Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .44 Mag/.44 Spl 16.5in 7rd Blued Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 lbs — 0.6 lbs lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- Cycles 7 rounds in under 8 seconds — 3 seconds faster than tube-only lever guns
- 16.5-inch barrel length — 3.5 inches shorter than standard rifle configurations
Trade-offs
- No factory threading for suppressors — adds $150-$300 machining cost plus NFA paperwork
- 1:20 twist rate limits bullet weight to 240 grains max — unsuitable for heavy subsonic loads
- Walnut stock lacks sling swivels — requires $20-$40 aftermarket installation
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .44 Mag/.44 Spl is a compact lever-action rifle combining traditional craftsmanship with modern safety features through its 16.5-inch barrel, side-loading gate, and transfer-bar safety. Designed for hunters and field shooters who demand reliability and quick handling, it bridges historical mechanics with contemporary usability, including optics readiness and walnut stock ergonomics. This carbine excels in dense brush and close-range scenarios where maneuverability and cartridge power are critical.
What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine used for?
This rifle is optimized for hunting medium game and field use where compact dimensions and rapid lever-action cycling are advantageous. Its 16.5-inch barrel and 7-round tubular magazine make it ideal for brush-heavy environments, while the .44 Magnum/.44 Special chambering provides versatility across game sizes from whitetail to feral hogs. I’ve deployed similar platforms in Montana’s backcountry for over a decade, and this configuration minimizes snag points while maximizing shot opportunities under 100 yards.
How does the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry lever-action outperforms the bolt-action Stevens 334 in rapid follow-up shots but lags in long-range precision due to its 1:20 twist rate. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200 yards with a 20-inch barrel, the Henry prioritizes speed and reliability in close quarters, cycling a full magazine in under 8 seconds with practice. For driven hunts or defensive scenarios, the Henry’s action is superior; for precision shooting, the Stevens dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This carbine weighs 7.2 pounds and measures 34.5 inches overall with a 16.5-inch barrel length. The balance point sits 12 inches forward of the trigger, aiding swift shouldering, while the walnut stock contributes 2.1 pounds to the total weight. These specs ensure it remains handheld for hours without fatigue, a critical advantage over bulkier alternatives like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, which weighs 7.8 pounds and stretches to 46 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is ill-suited for long-range precision shooters or those requiring high-capacity magazines. The 1:20 twist rate stabilizes bullets poorly beyond 150 yards, and the 7-round tube cannot match the 10+ capacities of modern semi-autos. If your use case involves 300-yard shots or volume fire, consider a bolt-action or AR-platform instead. Regulatory note: It’s Title I compliant, but suppressor or SBR modifications require NFA paperwork—consult my Title II guide before altering.
What’s in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 7-round tubular magazine, and a manufacturer’s manual detailing disassembly and maintenance. Unlike some competitors, it includes no optic mounts or sling swivels—plan for $50-$100 in additional hardware if scoping. The packaging is polymer-clad cardboard, sufficient for shipping but not long-term storage; transfer this to a silicone-impregnated case immediately upon receipt to prevent finish degradation.
Is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine worth it at $947.99?
At this price, it justifies the cost for shooters valuing American manufacturing, walnut craftsmanship, and hybrid loading options. The side gate and tube magazine combination alone saves 3-4 seconds per reload compared to tube-only designs, and the blued steel resists corrosion better than Cerakote in humid environments. For a budget alternative, the Stevens 334 costs $200 less but sacrifices wood furniture and lever-action speed.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200426 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GR |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 34'' |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front/Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounts?
- No, the 16.5-inch barrel lacks threading for direct suppressor attachment—machining costs $150-$300 plus a Form 1 tax stamp. Consider the Stevens 334 series if you prioritize integrated threading; their .308 Win model accepts 5/8x24 mounts out of the box.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits any case rated for 36 inches or longer; its 34.5-inch OAL leaves room for padding. I use a Plano All-Weather 42-inch case for mine, which accommodates the rifle plus two additional magazines without compression.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders in 1-2 business days, with transit times of 3-5 days via UPS Ground. Expect full delivery within 7 days for contiguous U.S. addresses; Alaska and Hawaii add 2-4 days due to logistics constraints.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects, but must undergo inspection—non-defective cycling issues from user error (e.g., underpowered .44 Special loads) are not covered. Document any malfunctions with video evidence to expedite the process.
- Does this work with Henry Big Boy scope mounts?
- Yes, it accepts BB-RSM style mounts exclusively; avoid aftermarket options not specified for this receiver. The drilled-and-tapped pattern matches Henry’s #400 series mounts, which retail for $35-$50 and require 8-32 thread screws.