Henry H1 Frontier 20-inch Octagon Blued Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Henry H1 Frontier 20-inch Octagon Blued Walnut? It's a modern-production lever-action rifle that faithfully executes a 19th-century American sporting rifle profile with contemporary manufacturing precision. Its 20-inch octagon cold-hammer-forged barrel and American walnut straight-grip stock provide a stable, 6.5-pound platform suitable for deliberate, sub-150-yard field use where traditional aesthetics and manual-action reliability are prioritized. This rifle is neither a tactical tool nor a high-volume plinker—it's a purpose-built instrument for specific scenarios.
What is the Henry H1 Frontier used for?
The Henry H1 Frontier is used for deliberate rimfire shooting applications where shot placement matters more than rate of fire. This rifle excels at small-game hunting, like squirrel or rabbit, within 125 yards, and is well-suited to casual target shooting or introducing new shooters to lever-action mechanics. Its 1:9 rifling twist provides excellent stability for standard-velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition, and the 15-round tubular magazine capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. For high-volume rimfire plinking, a semi-automatic like a Ruger 10/22 would be more appropriate.
How does the Henry H1 Frontier compare to the Stevens 334 bolt-action?
The Henry H1 Frontier is better suited for shooters valuing traditional aesthetics and fast follow-up shots from the lever action, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is superior for pure accuracy and stopping power at longer distances. The Frontier's lever action allows you to cycle a new round and maintain your sight picture more quickly than a bolt gun, but the Stevens' bolt action will inherently deliver greater mechanical precision and handle significantly more powerful centerfire cartridges. For dispatching varmints with traditional style, choose the Frontier; for hunting deer or precision target work, choose the Stevens bolt-action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry H1 Frontier weighs 6.5 pounds, or 104 ounces, with an overall length of 37.5 inches, making it approximately 0.7 pounds heavier but three inches shorter than a typical Marlin 60. The 20-inch barrel contributes to a well-balanced feel, with the octagon profile adding significant weight-forward stability compared to a standard round barrel. The straight-grip walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 13.5 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without adjustment, though youth or smaller-framed shooters might find the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U a better ergonomic fit.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time gun owner seeking a simple, low-maintenance home defense or high-volume plinking tool. The manual quarter-cock safety requires active engagement and understanding from the user, and the tubular magazine loading process is slower than a detachable box magazine. It is also not ideal for precision long-range shooting; the grooved receiver accepts scope mounts, but the design lacks a drilled-and-tapped receiver for solid scope bases, limiting optic options compared to modern rifles. For a simple, multi-role defensive shotgun option, examine the capabilities of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle, one 15-round tubular magazine follower, and the manufacturer's safety and warranty documentation. The rifle ships without a scope, mounts, or a case, so plan for an additional $50-$150 for secure transport and storage. The manual clearly outlines the proper procedure for engaging the quarter-cock safety and loading the tubular magazine, a process that takes a new user about 90 seconds to complete safely after reviewing the instructions.
Is the Henry H1 Frontier worth it at $543.99?
At $543.99, the Henry H1 Frontier is worth it for the shooter who specifically wants the tactile experience and historical aesthetic of a traditional octagon-barrel lever gun, and is willing to pay a premium for its blued and walnut finish over a synthetic-stock alternative. You are paying approximately $150-$200 more than a basic synthetic-stock lever-action .22 for the machining of the octagon barrel and the select-grade American walnut. If your priority is purely functional accuracy per dollar, a bolt-action in the same caliber is a better value, but for combining a classic look with smooth, reliable action, this rifle delivers.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 20-inch octagon cold-hammer-forged barrel provides superior harmonics and heat dissipation over a standard round barrel.
- 6.5 lb total weight (104 oz) offers excellent stability off-hand without being burdensome for all-day carry.
- 15-round tubular magazine capacity is best-in-class for traditional-styled lever-action .22 rifles.
- American walnut stock is finished with a hand-rubbed oil, not a thick polyurethane, preserving wood feel and grain.
Trade-offs
- Grooved receiver only accepts 3/8" dovetail rings, limiting scope mounting options vs. a drilled-and-tapped Picatinny rail system.
- Manual quarter-cock safety is not ambidextrous and requires deliberate training for safe operation, unlike a cross-bolt safety.
- Tubular magazine loading requires feeding each round into the tube, a slower process (approx. 45 seconds for full load) than a detachable box magazine.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835011558 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H001T-17H |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 13 |
| color | Black |
| length | 38'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 13-Round |
| model | Frontier |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | 1/4 Cock |
| shipping weight | 7.2 |
| sights | Adjustable Rear/Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short and .22 Long ammunition?
- Yes, the Henry H1 Frontier is compatible with .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle ammunition due to its tubular magazine design. You can mix different .22 caliber rimfire cartridges within the same tube, though doing so may affect point of impact. For optimal performance and reliability, I recommend using standard or high-velocity .22 LR rounds like CCI Mini-Mag.
- Does this fit a standard 50-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the rifle's 37.5-inch overall length fits easily into any standard 50-inch soft rifle case or 42-inch hard case with room to spare for accessories. You will have approximately 12.5 inches of extra space in a 50-inch case, enough for a small box of ammunition and cleaning tools. For dual-rifle transport, a 52-inch case is recommended.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Processing and shipping to your chosen FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground adds another 2-6 business days depending on your location relative to our Nevada warehouse. The entire process from order to dealer notification averages 7-10 business days total.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- You can return the rifle within 30 days of the original ship date if it is unfired, in original new condition, and shipped back in its original packaging with all included items. All returns must be initiated through customer service and shipped directly to an FFL holder at our facility, with return shipping and a 15% restocking fee being the customer's responsibility.
- Does this work with a standard 3/8" dovetail scope mount?
- Yes, the grooved receiver is machined for a standard 3/8" dovetail, which is compatible with most rimfire-specific scope rings from brands like Leupold, Warne, and UTG. I recommend using a compact 4x32mm or similar low-power rimfire scope to maintain the rifle's classic handling; a large 50mm objective bell may interfere with the ejection port.