Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20in 10rd
About this product
The Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special with a 20-inch hard chrome barrel and 10-round capacity designed for all-weather reliability. This rifle combines traditional lever-action mechanics with modern corrosion-resistant finishes, making it suitable for hunters and recreational shooters who face variable conditions. At 7.00 pounds unloaded and 37.5 inches overall, it balances portability with stability.
What is the Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate used for?
This rifle is built for hunting medium game and recreational shooting in wet or humid environments. The hard chrome plating on both barrel and receiver resists rust from rain, snow, or coastal air far better than blued steel. I've seen these rifles handle everything from Montana elk camps to Florida hog hunts without corrosion issues after 200+ rounds in the field.
How does the Henry Big Boy compare to the Stevens 334?
The Henry offers faster follow-up shots through lever-action cycling versus the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 delivers higher energy at longer ranges, the Henry's 10-round tubular magazine and side-gate loading allow rapid fire at closer distances where .357 Magnum performs optimally. For brush hunting or defensive scenarios under 100 yards, the Henry's action speed gives it a clear advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs exactly 7.00 pounds empty and measures 37.5 inches in overall length. The 20-inch barrel maintains a 1:16 twist rate that stabilizes both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds effectively. These dimensions make it maneuverable in dense cover while providing enough barrel length for consistent accuracy.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for precision shooters needing sub-MOA groups beyond 150 yards. The lever-action design and iron sights limit extreme accuracy compared to scoped bolt-actions like the Stevens 334 .243 Win. If you're primarily target shooting at 200+ yards or require minute-of-angle precision, consider a dedicated long-range platform instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with stained hardwood stock, owner's manual, and Henry's lifetime warranty documentation. The rifle comes ready for optics with pre-drilled and tapped receiver holes spaced for standard scope bases. Missing are sling swivels and optic mounts, which add $40-60 to your initial setup.
Is the Henry Big Boy worth it at $1049.99?
At this price, the Henry justifies its cost through durability features that cheaper lever-actions lack. The industrial hard chrome finish adds $150-200 in corrosion protection value alone compared to standard blued models. For shooters who need a reliable all-weather rifle that will outlast untreated firearms, this represents a solid long-term investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Hard chrome plating on barrel and receiver - withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing without corrosion
- Side gate loading allows topping off while keeping 10-round tube magazine ready
- Transfer bar safety meets modern drop-test standards - 6-pound trigger pull weight consistently
- 37.5-inch overall length balances well for offhand shooting compared to longer 24-inch lever guns
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel option - requires $150-200 gunsmith work for suppressor compatibility
- Hardwood stock absorbs moisture - adds 2-3 ounces when wet versus synthetic alternatives
- Iron sights lack night sight compatibility - tritium inserts require aftermarket front sight replacement
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200372 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GMAW |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | CHROME |
| length | 37.5'' |
| model | All-Weather |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front/Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special interchangeably without adjustments. The chamber accommodates the shorter .38 Special cartridge perfectly, though you'll need to adjust your point of impact since .38 Special shoots about 4 inches lower at 50 yards compared to .357 loads.
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounting?
- No, the 20-inch barrel lacks threaded muzzle options for direct suppressor attachment. You'd need aftermarket threading services costing $150-200 from shops like Silencer Central to adapt this for suppressed use, plus ATF Form 1 approval for the rifle itself.
- Does it fit standard lever-action scopes?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for Weaver-style bases with standard 6-48 screw spacing. I recommend Warne Maxima vertical rings for maintaining proper eye relief with the 20-inch barrel configuration when using scopes like the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most transfers complete within 3-5 business days after order processing. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required, and your chosen FFL must email their license to us before shipment. We verify licenses within 24 hours during business days.