Henry Side Gate .30-30 Winchester 20″ Brass/Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Side gate loading retains tubular magazine capacity while allowing safe reloads without cycling the action
- Polished brass receiver adds 1.2 lbs of stabilizing weight versus aluminum receivers
- 20-inch barrel provides 2,200 fps muzzle velocity with 150gr loads—optimal for .30-30 ballistics
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel—cannot direct-mount suppressors without $250+ gunsmith work
- Tubular magazine limits cartridge selection to flat or polymer-tipped rounds only
- Brass tarnishes noticeably after 4-5 range sessions without regular polishing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Side Gate .30-30 Winchester 20″ Brass/Walnut is a lever-action rifle offering traditional loading via side gate while maintaining Henry's signature brass receiver and American walnut stock. This rifle bridges classic aesthetics with modern functionality, including a drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics. With a 20-inch barrel and 7.5 lb weight, it's built for hunters who appreciate mechanical reliability.
What is the Henry Side Gate .30-30 Winchester used for?
This rifle is designed for medium-game hunting in dense timber where shots typically occur under 200 yards. The .30-30 Winchester cartridge delivers approximately 1,890 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, sufficient for deer and black bear. Its 38.3-inch overall length balances maneuverability in thick cover with enough barrel for velocity retention.
How does the Henry Side Gate compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Henry excels in quick follow-up shots and classic handling, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior long-range ballistics and magazine-fed capacity. For brush hunting where fast cycling matters, the Henry's lever action is 2.3 seconds faster for 5 rounds fired; for precision beyond 300 yards, the Stevens platform dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.5 lbs and measures 38.3 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel. The 1:12 twist rate stabilizes traditional 150-170 grain .30-30 loads effectively. The American walnut stock adds 1.8 lbs to the total weight, providing solid balance against the brass receiver.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for shooters needing high-capacity or long-range precision beyond 250 yards. The tubular magazine holds only 5 rounds of .30-30, and the cartridge drops nearly 18 inches at 300 yards. Consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win if you're shooting open country or require detachable box magazines.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one set of Weaver 63B scope bases, and installed swivel studs. Henry includes no spare magazines (it doesn't use them) or cleaning kits. The transfer bar safety is factory-tested to 10,000 cycles minimum before any degradation occurs.
Is the Henry Side Gate worth it at $1053.99?
At this price, you're paying for fitment and materials superior to entry-level bolt actions. The polished brass receiver requires 3.5 hours of hand-finishing compared to stamped steel, and the walnut is grade 2 or better. If you value craftsmanship over pure utility, it justifies the cost versus budget bolt actions.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060457 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H024-3030 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .30-30 Winchester |
| capacity | 5+1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 38.3'' |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
| model | Sidegate |
| package height | 2.1 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.55 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .30-30 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers any SAAMI-spec .30-30 Win ammunition from 150 to 170 grain. I've tested Federal Power-Shok 150gr and Hornady LeverEvolution 160gr without issue. Avoid .30-30 Accelerator rounds—they can destabilize in the 1:12 twist barrel.
- Does it fit standard rifle scopes?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for Weaver 63B bases, which accept most standard 1-inch rings. I mounted a Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm with minimal clearance issues. Plan for medium-height rings if using a 40mm objective lens.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 2 business days after paperwork verification. Transit adds 3-5 days depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse. We use UPS Ground for all firearm transfers.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Henry provides a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects—contact them directly for repair authorization. Ironclad Armory offers a 7-day inspection period for unloaded, unfired rifles if the issue is documented upon receipt.