Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .327 Fed Mag 16.5″ Walnut
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .327 Fed Mag 16.5″ Walnut? This rifle is a modern lever-action carbine chambered in .327 Federal Magnum with a 16.5-inch blued steel barrel and American walnut stock, designed for hunters and sport shooters who want traditional handling with modern performance. It features a drilled and tapped receiver for optics and adjustable semi-buckhorn sights for quick target acquisition.
What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine used for?
The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine excels at medium-range hunting and recreational shooting, offering a compact 34-inch overall length and 6.59-pound weight that make it easy to carry in dense brush or use from a blind. Its .327 Federal Magnum cartridge delivers flat trajectories out to 150 yards with minimal recoil, making it suitable for deer, varmints, and extended range sessions without fatigue.
How does the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry Big Boy outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in rapid follow-up shots and handling speed, thanks to its lever-action design that allows firing 6 rounds in under 4 seconds versus the bolt-action's 3 seconds per shot. However, the Stevens 334 offers superior long-range accuracy beyond 300 yards due to its locked-breech bolt action and higher-energy cartridge, making it better for precision hunting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The carbine weighs 6.59 pounds unloaded and measures 34 inches in overall length with a 16.5-inch barrel, balancing portability and stability. Its 1:16-inch twist rate stabilizes bullets up to 130 grains effectively, and the walnut stock adds minimal bulk while providing a solid cheek weld for consistent aiming.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for long-range precision shooters or those needing high-capacity magazines, as its tube-fed design limits reload speed and maximum effective range to about 200 yards. Competition shooters requiring fast magazine changes or suppressors should look at bolt-actions or semi-autos like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, which offer easier threading and detachable box magazines.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one empty 6-round tubular magazine, and a owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. No sights or optics are included beyond the factory-installed semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front, so budget for a scope base and rings if opting for magnification.
Is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine worth it at $942.99?
At $942.99, this carbine justifies its cost for shooters valuing classic aesthetics, reliable lever-action mechanics, and the versatile .327 Federal Magnum round that outperforms .38 Special in energy and trajectory. Compared to cheaper alternatives, its drilled receiver, walnut stock, and polished bluing reflect higher craftsmanship, though budget-conscious buyers might prefer a synthetic-stock bolt-action for half the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.59 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than the Marlin 1894 CST
- 6-round tube capacity — holds two more rounds than typical .357 Magnum lever guns
- 34-inch overall length — 4 inches shorter than full-size rifles for better maneuverability
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel — adds $150-300 for gunsmith threading if suppressing
- Blued steel requires frequent oiling in humid conditions — expect weekly maintenance in wet climates
- Tube loading slower than box magazines — takes 12-15 seconds to reload fully versus 5 seconds for detachable mags
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200150 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012MR327 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .327 Federal Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Blue |
| model | Big Boy Steel |
| product type | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 7.79 |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| length | 34'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 7-Round |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.75 |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| sights | FS:Brass Bead/RS:Semi-Buckhorn |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- No, the 16.5-inch barrel lacks threading for direct suppressor attachment, requiring gunsmith modification that costs $150-300 and may void the warranty. Henry does not offer factory-threaded versions of this model, so consider alternative rifles if suppression is a priority.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 34-inch overall length fits most 36-inch rifle cases with room for accessories, though compact cases under 35 inches may require diagonal placement. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases for secure transport without excessive bulk.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items, depending on your location and FFL availability. All firearms require shipment to a licensed dealer for background check and transfer, adding 1-2 days for processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final due to federal regulations, so ensure fit and function through specifications or in-store handling before purchase. Ironclad Armory allows exchanges only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, with proof of inspection.