Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20-inch 10rd
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20-inch 10rd is a full-size lever-action rifle that combines traditional walnut-and-steel construction with modern loading versatility. As the lead armorer at Ironclad Armory with over a decade of regulatory and mechanical experience, I appreciate how it bridges classic design and practical field use. Its dual-caliber capability makes it one of the most versatile ranch and woods rifles available under $1,000.What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate used for?
This rifle is designed for medium-game hunting, recreational shooting, and property defense within 150 yards. The .357 Magnum cartridge delivers approximately 800 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—enough for whitetail deer with proper shot placement—while .38 Special offers low-recoil practice. The 20-inch barrel provides a sight radius ideal for iron-sight accuracy, and the 10-round tube magazine balances capacity with manageable weight.
How does the Henry Big Boy compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry lever-action is faster for follow-up shots than the bolt-action Stevens 334, but less inherently accurate beyond 200 yards. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior long-range energy (over 2,600 foot-pounds), the Henry’s tube magazine avoids protruding magazines that snag on brush. For dense-cover hunting or rapid target engagement, the Henry excels; for precision shooting at distance, the Stevens 334 is superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7 pounds unloaded and measures 37.5 inches in overall length. The 20-inch barrel has a 1:16 twist rate optimized for stabilizing .357 projectiles up to 158 grains. At 7 lbs, it’s 1.2 pounds heavier than a synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 in .243 Win, but the weight mitigates recoil and improves off-hand stability.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for long-range precision shooters or those needing detachable magazines. The tubular magazine requires sequential unloading—a 30-second process versus a 5-second magazine swap. If you prioritize sub-MOA accuracy or tactical reloads, a bolt-action or modern sporting rifle will better suit your needs.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 10-round tubular magazine, and a manufacturer’s manual. Unlike some competitors, no optics, sling, or case is included—budget $50-$100 for a padded soft case. The receiver is pre-drilled for scope mounts, but you’ll need to purchase bases separately.
Is the Henry Big Boy worth it at $957.99?
At $957.99, it’s fairly priced for American-made craftsmanship and dual-loading functionality. The side gate and tube magazine system alone justify a $200 premium over base models lacking this feature. If you value traditional aesthetics with practical updates, this is one of the best lever actions under $1,000.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-loading system (side gate + tube) enables 10-round capacity with flexible reloading options
- Weighs 7 lbs—1.2 lbs heavier than synthetic alternatives for better recoil control
- 1:16 twist rate stabilizes .357 Magnum bullets up to 158 grains with ±1.5 MOA accuracy
- American walnut stock with 18 LPI checkering provides secure grip in all conditions
Trade-offs
- Tubular magazine requires sequential unloading—takes 30 seconds versus 5-second detachable mag swap
- No included optics mounting hardware—adds $30-$50 for bases and rings
- Blued steel finish shows handling marks more readily than Cerakote or nitride
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200396 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GML |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10+1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.5'' |
| model | Big Boy Steel Side Gate |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.18 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front/Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Yes, but the 20-inch barrel requires a threaded adapter ($40-$60) since it's not factory-threaded. Use .38 Special subsonic rounds (around 105 dB) for effective suppression; .357 Magnum will still produce a sonic crack.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Absolutely—the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. I recommend a low-power variable optic like a Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm to maintain the rifle's handling balance.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days. Shipping to FFL dealers typically adds 3-7 days depending on your location. You'll need to provide your FFL's contact information at checkout.
- Is the large loop compatible with gloved hands?
- Yes, the large lever loop accommodates winter gloves up to 3/8-inch thickness. It's 15% wider than standard loops, allowing full cycling even with heavy leather gloves.