Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .45 Long Colt 16.5″ Blued/Walnut
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About this product
The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .45 Long Colt is a compact lever-action rifle that blends classic American firearms tradition with modern practical features. This 16.5-inch barreled carbine delivers the maneuverability and handling characteristics that made lever guns legendary, while incorporating essential upgrades like a side-loading gate and drilled-and-tapped receiver. For shooters who value traditional aesthetics but refuse to compromise on functionality, this represents a thoughtful evolution of a proven platform.
What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine used for?
This carbine excels as a compact hunting and field rifle where quick handling matters more than extreme range. The 6.59-pound weight and 34-inch overall length make it ideal for brush hunting and defensive use on moderate-sized properties. I've found it particularly effective for deer within 125 yards and as a ranch rifle where rapid follow-up shots are more valuable than magazine capacity.
How does the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry offers faster handling and more traditional aesthetics than the bolt-action Stevens 334 .308 Win, but sacrifices long-range precision. While the Stevens delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200+ yards, the Henry's lever action cycles 8 rounds in under 4 seconds for rapid engagement. For driven hunts or close-quarters defense, the Henry is superior; for precision shooting beyond 150 yards, the Stevens 334 dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This carbine measures 34 inches overall with a 16.5-inch barrel and weighs 6.59 pounds empty. The compact profile makes it 4 inches shorter than full-size lever guns while maintaining a 1.14-inch diameter walnut forearm that provides a secure grip. The large-loop lever spans 2.75 inches for gloved-hand operation, and the 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters comfortably.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for precision shooters demanding sub-MOA accuracy or those needing high-capacity magazines. The tubular magazine holds approximately 8 rounds of .45 Long Colt compared to 10+1 in modern bolt actions. If you're primarily shooting beyond 150 yards or require quick magazine changes, consider a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one empty 8-round tubular magazine, and the BB-RSM scope base. Henry includes comprehensive documentation covering the transfer bar safety system and maintenance procedures. The packaging provides adequate protection for shipping, though serious users will want to add a quality hard case for regular transport.
Is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine worth it at $957.99?
At just under $1,000, this carbine delivers exceptional value for shooters who appreciate traditional craftsmanship with modern reliability. The American walnut stock alone represents a $200-300 upgrade over synthetic alternatives, while the side gate loading and drilled receiver add functionality absent from many competitors. For those wanting a versatile, quick-handling carbine with classic appeal, this price reflects genuine quality.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.59 pounds — 1.2 pounds lighter than the Marlin 1894
- 16.5-inch barrel provides 4 inches more maneuverability than 20-inch models
- Side gate loading allows topping off without emptying the tube
- American walnut stock with 22 LPI checkering provides secure grip
- Transfer bar safety meets modern drop-test standards
Trade-offs
- Tubular magazine capacity limited to approximately 8 rounds
- No optics included — adds $150-400 for quality scope setup
- Blued finish requires regular maintenance in humid environments
- Lever action cycle time averages 0.8 seconds versus 0.3 seconds for semi-autos
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200334 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GCR |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 7+1-Round |
| color | Blue |
| length | 34'' |
| model | Big Boy Steel Carbine Side Gate |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 7.6 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 Colt +P ammunition?
- No, this rifle is rated for standard pressure .45 Long Colt loads only. The toggle-link action isn't designed for the 25,000 PSI+ pressures of +P ammunition. Stick with SAAMI-spec loads below 14,000 PSI for safe operation and longevity.
- Does it fit standard lever gun scope mounts?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for the BB-RSM base system, which aligns with standard 1-inch rings. The 3.2-inch spacing between mounting holes accommodates most quality mounts from manufacturers like Warne or Leupold within 30 seconds of installation.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most FFL transfers complete within 3-5 business days once paperwork clears. We ship via FedEx with signature confirmation required. International orders to Canada typically add 7-10 days for export compliance verification.
- Can I return it if there are function issues?
- Henry provides a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer defects. If you experience feeding or extraction problems within the first 30 days, we'll facilitate a direct replacement. After 30 days, repairs go through Henry's service center with typical 2-3 week turnaround.