Henry H015-20 Single Shot 20 Gauge 26-inch Blued/Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Henry H015-20 Single Shot 20 Gauge shotgun? It's a break-action, single-chamber long gun built for uncomplicated reliability, with a 26-inch round barrel finished in classic blued steel and mounted to an American walnut pistol-grip stock. This one-shell-at-a-time design leverages a rebounding hammer for inherent mechanical safety and a 3-inch chamber for common hunting loads. In today's market, filled with $2,000 inertia-driven autoloaders and tactical pump-actions, the H015-20 occupies a deliberate niche where manual control and straightforward function are the primary features.
What is the Henry H015-20 used for?
The Henry H015-20 excels as a dedicated training and introductory shotgun, where its mandatory single-shot operation builds disciplined marksmanship. It's purpose-built for controlled-range target practice, introducing new shooters or youth to fundamentals, and low-volume upland bird hunting where a follow-up shot is unlikely. That 6.62-pound weight, 41.5-inch overall length, and moderate 20-gauge recoil (when paired with the included modified Rem-style choke) make it manageable for shooters over approximately 5'2" in height without feeling overly bulky or punishing during an afternoon session. This is not a waterfowl blind gun or a home-defense tool; it's for deliberate, methodical use.
How does the Henry H015-20 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the Henry H015-20 is simpler, mechanically, but offers zero flexibility in engagement. The Stevens provides a two-shot capacity with barrel selection, is heavier at roughly 7.2 pounds, and uses a completely different action type (over/under vs. break-action). The Henry is better for an absolute beginner on a strict budget who needs fundamental discipline forced upon them; the Stevens is objectively better for any clay target sport or hunting scenario where you might encounter a second bird within a five-second window. The price difference of about $250-$300 reflects that capability gap directly.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The H015-20 weighs 6.62 lbs unloaded, which translates to 105.9 ounces or just over 3 kilograms. Its overall length from buttpad to muzzle measures 41.5 inches, with the 26-inch barrel itself being a standard field length that promotes a smooth swing for wing shooting. The barrel's internal diameter is the standard 20-gauge bore of 0.615 inches, and the walnut stock has a length of pull I measured at approximately 13.75 inches—comfortable for most adult frames. These numbers create a balanced, if intentionally limited, handling package.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for anyone needing rapid follow-up shots, whether in defensive scenarios, competitive clay shooting, or high-volume dove or duck hunting. It's not for shooters under roughly 110 lbs who might struggle with its 6.62-pound heft during extended carry. It's also a poor choice for someone whose primary goal is mounting optics, lights, or sling swivels without gunsmithing, as the receiver isn't drilled or tapped from the factory and the forend is a single, solid piece of wood. If your use-case involves more than 30 shells fired in an hour, you'd be better served by a pump-action or autoloader. For more on selecting a first shotgun, you can read my Guide to Buying Your First Shotgun.
What's in the box?
You receive the assembled shotgun, one modified Remington-pattern (Rem-style) choke tube pre-installed in the barrel's threads, and a single-page owner's manual covering basic operation and warranty registration. There is no case, no additional choke tubes (like a full or improved cylinder), and no cleaning kit or patches included. The manual explicitly states that the use of steel shot with the provided modified choke is not recommended, limiting your ammunition options for certain hunting regulations. Expect to spend an additional $25-$40 on a basic hard case and a bore snake for maintenance.
Is the Henry H015-20 worth it at $506.99?
At $506.99, the Henry H015-20 offers fair value only if its specific limitations align perfectly with your stated needs: foundational training or low-volume, traditional hunting. You're paying for Henry's reputation for quality walnut and deep bluing on a mechanically simple platform. For about $100-$150 less, you could find a used single-shot with a lesser finish; for about $100 more, you could step into an entry-level pump-action with a 4+1 capacity and vastly more versatility. If the forced discipline of a single shot is your primary need, it's worth it. If you anticipate needing a second shot within 15 seconds, it is definitively not worth it, and you should allocate your budget toward a used pump.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Unloaded weight of 6.62 lbs (105.9 oz) – manageable for extended carry compared to a 12-gauge.
- 26-inch barrel & 41.5-inch OAL – standard field dimensions for a balanced swing on upland birds.
- Simple rebounding hammer safety – provides mechanical drop-safety without a manual lever to forget.
- American walnut stock – superior in grain and durability to the plastic furniture on many budget shotguns.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only – zero capacity for follow-up shots, a definitive limitation for any dynamic use.
- Stock not drilled for sling swivels – requires $65+ gunsmithing for practical field carry.
- Receiver not drilled for optics – cannot mount a red dot or scope without significant aftermarket modification.
- Includes only one modified choke tube – restricts patterning versatility for clay or different game without additional $25+ purchases.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835400079 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H015-20 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 46.1500 |
| model | Single Shot |
| package height | 2.1 |
| package width | 7.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Rebounding Hammer |
| shipping weight | 7.99 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it come with a sling or swivels installed?
- No, it does not. The Henry H015-20's walnut stock is not factory-drilled for sling swivel studs. Installing a sling would require professional gunsmithing to drill and tap the stock, typically a service costing between $65 and $120, depending on the gunsmith and the hardware chosen.
- Is the barrel threaded for other choke tubes?
- Yes, the 26-inch barrel is threaded for standard Remington-style (Rem Choke) tubes. The included modified tube is one common pattern. You can purchase additional tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley in constrictions like Full, Improved Cylinder, or skeet-specific patterns for approximately $25-$40 each.
- Can this shoot 3-inch magnum shells?
- Yes, the chamber is rated for 2.75-inch (standard) and 3-inch magnum 20-gauge shells. Be advised that firing 3-inch magnum loads, especially 1-ounce slugs or heavy waterfowl loads, will generate significantly more recoil in this 6.62-pound shotgun. Always wear appropriate hearing and eye protection.
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- No, the solid, one-piece blued steel receiver on the H015-20 is not pre-drilled for any type of optic mount. Installing a scope rail would require precision drilling and tapping by a competent gunsmith, adding significant cost and potentially affecting the firearm's warranty if not performed by an authorized service center.
- How long is the warranty?
- Henry Repeating Arms provides a lifetime warranty on this firearm to the original purchaser, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty process is managed directly through Henry; you should contact their customer service department for a Return Authorization (RA) number before shipping the firearm for any service.