Henry Big Boy Brass 20-inch Octagon .44 Mag/.44 Spl
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Brass 20-inch Octagon .44 Mag/.44 Spl is a lever-action rifle that combines traditional aesthetics with modern functionality through its side-loading gate and drilled receiver. Chambered for both .44 Magnum and .44 Special, it features a 20-inch octagon blued steel barrel, polished brass receiver, and American walnut stock, making it suitable for hunting, target shooting, and collecting. Its design pays homage to classic Western firearms while incorporating practical updates for contemporary use.
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass used for?
The Henry Big Boy Brass is primarily used for hunting medium game, target shooting, and as a collectible firearm due to its classic design. With its .44 Magnum/.44 Special chambering, it delivers effective stopping power within 100 yards, ideal for deer or wild boar. The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front facilitate precise aiming, while the 8.68-pound weight provides stability during sustained fire.
How does the Henry Big Boy Brass compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry Big Boy Brass offers superior aesthetic appeal and smoother lever-action operation compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, but the Stevens has a higher magazine capacity and faster bolt-action cycling. The Stevens 334 holds 4 rounds in its detachable box magazine versus the Henry's 10-round tubular magazine, making it better for rapid follow-up shots. However, the Henry's brass and walnut construction provides a more traditional and visually striking appearance, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry Big Boy Brass weighs 8.68 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel. The octagon barrel profile adds rigidity and historical accuracy, while the straight-grip walnut stock contributes to its balanced handling. These dimensions make it manageable for most adult shooters, though its weight may be cumbersome for extended carry in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters seeking a lightweight, tactical firearm or those requiring high-capacity, rapid-fire capabilities. At 8.68 pounds, it is heavier than modern synthetic-stock rifles like the Stevens 334, which weighs approximately 7 pounds. Additionally, the lever-action mechanism is slower than bolt-action or semi-automatic designs, making it less suitable for defensive scenarios or high-volume shooting sports.
What's in the box?
The box includes the Henry Big Boy Brass rifle, one 10-round tubular magazine, and a manufacturer's manual covering operation and maintenance. No additional accessories such as slings or optics are provided, though the drilled and tapped receiver allows for easy mounting of scopes or red dots. The packaging is standard cardboard with foam inserts to protect the firearm during shipping.
Is the Henry Big Boy Brass worth it at $976.99?
At $976.99, the Henry Big Boy Brass is worth it for collectors and hunters who value traditional craftsmanship and reliable performance. Its polished brass receiver and American walnut stock justify the price through superior materials and finish compared to budget options like the Stevens series. However, practical shooters might prefer the Stevens 334 Rifle for its lower cost and higher functional versatility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Polished brass receiver adds 2.5 pounds of aesthetic weight and corrosion resistance
- 20-inch octagon barrel provides 15% increased rigidity over round profiles
- Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight allows for 3 MOA precision adjustments
- 10-round tubular magazine capacity exceeds typical lever-action designs by 2 rounds
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel — suppressor compatibility requires $200-$300 gunsmithing
- 8.68-pound weight is 1.5 pounds heavier than synthetic-stock alternatives
- Lever-action cycle time averages 2.5 seconds per shot versus 1 second for bolt-actions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060624 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006G |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Henry Big Boy Brass is fully compatible with both .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges. This dual-chambering allows for flexibility in ammunition selection, with .44 Special offering reduced recoil for training. Always verify ammunition specifications with SAAMI standards to ensure safe operation.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 38.5-inch overall length fits most standard rifle cases designed for firearms up to 40 inches. For optimal protection, use a case with internal dimensions of at least 42 inches to accommodate additional padding. Hard cases from brands like Plano or Pelican are recommended for transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items, depending on your location and carrier. Firearms require shipment to an FFL holder, which may add 1-2 days for processing. Expedited options are available for an additional fee through UPS or FedEx.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase for unused items in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Firearms must be returned through an FFL holder to comply with ATF regulations. Contact customer service for a return authorization number before shipping.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the 20-inch octagon barrel is not threaded for suppressor attachment, unlike some modern tactical rifles. Adding threading would require gunsmithing and may compromise the historical aesthetics. For suppressed shooting, consider a <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334</a> with a threaded barrel option.