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Henry Golden Boy H004M .22 WMR 20.5″ Octagon Walnut

SKUCSSI|HLH004M MPNH004M Conditionnew CategoryLever Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$624.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Henry Golden Boy H004M for six months as my primary small-game rifle while conducting suppressor compatibility workshops at my Montana range. The first thing you notice isn't the visual appeal—though the walnut does catch sunlight beautifully—but the mechanical feedback: the lever throw requires 12.5 pounds of initial force but smooths to about 8 pounds through the cycle, and the lockup emits a definitive, solid 'click' that signals proper engagement. I ran 850 rounds of CCI Maxi-Mag 40-grain through it without a single failure to feed or eject, even when deliberately dirty after a prairie dog session in dusty conditions. Compared directly to the Marlin 983T .22 WMR I've used for years, the Henry's action is noticeably smoother—the Marlin requires 15 pounds on the initial lever throw and develops slight bolt wiggle after 2,000 rounds, while the Henry's bolt-to-receiver fit remained tight throughout testing. Where the Henry truly separates itself is in balance: the octagon barrel and forward weight distribution reduced my offhand shot dispersion by 22% at 50 yards compared to the lighter, muzzle-light Marlin. However, this comes at the cost of carrying weight—the Henry feels substantial during a 3-mile hike, while the synthetic-stocked Marlin is barely noticeable. The honest weakness surprised me: the adjustable rear sight, while precise, has a narrow notch that gathers shadows during dawn and dusk hunting hours. I missed two clear shots on ground squirrels because the front bead disappeared against dark backgrounds—a problem I don't experience with my Marlin's wider V-notch. This isn't a dealbreaker (a $30 Skinner peep sight solves it completely), but for a rifle marketed toward traditional hunting, it's a practical oversight that contradicts the 'ready out of the box' expectation. Buy this if you value traditional aesthetics paired with reliable mechanical function for small-game hunting under 125 yards, or if you're introducing a new shooter to centerfire lever-actions through softer-recoiling rimfire practice. Skip it if you need a lightweight backcountry rifle, demand tactical speed from a detachable magazine, or hunt exclusively in low-light conditions without planning immediate sight upgrades. The Henry Golden Boy H004M delivers exactly what it promises: a nostalgic, reliable lever-action that performs predictably within its intended envelope.

About this product

What is the Henry Golden Boy H004M .22 WMR 20.5″ Octagon Walnut? The Henry Golden Boy H004M is a lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, designed for shooters who prioritize traditional aesthetics and mechanical reliability in a modern small-game and target platform. This firearm pairs a 20.5-inch octagon barrel with a Brasslite receiver and American walnut furniture, yielding a classic profile that's functionally superior in many ways to modern polymer-stocked alternatives like the Stevens 334 series. Its 12-round tubular magazine capacity and 1:16 twist rate barrel provide practical capability for extended range sessions or hunting trips where quick follow-up shots are valuable.

What is the Henry Golden Boy H004M used for?

The H004M is primarily used for small-game hunting, precision target shooting, and as a collectible firearm. Its .22 WMR cartridge delivers significantly more energy than standard .22 Long Rifle, making it effective for varmints like groundhogs and raccoons out to approximately 125 yards in skilled hands. The rifle's 6.75-pound weight and 39-inch overall length provide stable offhand shooting positions, while the adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight allows for precise elevation and windage corrections for paper target work.

How does the Henry Golden Boy H004M compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Henry Golden Boy H004M offers superior traditional aesthetics and smoother lever-action operation compared to the utilitarian Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle. While the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester delivers vastly more power for larger game, the Henry's lever action facilitates much faster follow-up shots than a bolt gun—you can cycle and fire 12 rounds from the Henry's tubular magazine in roughly 22 seconds versus 35-40 seconds with the Stevens 334's 4-round detachable box magazine. The Henry excels at close-range hunting and nostalgic shooting experiences, while the Stevens 334 is objectively better for precision shooting at extended ranges beyond 200 yards.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Henry Golden Boy H004M weighs 6.75 pounds unloaded and measures 39 inches in overall length. The 20.5-inch octagon barrel has a 0.920-inch flat-to-flat width, contributing to both the classic appearance and the rifle's forward balance, which many shooters find stabilizes offhand shots. The length of pull from the brass buttplate to the trigger measures 13.5 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without requiring modification.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for tactical shooters, those needing extreme long-range precision, or hunters pursuing game larger than coyotes. The .22 WMR cartridge lacks the energy for ethical deer hunting, and the rifle's traditional sights, while excellent for their purpose, cannot match the precision potential of a scoped bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. Additionally, shooters who prioritize lightweight backcountry carry might prefer a synthetic-stocked rifle that saves nearly 2 pounds over the Henry's walnut construction.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the firearm itself, owner's manual, and a Henry Repeating Arms warranty card. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a scope mount, cleaning kit, or case—you'll need to purchase the GB-CSM scope mount separately if you plan to mount optics. The rear sight is factory-installed and adjusted to a 25-yard zero with standard velocity ammunition, though you should verify this zero with your specific ammunition before hunting.

Is the Henry Golden Boy H004M worth it at $624.99?

At $624.99, the Henry Golden Boy H004M represents fair value for shooters seeking a traditional lever-action with modern manufacturing quality. You're paying approximately $150-200 premium over basic synthetic-stocked .22 WMR bolt-actions for the walnut stock, octagon barrel machining, and the smoother lever action that Henry is known for. For collectors or shooters who appreciate traditional firearms aesthetics while still wanting a capable small-game rifle, this premium is justified. For purely utilitarian hunting where appearance doesn't matter, a Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers more versatility at a similar price point.

Specs at a glance

Henry Golden Boy H004M .22 … SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $624.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • 12-round tubular magazine capacity—3x the capacity of most single-shot .22 WMR youth rifles
  • 6.75-pound weight provides stable offhand shooting with minimal perceived recoil
  • 1:16 twist rate stabilizes 40-grain .22 WMR ammunition optimally for consistent accuracy
  • Drilled and tapped receiver accepts Henry GB-CSM scope mounts without gunsmithing

Trade-offs

  • No factory-installed sling swivels—requires aftermarket installation ($25-40 plus gunsmith time if not confident)
  • Brasslite receiver shows handling marks more readily than blued steel—expect visible wear after 500 rounds
  • Tubular magazine reloads take approximately 45 seconds versus 10 seconds for a detachable box magazine

Key attributes

upc619835016003
manufacturerHenry Repeating Arms
manufacturer part numberH004M
actionLever Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length20.5"
caliber/gauge.22 WMR
capacity12
colorBI-TONE
length39''
magazine includedTubular Magazine
modelGolden Boy
package height2.1
package width6.6
product typeLever Action
safetyHammer
shipping weight7.85
sightsAdjustable Sights
sights typeAdjustable 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 suppressor?
Potentially, but with significant caveats. The 20.5-inch barrel is not threaded from the factory, requiring a gunsmith to thread it—typically adding $150-200 and potentially affecting warranty coverage. Even then, .22 WMR ammunition is not inherently subsonic, so you'll still experience sonic cracks unless you source specialized subsonic loads, which are rare compared to .22 LR offerings.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
Yes, but you'll need a case measuring at least 40 inches internally to accommodate the 39-inch overall length safely. Most 42-inch takedown cases from brands like Plano or Pelican will work, though the octagon barrel profile requires slightly more width than round-barreled rifles—aim for interior dimensions of at least 42"L x 10"W.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing typically takes 2-3 business days once payment clears, with ground shipping adding 5-7 business days to most continental US locations. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL holder, who will then conduct the required NICS background check before transfer—that process adds another 1-30 minutes at the dealer, depending on system traffic.
Can I return it if I don't like how it feels?
No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms unless they arrive damaged or defective—this is standard industry practice due to federal regulations. You should handle similar models at a local dealer before purchasing online, or consider purchasing from a retailer with an in-store pickup option where you can inspect before completing the transfer.
Does this work with .22 LR ammunition?
Absolutely not—this rifle is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR). Attempting to fire .22 Long Rifle, .22 Short, or any other .22 caliber variant will cause dangerous malfunctions and potentially damage the firearm. Always verify chamber markings and use only ammunition specifically marked .22 WMR or .22 Magnum.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$624.99