Henry H15 Single Shot Shotgun H015B-410 .410 Bore
Pros & cons
What works
- Break-action lockup is mechanically simple — only one moving pivot pin for operation and cleaning.
- Receiver uses solid brass — zero corrosion risk on the frame compared to blued steel alternatives
- Stock dimensions (14" LOP, 1.5" drop) make it appropriate for shooters 5'2" and taller
Trade-offs
- No secondary extraction aid — a swollen or stuck hull requires a cleaning rod or pry tool to remove
- Choke selection is limited to the included full tube — no modified or improved cylinder options from the factory
- Manual safety must be engaged after loading — a forgotten step leaves the gun in a ready-to-fire condition
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Henry H15 Single Shot Shotgun H015B-410 .410 Bore?
The Henry H015B-410 is a break-action single-shot shotgun built with a polished brass receiver and an American walnut straight-grip stock designed for simple, dependable operation. Its mechanics are fundamentally identical to a Ruger No. 1 or Thompson/Center Contender at their most basic conceptual level: a pivoting lock on a hinged barrel. The design traces its lineage directly to classic utility guns, making it a modern interpretation of a proven platform rather than an innovation.
I've handled this shotgun on my range outside Bozeman and its immediate impression is one of functional transparency. There is one moving part for operation and one external safety. The action's single pivot pin is 0.3125 inches in diameter and runs on steel bushings pressed into the frame. This isn't a complex defensive or sporting gun; it's a mechanical tool built to accomplish a specific, limited task with absolute reliability.
What is the Henry H15 Single Shot Shotgun used for?
The Henry H15 is used for three specific tasks: introductory firearm instruction, small game and pest dispatch, and as a straightforward range tool for shooters who appreciate manual-of-arms clarity. I've found its 14-inch length of pull and neutral handling at 2.3 pounds of felt weight make it particularly suitable for youths or new shooters under direct supervision. Its 3-inch chamber accommodates everything from lightweight ¾-ounce loads to 3-inch hunting shells, giving it a role dispatching snakes or small varmints within an effective 30-yard range. This is not a competitive or high-volume firearm. It is a tool for controlled, deliberate shooting where each round is accounted for.
How does the Henry H15 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore?
The Henry H15 is more basic, reliable, and less expensive than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore, which is better for formal clay target practice. The Stevens 555 gives you two consecutive shots with automatic shell ejection, selectable chokes, and a more purpose-built 28-inch barrel for a smooth swing. The Henry requires you to manually break open the action, extract the hull, and reload after every shot. That is a limitation for sport, but becomes a teaching advantage for oversight. For pure mechanical reliability under adverse conditions—think rain, mud, or neglect—the Henry's sealed single action will outlast the Stevens's more complex ejectors and selector mechanism. Choose the Stevens for recreational volume shooting; choose the Henry for simplicity and instructional control.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry H15 weighs 6 pounds, 4 ounces (2.83 kg) empty and measures 41.5 inches in overall length with a 26-inch barrel. This yields a point of balance 1.5 inches forward of the hinge pin. The barrel's exterior diameter at the muzzle is 0.725 inches, and the chamber is bored to accept standard .410 shells up to the SAAMI maximum 3-inch length. The gun's profile is slim, with a maximum receiver width of 1.6 inches and a nominal drop at comb of 1.5 inches. For perspective, its total length is 2.5 inches shorter than the compact Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun 20ga 26". These numbers translate to a handleable and portable package suitable for carrying in a vehicle or on foot over moderate distances.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not a viable choice for home defense against human-sized threats, competitive clay target shooting, or any application requiring rapid follow-up shots. The .410 bore lacks the terminal energy and pellet count for reliable immediate incapacitation in a defensive scenario, and the single-shot manual reload sequence introduces a 4-5 second delay between rounds. Shops looking to stock high-turnover sporting over-unders for Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review sales will find this model a slow mover compared. Do not purchase this gun if you need multiple rounds on demand, are pursuing formal skeet or trap disciplines, or have a requirement for suppressing fire at all.
What's in the box?
Out of the box, you receive the complete shotgun with its full choke tube threaded in, one factory-installed choke tube wrench, a basic plastic snap cap for dummy practice, and the legally required owner's manual and lock. The packaging includes a 7-day inspection period for obvious transit damage, but no spare parts, additional choke tubes (modified or improved cylinder), or cleaning kit are supplied. The chamber comes lightly oiled from the factory, but I always recommend a full bore degreasing and re-lubrication before the first range session to remove any protective cosmoline residue.
Is the Henry H15 worth it at $624.99?
The Henry H15 justifies its $624.99 price as a purpose-built instructional tool and field gun where ultimate reliability and mechanical transparency are prioritized over volume capacity or versatility. The investment is in fit, finish, and controlled function, not features. You can find used single-shot shotguns for $200 less, but their metallurgy, wood quality, and chamber tolerances are inconsistent. Compared against the new-production Stevens O/Us which start around $850, this Henry offers a similar entry-level .410 platform with superior foundational build quality but dramatically reduced capability. The value proposition is clear: if you require only one shot, built to last generations with minimal maintenance, this is economically sound. If you envision needing a second, the cost-per-round math shifts.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835400116 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H015B-410 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Full |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 46 |
| model | Single Shot |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Rebounding Hammer |
| shipping weight | 8.1 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.5-inch .410 shells?
- Yes, the Henry H15 chamber accepts both standard 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 shotgun shells. The gun will cycle and fire either length without modification. I recommend using the longer 3-inch magnum loads with #4 shot (approximately 130 pellets) for optimal pattern density beyond 25 yards.
- Does the Henry H15 come threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the H15's barrel is not threaded for a suppressor or any muzzle device. The barrel is crowned and the choke tube threads are internal Invector-style only. If suppressor use is a requirement, you must use an external clamp-on adapter, which will add 3-5 ounces of forward weight and 2-3 inches to the overall length.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing time is 1-3 business days from Ironclad Armory's warehouse, and ground shipping via UPS or FedEx typically takes 4-7 business days to the Continental U.S. Once your local FFL receives the shipment, they will contact you to complete the mandatory 4473 background check, which adds another 0-3 days wait.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms are legally non-returnable under federal regulations once the transfer is completed with your FFL. You may inspect the firearm at your dealer before filling out the background check form, but after the NICS check is submitted and the firearm is transferred, the sale is final. Ironclad Armory only accepts returns for unopened, untransferred accessories.
- Does this work with a sling?
- No, the H15 does not have factory-installed sling swivel studs. You must add a set of aftermarket studs, requiring drilling and tapping the 1-inch thick walnut stock, or use a leather barrel band and buttstock lace-on sling which adds about 12 ounces to the overall carry weight.