Henry Big Boy CCH Side Gate Lever Rifle .44 Mag 20 inch 10rd

About this product

The Henry Big Boy CCH Side Gate Lever Rifle .44 Mag 20 inch 10rd is a full-size lever-action rifle chambered for .44 Magnum and .44 Special that pairs classic American styling with modern functional improvements like a side loading gate. It represents a deliberate evolution from Henry's traditionally tube-load-only Big Boy models, offering shooters familiar with Marlin and Winchester lever actions a more intuitive loading procedure without sacrificing the rifle's iconic aesthetic. This particular configuration, with its 20-inch octagon barrel, color case hardened receiver, and straight-grip American walnut stock, sits squarely in the center of the Big Boy lineup for balance and practical handling.

What is the Henry Big Boy CCH Side Gate Lever Rifle used for?

The Henry Big Boy CCH Side Gate is primarily a woods-walking and medium-game hunting rifle, with the .44 Magnum cartridge providing effective energy out to approximately 100 yards on deer-sized game. Its 20-inch octagon barrel and 7.8-pound heft make it steady for offhand shots in brush, while the 10-round tubular magazine capacity offers ample firepower for extended range sessions or predator defense. The rifle's side gate allows for topping off the magazine without cycling all rounds through the action, a tangible advantage when tracking game where quick follow-up shots might be necessary.

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

The Henry Big Boy CCH competes directly with the modern Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum, with Henry's fit and finish often exceeding the Ruger-produced Marlins in terms of wood-to-metal fit and action smoothness out of the box. Where the Henry distinctly differs is its hammer-block transfer bar safety system, which is absent on the traditional Marlin design, and its use of a more complex but robust octagon barrel profile that adds weight and thermal mass. For a shooter prioritizing a suppressor-ready platform, the threaded barrel option available on some Marlin 1894 configurations, like those featured on our threaded-barrel Stevens 334 models, is a notable omission on this specific Henry model.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.8 pounds (124.8 ounces) and an overall length of 37.5 inches, with a 20-inch octagon barrel. The straight-grip walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 14 inches, which is standard for adult shooters, and the 10-round tubular magazine extends 13.5 inches forward from the receiver when fully loaded. This specific balance point, located 6 inches forward of the lever, gives the rifle a slightly muzzle-heavy feel that aids in steady offhand aiming but can be noticeable during all-day carries compared to a lighter compact shotgun.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the budget-focused plinker seeking the absolute lowest cost-per-round, as .44 Magnum ammunition averages $0.80-$1.20 per round compared to $0.30 for .357 Magnum. It's also a poor choice for anyone requiring a quick-detach muzzle device or a factory-threaded barrel for a suppressor, as the octagon barrel profile and front sight configuration make aftermarket threading a complex and expensive gunsmithing job. Finally, those solely interested in maximum magazine capacity should look elsewhere, as some pistol-caliber carbines in .44 Magnum can accept 15+ round box magazines.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, one 10-round tubular magazine, the owner's manual with warranty registration card, and a standard 1-inch scope base adapter for the pre-drilled and tapped receiver. Henry does not include a sling, swivels, or a cleaning kit, which are considered aftermarket necessities for field use. The manual specifically details the function of the transfer bar safety and the proper procedure for unloading the tubular magazine via the side gate, a critical step that takes about 45 seconds to perform safely.

Is the Henry Big Boy CCH worth it at $1,038.99?

At this price point, the Henry Big Boy CCH Side Gate is worth it for the shooter who values heirloom-quality American manufacturing, a buttery-smooth action out of the box, and the specific utility of the side-loading gate on a classically styled lever gun. You are paying a premium of roughly $150-$250 over a basic Big Boy model for the case-hardened finish and side gate feature, which is justified by the upgraded aesthetics and functional loading upgrade. If your use case is purely utilitarian and you prioritize speed of mounting optics, a rifle like the Stevens 334 with its included Picatinny rail offers better value, but sacrifices the classic lever-action experience entirely.