Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine .357/.38 16.5″ 7-Round
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine .357/.38 16.5″ 7-Round is a compact lever-action carbine that balances classic Western styling, Title I compliance, and practical field handling. It features a 16.5-inch octagon barrel and a brass receiver, built specifically for the .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridge family. This configuration prioritizes maneuverability and a visual heft that appeals to both shooters and collectors.
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine used for?
Its primary use is as a field gun for trails, ranch work, and predator control where total length under 41 inches is a legal or storage advantage. This carbine excels at engagements under 100 yards, with a 16.5-inch barrel that prevents gas-pressure loss in .357 Magnum while remaining Title I compliant (non-NFA). I consider it a strong companion for a revolver shooter who wants a rifle with identical ammunition logistics.
How does the Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 rifle?
The Henry is mechanically and legally simpler for a shooter concerned with interstate travel; its 16.5-inch barrel and 41.8-inch overall length require no special permits, unlike a 14.5-inch rifle. Conversely, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior ballistic energy and potential accuracy at distance but demands a longer 20-inch barrel, adding over 9 inches and 1.8 pounds to the system. The Henry is better for fast handling in brush, while the Stevens 334 dominates for precision or larger game.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.8 pounds (3.54 kg), concentrated in the octagon barrel and solid brass receiver, which gives a muzzle-forward balance. Its overall length is 41.8 inches, with a 16.5-inch barrel profile measuring 0.96 inches across the flats. The buttstock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This carbine is not suitable for shooters seeking a tactical lever-action with Picatinny rails or magazine compatibility with a modern M-LOK handguard. The brass receiver cannot be cerakoted without significant stripping, and the walnut stock lacks QD sling swivel mounts. It is also a poor choice for high-volume steel target matches where a 7-round tubular magazine creates a lengthy reload constraint compared to detachable box-fed rifles.
What's in the box?
You receive the carbine, one brass magazine tube follower, a printed manual, and a key-lock cable through the action. Henry Rifles do not include a cleaning kit or sling. The receiver arrives with protective wax on the brass; this takes roughly 15 minutes to remove with a solvent cloth before the first range session.
Is the Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine worth it at $1003.99?
Yes, for the shooter who values compliance simplicity and traditional aesthetics over modularity. The price reflects the hand-fitted brass-to-steel mating and select walnut, which lacks the injection-molded feel of cheaper rifles. At this price point, you are paying for a non-negotiable mechanical heritage, not accessory readiness. If your priority is mounting a red dot and a suppressor, allocate this budget toward a different platform.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 41.8-inch overall length — Title I compliant without NFA paperwork
- 7.8 lb weight provides stable offhand shooting with .357 Magnum
- Brass receiver and octagon barrel flats are hand-fitted with a 0.002-inch clearance
- Fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight offers a 0.040-inch windage click
Trade-offs
- Tubular magazine reload takes 22-25 seconds for 7 rounds, slower than a detachable box
- No factory-threaded barrel option — suppressor integration requires Form 1 SBR tax and wait
- Brass receiver requires polishing every 300 rounds to maintain luster, a 15-minute maintenance task
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060662 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GMR |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 35'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 7 Round |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| 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 .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the action is fully rated for .38 Special +P. The transfer bar safety and cartridge lifter are hardened for the pressure curve. I recommend a thorough cleaning every 200 rounds when using +P, as the increased carbon can accumulate in the lever linkage.
- Does this rifle fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with margin. The carbine's 41.8-inch overall length leaves approximately 0.2 inches of clearance in a nominal 42-inch Plano All Weather case. For a hard-sided SKB iSeries case, you will need the 44-inch model (SKB 4414-6B) for secure foam fitment.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse to your FFL typically takes 3-5 business days. FFL verification adds 24-48 hours before the label is printed. We ship via UPS Ground, with transit times varying by zone. You will receive tracking once the package is scanned.
- Can I mount a Picatinny rail on the receiver?
- No, not directly. The receiver is drilled and tapped for proprietary Henry BB-RSM scope mounts only. To install a Picatinny rail, you must first purchase a BB-RSM base (part #H011), then attach a Weaver-to-Picatinry adapter, which adds 0.6 inches of height over bore.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Yes, but with a significant tax and wait. To mount a suppressor like the SilencerCo Omega 36M, you will need a gunsmith to thread the 16.5-inch barrel (cost $120-$180), then file a Form 1 ($200 tax, 30-60 day wait) to create a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR), as threading reduces barrel length below 16 inches. It is not a casual modification.