and practical range rifle suitable for whitetail deer within 125 yards, predator control, and recreational steel target shooting. Its .357 Magnum chambering allows you to fire cheaper .38 Special ammunition, making range practice sessions economical at around 25 cents per round compared to full-power magnums. The 20-inch barrel provides a solid sight radius of 22.5 inches between front and rear sights for improved practical accuracy over shorter carbine-length lever guns.

How does the GFLVR357 compare to the Henry Big Boy?

The GForce GFLVR357 offers a significant weight and price advantage over the comparable Henry Big Boy Model H012 in .357 Magnum, trading some traditional material heft for modern practicality. At 5.5 pounds with its aluminum receiver, the GFLVR357 is precisely 1.8 pounds lighter than the Henry's all-steel construction, making it noticeably easier to carry on all-day hunts. However, the Henry Big Boy retains a clear edge in its legendary smooth action and brass receiver finish for pure traditionalists who prioritize heritage feel over carry weight.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces or 2.49 kg) and has an overall length of 38 inches. The barrel length is 20 inches with a 1:16-inch twist rate, resulting in an 18-inch sight radius from the rear sight notch to the front post. With a width of 2.4 inches at its widest point across the lever, it balances 4.2 inches forward of the receiver when empty, creating a slightly muzzle-heavy feel that aids in steady offhand shooting.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not an ideal choice for a first-time firearm owner seeking a purely utilitarian home defense tool, as its manual lever action and 38-inch length are less optimized for close-quarters manipulation than a compact shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. It is also not for the collector seeking a flawless period-correct replica, as the aluminum receiver and modern manufacturing marks depart from 19th-century material authenticity. Shooters who demand sub-MOA precision for benchrest shooting should look towards a dedicated bolt-action platform.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one removable leather lever wrap, one Allen key set for sight adjustment, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and warranty. The manual includes detailed torque specifications for the rear sight base screw (15 in-lbs) and the forend cap screw (20 in-lbs), which is rare for this price point. No cleaning kit, sling swivels, or optic mounting plates are included, so budget approximately $40-60 for those necessary accessories.

Is the GFLVR357 worth it at $546.99?

At its current price point of $546.99, the GFLVR357 represents strong value for a shooter seeking a functional, lightweight hunting lever gun without the $900+ premium of a top-tier brand. You are paying for a genuine hardwood stock, a functional adjustable sight system, and a mechanically reliable action, not for decorative polishing or a proprietary magazine system. Compared to the utilitarian Stevens 334 in .308 Win, you're investing in a different manual-of-arms and cartridge versatility rather than raw long-range power.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 5.5 lbs — 1.8 lbs lighter than the all-steel Henry Big Boy Model H012.
13.5-inch length of pull provides a solid fit for most adult shooters.
Adjustable rear sight allows for precise windage and elevation zeroing.
Aluminum receiver reduces carry fatigue by approximately 30% over a full steel equivalent.

Trade-offs

Receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics — requires a $75-120 gunsmith job for scope mounting.
Lever throw requires a break-in period of 200-300 cycles to achieve smooth operation.
No factory-installed sling swivel studs — adds $25-40 and installation time for hunters.

Key attributes

upc	643477864968
manufacturer	GForce Arms
manufacturer part number	GFLVR357
action	Lever Action
barrel finish	Black
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	.357 Magnum
capacity	10 + 1
product type	Rifle
safety	Hammer
shipping weight	0.0
sights	Fiber Optic HIVIZ
sights type	Adjustable Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?: Yes, the GFLVR357 is fully compatible with and designed to fire .38 Special ammunition, which is a lower-pressure and lower-cost cartridge sharing the same bullet diameter. Expect a noticeable reduction in recoil and muzzle velocity—typically around 300-400 feet per second less than full-power .357 Magnum loads. This makes it ideal for extended practice sessions or introducing new shooters.
Does it accept a scope mount?: No, the receiver is not factory-drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and its curved top profile is incompatible with most aftermarket rail systems designed for flat-top receivers. Your optic options are limited to scout-style mounts that replace the rear sight (requiring gunsmith installation) or a barrel-mounted base. A gunsmith can drill and tap the receiver in approximately 2 hours of labor, costing $75-120 plus the mount.
How long does shipping take?: Shipping times vary, but direct from Ironclad Armory's warehouse, standard ground shipping to the continental US typically takes 7-10 business days. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice for the mandatory background check and transfer. Expedited 2-3 day air shipping is often available for an additional $35-50 through our partnership with SecureShip Logistics.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?: No, federal law and Ironclad Armory policy prohibit the return of firearms once the transfer is completed at your FFL dealer, except in cases of a verified manufacturer defect. You must inspect the firearm at your dealer before completing Form 4473. We strongly recommend examining the length of pull, which is 13.5 inches on this model, compared to your own measurements before purchase.
Does this work with a suppressor?: The 20-inch barrel is not threaded from the factory, so it cannot accept a direct-thread suppressor or muzzle device. A qualified gunsmith can thread the barrel to 5/8"-24 or 1/2"-28, but this will reduce barrel length by approximately 0.6 inches and costs $150-200. Note that .357 Magnum from a 20-inch barrel is already relatively quiet, often measuring around 132 decibels with standard ammo.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.