Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop Side Gate .44 Mag 20in
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.68 lbs — provides stable offhand shooting platform
- Hardened brass receiver — will develop patina instead of rusting like blued steel
- American walnut stock — fully shaped with oil finish, not a laminate
- Side loading gate — allows topping off without cycling the entire action
Trade-offs
- Heavy at 8.68 lbs — unsuitable for extended mountain carry
- Large loop lever — adds bulk and can snag in dense brush
- Straight-grip stock — limits length of pull adjustment for taller shooters
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop Side Gate .44 Mag 20in is a lever-action rifle that combines classic aesthetics with modern functional updates. Chambered for .44 Magnum/.44 Special, this rifle serves shooters who value traditional mechanics and period-correct styling. Unlike purely tactical builds, its core appeal is rooted in historical design language, executed here with refined materials.
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass used for?
This rifle is primarily used for recreational target shooting and hunting medium game within 120 yards. The .44 Magnum cartridge provides sufficient energy for whitetail deer hunting in most wooded environments. Its weight of 8.68 lbs and 38.5-inch overall length make it suitable for deliberate shooting from static positions or stands, not for fast-paced carbine drills where a lighter firearm like the Stevens 334 would be more appropriate.
How does the Henry Big Boy Brass compare to the Rossi Rio Grande?
The Henry has superior material quality and fit, specifically in its hardened brass receiver and American walnut stock. Where the Rossi Rio Grande uses a zinc alloy receiver and birch wood to hit a lower price point, this Henry uses solid brass that can be polished and will develop a unique patina over years. For a shooter who values long-term heirloom quality over initial cost savings, the Henry is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 8.68 lbs unloaded and measures exactly 38.5 inches in overall length. The 20-inch octagonal barrel contributes significant weight forward of the action, aiding in stability. This weight is noticeable, about 1.2 lbs heavier than a typical synthetic-stocked bolt-action rifle of comparable length, which affects carrying comfort during all-day hunts.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters seeking a lightweight, tactical, or optics-ready platform for defensive use. The loading method is traditional and slower than a detachable magazine system, and its 8.68 lbs makes quick handling more laborious. For budget-conscious shooters focused purely on function over form, a synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 provides more utility at a significantly lower price point without the premium materials.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete Henry Big Boy Brass rifle, an owner's manual with a limited lifetime warranty registration card, and a plastic chamber safety flag. The rifle ships from the factory with a light coat of preservative oil that must be cleaned before first use, a process that typically requires 15-20 minutes.
Is the Henry Big Boy Brass worth it at $1003.99?
Yes, if you specifically value the combination of brass, walnut, and traditional lever-action mechanics for a collector-grade firearm. The price reflects material costs and fitment that a standard hunting rifle omits. For the shooter who wants a durable, no-frills workhorse for similar cartridges, the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester offers a more practical hunting tool at roughly 60% of the cost, but without this rifle's aesthetic presence.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060716 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GL |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 10-Round |
| color | Brass |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.7 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this rifle accept standard 1-inch scope rings?
- Yes, the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard Weaver #63B base, which accepts any 1-inch scope rings. The mounting holes are spaced at 0.860 inches center-to-center, the standard for Henry lever actions. I recommend using a low-profile scope mount to maintain proper cheek weld on the straight-grip stock.
- Can I shoot .44 Special ammunition in it?
- Yes, the rifle is expressly chambered for both .44 Magnum and .44 Special. The rifling twist rate is 1:20 inches, which stabilizes both cartridge lengths. You will need to adjust the rear sight elevation when switching between the lower-recoil .44 Special and full-power .44 Magnum loads for consistent point of impact.
- How long does shipping and transfer take?
- Shipping to an FFL typically takes 3-5 business days after payment clears. The 4473 background check process at your local dealer adds 10-30 minutes, barring any state-specific waiting periods. Plan for a full week from order to pickup as a standard expectation.
- Will this fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it will fit any rifle case with an internal length of 40 inches or greater. I recommend the Plano All-Weather 42-inch case for reliable transport. The case's foam interior must be cut to accommodate the octagonal barrel profile and large loop lever, a 5-minute process with a utility knife.
- Is the receiver drilled for a peep sight?
- No, the receiver is not pre-tapped for a tang-mounted peep sight. The only factory drilling is for the scope base. To install a receiver-mounted peep sight like the Skinner, you would need to have a gunsmith drill and tap additional holes, adding approximately $75-$125 in gunsmithing costs.