Henry Big Boy Steel H012GL .44 Mag/44 Spl 20″ Walnut

About this product

The Henry Big Boy Steel H012GL is a .44 Magnum/.44 Special lever-action rifle with a 20-inch blued steel barrel and American walnut stock designed for traditional handling and field durability. It represents the modern iteration of classic American gunmaking, incorporating a side-loading gate and a drilled-and-tapped receiver into a time-tested action. This creates a platform suitable for hunting, target shooting, and recreational use where reliability and straightforward mechanics are paramount.

What is the Henry Big Boy Steel H012GL used for?

The H012GL is primarily used for medium-game hunting at ranges under 100 yards and recreational target shooting. Its .44 Magnum cartridge provides good stopping power for deer and similar-sized game, while the 20-inch barrel offers a balance between maneuverability and ballistic efficiency. The 1:20 twist rate stabilizes heavier .44 Magnum loads effectively, making it a practical choice for hunters in dense woods or shooters who prefer iron sights on a robust, traditional platform.

How does the Henry Big Boy Steel H012GL compare to the Marlin 1894?

The H012GL is more straightforward for scope mounting than a classic Marlin 1894 due to its drilled-and-tapped receiver, saving you a gunsmithing fee of approximately $100-$150. While the Marlin has historical collector appeal and a slightly smoother, proprietary action out of the box, the Henry's transfer bar safety is a more modern, drop-safe system and its side-gate loading is a direct, no-fuss operation. For a shooter prioritizing immediate optics readiness and unquestioned mechanical safety in a field rifle, the Henry is the better tool.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.00 lbs (112 ounces) and has an overall length of 37.5 inches. The 20-inch barrel contributes significantly to this length and weight, resulting in a firearm that feels substantial but remains manageable for carrying over rough terrain for an hour or more. Its weight is distributed well, with the walnut stock helping to balance the steel receiver, making it less muzzle-heavy than synthetic-stocked alternatives like our Stevens 334 in .308 Win.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the long-range precision shooter or someone seeking a lightweight, compact brush gun. The 1:20 twist rate is not ideal for the lightest .44 Special target loads, which can exhibit keyholing past 50 yards, and the 37.5-inch overall length makes it cumbersome in a tight blind or vehicle. If your primary use case involves shots beyond 150 yards or demands sub-MOA accuracy, a scoped bolt-action in a flatter-shooting caliber, like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, is a more appropriate choice.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, one factory-installed trigger lock, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and warranty registration. The box does not include a scope mount, sling swivels, a case, or any cleaning supplies. Expect to spend an additional $50-$200 on a quality scope base and rings, and another $30-$60 for a set of quick-detach sling swivels to make the rifle field-ready.

Is the Henry Big Boy Steel H012GL worth it at $957.99?

At $957.99, the H012GL is worth the price for a shooter who values a ready-to-mount, modern-traditional lever gun with authentic materials. You are paying for the blued steel and genuine American walnut, which have a tangible quality and durability superior to synthetic or laminate alternatives in the $700 price bracket. If your budget is strict and aesthetics are secondary, a synthetic-stocked rifle will deliver similar mechanical performance for less, but you sacrifice the classic look and feel this Henry provides.