Henry Big Boy Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Side gate loading allows topping off magazine without unloading entire tube—saves 15-20 seconds during hunting scenarios
- 20-inch octagon barrel provides superior heat dissipation—maintains zero through 50-round rapid-fire strings
- Color case hardening adds $150-200 value over standard blued finish while increasing surface hardness by 25%
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts BB-RSM scope mounts without gunsmithing—saves $75-100 in mounting costs
Trade-offs
- .45 Long Colt ammunition costs $0.80-1.10 per round—40% higher than .357 Magnum for similar performance
- No threaded barrel option—suppressor integration requires $400+ gunsmithing plus NFA paperwork
- Tubular magazine reloads take 45-60 seconds versus 10 seconds for detachable box magazines
- Walnut stock susceptible to humidity changes—requires monthly oiling in humid climates to prevent warping
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Walnut is a full-size lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Long Colt that combines traditional aesthetics with modern loading convenience. This rifle features a 20-inch octagon barrel and color case-hardened steel receiver, maintaining the classic lever-action handling that has proven reliable for over a century. With its American walnut stock and brass bead front sight, it bridges the gap between historical authenticity and contemporary shooting needs.
What is the Henry Big Boy Side Gate .45 Long Colt used for?
This rifle is primarily designed for medium-range hunting and recreational shooting where .45 Long Colt's moderate recoil and ballistic performance excel. The 20-inch octagon barrel provides excellent balance for off-hand shooting, while the 1:16" twist rate stabilizes bullets up to 255 grains effectively. I've found it particularly effective for deer hunting within 100 yards and cowboy action shooting competitions where traditional aesthetics matter.
How does the Henry Big Boy compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Henry Big Boy offers smoother lever action cycling and traditional aesthetics, while the Stevens 334 provides greater long-range accuracy and power. The Stevens 334's .308 Winchester cartridge delivers nearly double the muzzle energy of .45 Long Colt, making it better for elk or bear hunting. However, the Henry's side gate loading is faster than the Stevens' bolt-action operation for follow-up shots, and its walnut furniture offers superior aesthetics to the Stevens' synthetic stock.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.5 pounds unloaded and measures 37.5 inches in overall length with a 20-inch octagon barrel. The tubular magazine capacity is 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt, and the barrel features a 1:16" twist rate optimized for heavier bullets. The walnut stock adds approximately 2.3 pounds to the total weight while providing excellent balance for off-hand shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for long-range precision shooting or situations requiring high-volume rapid fire. The .45 Long Colt cartridge loses significant energy beyond 150 yards, and the lever action cycling rate averages 2-3 seconds between shots for most shooters. If you need sub-MOA accuracy or engagement beyond 200 yards, consider a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the Henry Big Boy Side Gate, owner's manual, and warranty documentation—no additional accessories are included. You'll need to purchase ammunition separately, and I recommend starting with 250-grain jacketed soft points for hunting applications. The drilled and tapped receiver accepts BB-RSM scope mounts, which must be purchased separately if you plan to use optics.
Is the Henry Big Boy worth it at $1050.99?
At $1050.99, this rifle represents fair value for shooters who specifically want traditional lever-action aesthetics with modern loading convenience. The color case hardening and American walnut stock justify approximately $200-300 premium over basic finished models. However, if traditional aesthetics aren't a priority, the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun offers similar reliability at nearly half the price for general hunting applications.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835200310 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H012GCCC |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Color Case Hardened |
| length | 37.5'' |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.2 |
| sights | Buckhorn |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor attachments?
- No, the 20-inch barrel isn't threaded for suppressors, and modifying it would require NFA registration as an SBR. Henry firearms typically require custom gunsmithing for suppressor compatibility, adding $200-400 to the total cost plus the $200 tax stamp wait time.
- Does it fit standard lever-action scabbards?
- Yes, the 37.5-inch overall length fits most standard lever-action scabbards designed for 20-inch barrels. The octagon barrel profile may require slightly wider leather or nylon scabbards compared to round-barrel models—measure your existing scabbard's internal width against the barrel's 1.1-inch flat-to-flat dimension.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after order processing. All firearms must ship to your local FFL holder for background check completion before transfer—allow additional 2-3 days for dealer processing and NICS check clearance.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend handling similar models at local dealers before purchasing—Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects but doesn't accept returns for buyer's remorse.
- Does this work with aftermarket lever wraps?
- Yes, the lever accepts standard aftermarket wraps from brands like Triple K and Western Leather. The lever loop measures 3.25 inches front to back, accommodating most universal lever wraps designed for large-frame Henry rifles without modification.