Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Colt 20″ Lever Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Side-loading gate allows topping off without emptying tubular magazine—saves 15 seconds per reload
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts #8-40 scope mounts without gunsmith modification
- American walnut stock with 20 LPI checkering provides secure grip in wet conditions
- Transfer-bar safety meets modern drop-test standards while maintaining traditional appearance
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel—requires $150-200 gunsmith work for suppressor compatibility
- Tubular magazine holds only 10 rounds versus 15+ in some Marlin 1894 models
- Walnut stock adds 1.8 lbs compared to synthetic alternatives—noticeable during extended carries
- Iron sights lack tritium or fiber optic upgrades—limited low-light capability without optics
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Colt 20″ Lever Rifle is a full-size lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt that blends traditional styling with modern manufacturing for reliable performance in hunting and target shooting scenarios. Built with a blued steel receiver and American walnut stock, it maintains the classic lever-action feel while incorporating practical updates like a side-loading gate and optics-ready drilling. This rifle appeals to shooters who value historical authenticity but demand contemporary reliability.
What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Colt 20″ Lever Rifle used for?
This rifle is designed for hunting medium to large game and target shooting where a reliable lever-action platform is preferred. The .45 Colt cartridge delivers approximately 900 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it effective for deer and black bear within 150 yards. The 20-inch barrel provides a balance between maneuverability and velocity retention.
How does the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry lever-action offers faster follow-up shots but less long-range precision than the bolt-action Stevens 334 in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 achieves sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition, the Henry delivers 3-4 MOA groups with factory loads—better suited for quick shots in dense cover. The Henry's tubular magazine holds 10 rounds versus the Stevens' 4-round detachable box, but requires slower reloading.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.0 lbs (112 oz) with an overall length of 37.5 inches and barrel length of 20 inches. The American walnut stock adds 1.8 lbs to the total weight, contributing to recoil absorption but increasing carry weight compared to synthetic alternatives like the Stevens 334. The large-loop lever measures 4.5 inches wide for gloved-hand operation.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision long-range shooters or those requiring high-capacity rapid reloads. The .45 Colt cartridge drops significantly beyond 200 yards, and the tubular magazine takes approximately 30 seconds to fully reload compared to 5 seconds for a detachable magazine system. Hunters needing ethical shots beyond 250 yards should consider a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one removable tubular magazine, owner's manual, and a cable lock. Unlike some competitors, it does not include iron sight adjustment tools or cleaning kits—expect to spend an additional $25-40 for basic maintenance equipment. The receiver comes pre-drilled for #8-40 scope mount screws, requiring separate optic mounting hardware.
Is the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate worth it at $957.99?
At $957.99, this rifle justifies its cost for shooters prioritizing traditional lever-action mechanics and modern reliability. The blued steel construction and walnut stock represent approximately $200-300 in material upgrades over entry-level models. Compared to custom-built alternatives costing $1,500+, it delivers 85% of the performance at 60% of the price for most hunting applications.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200327 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GCL |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 10+1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 37.5'' |
| model | Big Boy Steel Side Gate |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Adjustable Rear/Bead Front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor attachments?
- No, the 20-inch barrel lacks threaded muzzle options for direct suppressor mounting. You would need gunsmith threading for approximately $150-200 plus ATF Form 1 approval. Henry does not offer factory-threaded versions of this model.
- Does it fit standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard .45 Colt rounds with maximum cartridge overall length of 1.600 inches. Avoid +P loads exceeding 14,000 PSI—this rifle is rated for SAAMI standard pressures only. Federal Premium and Hornady LeverEvolution cycles reliably in testing.
- How long does shipping take to FFL?
- Shipping typically requires 3-5 business days after FFL verification completes. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required. Delays occur if your FFL hasn't faxed their license to our compliance department within 24 hours.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns require inspection by our gunsmith within 30 days of receipt. If mechanical defects are verified, we cover return shipping and repair or replacement. Cosmetic issues or ammunition-related malfunctions don't qualify—expect 10-14 day turnaround for warranty assessment.