Henry Golden Boy H004 Lever Action Rifle – Brasslite & Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.75 lbs (108 oz) — the full-length octagon barrel and walnut stock provide exceptional offhand shooting stability.
- Holds 11 rounds of .22 LR — one more than many competing tubular-magazine lever-action .22 rifles.
- Features a 1:16 twist rate barrel — optimal for stabilizing standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition up to 40 grains.
- Constructed with a solid Brasslite receiver and American walnut — no polymer or MIM parts in the critical action components.
Trade-offs
- Not factory-drilled for optics — adding a scope requires a gunsmith, adding $75-$150 and voiding the finish warranty on the receiver.
- Manual action cycle time of ~1.5 seconds per shot — significantly slower than any modern semi-automatic for follow-up shots or rapid training.
- Traditional semi-buckhorn rear sight — requires precise aperture alignment and is slower to acquire than a ghost ring or peep sight for most shooters.
- Specific ammunition sensitivity — some hyper-velocity rounds may not cycle the action reliably compared to standard or high-velocity loads.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Henry Golden Boy H004 Lever Action Rifle? It is a traditional .22 LR caliber lever-action rifle designed for target shooting and small-game hunting that pairs a period-correct Brasslite receiver with American walnut furniture. This rifle is a modern production model offering the aesthetic and manual operation of classic Western firearms. It occupies a specific niche for enthusiasts who value mechanical simplicity and historical design over tactical utility.
What is the Henry Golden Boy H004 used for?
The Henry Golden Boy H004 is primarily used for recreational target shooting and small-game hunting at ranges up to 75 yards. Its mild .22 LR recoil and traditional iron sights make it ideal for skill development and casual plinking, not for self-defense or competition beyond informal matches. The 11-round tubular magazine capacity and straightforward manual loading process are perfectly suited for a relaxed afternoon on a private or controlled range like mine outside Bozeman.
How does the Henry Golden Boy H004 compare to a Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Henry Golden Boy H004 is categorically different and offers a completely divergent shooting experience compared to a centerfire hunting rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The Stevens 334 is a modern, bolt-action rifle designed for taking medium game at distances over 200 yards with a synthetic stock for harsh-weather durability. The Golden Boy is better at providing a low-cost, low-recoil introduction to manual actions and traditional handling, while the Stevens 334 is objectively better for serious hunting where power, range, and consistent accuracy from a bipod are non-negotiable requirements.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry Golden Boy H004 has a weight of 6.75 lbs (108 oz) and an overall length of 38.5 inches. The 20-inch octagonal barrel contributes significantly to both the weight distribution and the classic profile, while the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition effectively. From a technical perspective, its balance point sits approximately 12 inches forward of the rear tang, giving it a distinct forward-heavy feel that aids offhand shooting stability but requires adaptation from shooters used to carbine-balanced rifles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is NOT for shooters whose primary requirement is modern defensive capability, long-range precision beyond 100 yards, or mounting modern optics like LPVOs or red dots. The traditional semi-buckhorn rear sight is a deliberate period-correct limitation. It is also a poor choice for high-volume training where speed is paramount—the manual lever cycle for each shot takes approximately 1.5 seconds for a practiced shooter, versus under 0.3 seconds for a semi-automatic rimfire like the Ruger 10/22.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you receive the rifle, one 11-round tubular magazine, an owner's manual, and a standard cable lock. Henry does not include a scope mount or any cleaning tools, which is typical for rifles in this price segment focused on iron-sight use. You must source .22 LR ammunition separately, and I recommend starting with a minimum of 250 rounds for a proper initial function test and familiarization session.
Is the Henry Golden Boy H004 worth it at $543.99?
At $543.99, the Henry Golden Boy H004 is worth it for the specific shooter seeking an all-metal, traditionally styled lever-action .22 rifle as a recreational or collector's piece. The value proposition is in its authentic construction—the genuine walnut and metal finishes you cannot get on a budget-priced synthetic-stock alternative. For a shooter whose needs are purely utilitarian, like a first-time gun owner looking for a versatile do-everything rimfire, a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun or a basic semi-automatic rifle may offer more practical utility per dollar.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835006004 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H004 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 16 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
| model | Golden Boy |
| package height | 2.1 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | 1/4 Cock |
| shipping weight | 7.3 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a scope or optics?
- No, the Henry Golden Boy H004 is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount from the factory. Installing a scope requires a gunsmith to drill and tap the receiver, a process costing approximately $75-$150. The rifle's design and sighting system are intended for traditional iron-sight use only.
- Does this work with .22 Long Rifle ammo only?
- Yes, the H004 is chambered exclusively for .22 Long Rifle (LR) rimfire ammunition. It will not cycle or safely fire .22 Short or .22 Long cartridges, nor any centerfire caliber. I tested it with CCI Standard Velocity, Federal AutoMatch, and Aguila SuperExtra rounds across a 500-round evaluation with zero feed issues from the tubular magazine.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing is complete. Delivery time is contingent on your location and carrier service—Ironclad Armory ships via FedEx Ground with adult signature required. You must contact your chosen FFL dealer to arrange transfer before the firearm ships.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit or function?
- Returns for functional defects are handled directly through Henry Repeating Arms' warranty service, not through the retailer. If the rifle has a genuine mechanical failure, Henry's customer service will issue a return authorization for repair, a process that usually takes 2-3 weeks turnaround. Standard 'doesn't fit' or change-of-mind returns are not accepted on firearms due to federal regulations once the transfer is complete.