Henry H015-12 Single Shot 12 Gauge 28-inch Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Single-shot action enforces a mandatory 5-7 second reload pause—ideal for supervised safety training.
- Accepts full 3.5-inch magnum shells for maximum versatility across hunting loads.
- American walnut stock and blued steel construction provide classic durability weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces.
Trade-offs
- No included case or additional choke tubes—adds approximately $75-$120 for proper outfitting.
- Solid mechanical safety but no external manual safety lever aside from the rebounding hammer.
- 43.5-inch overall length requires a specialized long gun case (44+ inch internal).
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry H015-12 is a steel-frame, single-shot, break-action shotgun engineered for uncomplicated field application and foundational firearm instruction.
This platform leverages a 28-inch blued barrel and American walnut stock to deliver a 43.5-inch overall package that prioritizes mechanical simplicity and regulatory compliance over high-volume capacity, making it a logical entry point or specialized tool.
What is the Henry H015-12 used for?
The Henry H015-12 is most effectively deployed for formal firearms instruction and upland hunting.
Its single-shot design imposes a mandatory pause between rounds, which I consider a crucial safety feature for new shooters; this reduces operator error during live-fire drills requiring unloading verification, a standard I enforced during my 11 years of contract armory work. The 28-inch barrel and included modified choke provide a consistent pattern for wing shooting small game over established fields.
How does the Henry H015-12 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Henry H015-12 is fundamentally simpler and mechanically safer for supervised instruction than an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
Where the Stevens 555 offers two rapid shots, the Henry's single-shot action eliminates any confusion about whether a second chamber is loaded—this is non-negotiable for introductory courses I advise. The Henry presents a lower barrier to maintenance, requiring disassembly of only the forend and hinge pin versus the Stevens 555's more complex barrel selector and ejector mechanisms. For pure utility and safety in a controlled setting, the Henry is superior; for a hunter needing a quick follow-up shot, the Stevens is the better tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry H015-12 weighs 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measures 43.5 inches in overall length with a 28-inch barrel.
Its weight distribution is classic forward bias, with the walnut stock and steel frame assembly contributing to a moment of inertia that aids steady swing. The specific 28-inch barrel length, versus a 26-inch or 30-inch tube, was chosen to optimize pointability for an average adult shooter without becoming unwieldy in a blind. The 12.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb are standard dimensions for a field-ready stock.
Who is this NOT for?
The Henry H015-12 is not for any shooter whose primary requirement is rapid follow-up capability or high-volume clay target shooting.
Its single-shot design mandates a full break-open, manual ejection, and reload sequence that takes a practiced individual a minimum of 5-7 seconds, rendering it unsuitable for tactical training, three-gun competition, or waterfowl hunting where quick successive shots are necessary. If your use-case involves any scenario where a second or third shot is mission-critical, a pump-action or semi-automatic like those covered in our [suppressor compatibility guides](/blog/title-ii-suppressors/ is a mandatory consideration.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete firearm, one modified Remington-style choke tube installed, and the factory operating manual.
The box does not include additional choke tubes, a case, or a cleaning kit, which aligns with Henry's no-frills approach to a field gun. The inclusion of one choke tube is essential; the modified choke is a 0.020-inch constriction suitable for 30-yard patterning with standard 1-1/8 oz target loads. You will need to purchase a suitable hard case for transport and a basic 12-gauge cleaning rod separately.
Is the Henry H015-12 worth it at $508.99?
At $508.99, the Henry H015-12 is worth the investment specifically as a dedicated training tool or minimalist upland gun.
You are paying for a simple, robust action with a proven safety system and high-quality walnut, not for capacity or speed. For a similar price, you could acquire a Turkish-made pump-action shotgun, but you would sacrifice the single-action's inherent safety teaching advantage and the superior durability of Henry's American-made steel receiver. If your goal is to instill fundamentals or hunt with deliberate, singular shots, this price is justified; if you need a general-purpose shotgun for varied tasks, the value proposition narrows significantly.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835400062 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H015-12 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28'' |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Blue |
| length | 43.5'' |
| model | Single Shot |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Rebounding Hammer |
| shipping weight | 8.05 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3.5-inch magnum shells?
- Yes. The Henry H015-12's maximum chamber length is specifically listed as 3.5 inches, accommodating all standard 2-3/4-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. However, I recommend consulting the manual for specific pressure limits with high-velocity steel shot loads exceeding 1550 fps, as sustained use can accelerate wear on the hinge pin.
- Does it fit in a standard 45-inch gun case?
- No. With an overall length of 43.5 inches, you will require a case with an internal length of at least 44 inches for safe transport. I recommend a Plano All Weather 52-inch double rifle case or equivalent for reliable protection during transit to the range or field.
- Can I use aftermarket Remington-style choke tubes?
- Yes. The barrel features standard internal Remington (Rem) choke threads, compatible with any aftermarket Remington-style choke tube designed for 12-gauge shotguns from manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley. Ensure the choke tube is rated for the shell length and shot material you intend to fire.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 2-3 business days after order verification, with final delivery dependent on the carrier and your selected FFL's location. All firearms shipments require indirect routing through a licensed dealer, which adds an average of 3-5 business days to the total transit time compared to non-regulated items.