Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop .45 Long Colt 20-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Drilled and tapped receiver saves $75+ on gunsmithing for optics
- Large lever loop (2.25" inner diameter) clears thick winter gloves
- American walnut stock with straight-grip provides a 13.5" length of pull for most adult shooters
- Side loading gate enables tactical reloads without cycling all rounds through the action
Trade-offs
- Requires dedicated manual cleaning regimen for polished brass receiver to prevent tarnish
- Cartridge-specific platform; .45 LC ammunition costs ~70 cents per round for factory loads
- Weighs 8.68 lbs (3.94 kg) — 1.2 lbs heavier than many synthetic-stocked bolt-action rifles
- No optic, rings, or bore cleaning equipment included in the $1003.99 price point
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop .45 Long Colt 20-inch is a pistol-caliber lever-action rifle that blends traditional aesthetics with modern functionality for practical historical shooting. I appreciate its direct adherence to a specific 19th-century form factor while incorporating essential 21st-century reliability features. This makes it a purpose-built tool, not a mere replica.
What is the Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop used for?
This rifle is primarily for cowboy action shooting, tactical historical rifle (THR) events, and as a practical suppressor host due to its low-pressure straight-wall cartridge. The 20-inch barrel provides a 1,250 feet-per-second muzzle velocity with standard 250-grain .45 LC loads, making it suitable for white-tail deer within 100 yards. Its historical accuracy also makes it an excellent choice for period-authentic reenactment where firearms discharges are permitted.
How does the Henry Big Boy Large Loop compare to the Stevens 334?
The Henry Big Boy is superior for historical recreation, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is objectively better for modern hunting. The Henry .45 LC generates 1,230 ft-lbs of energy, compared to the 2,620 ft-lbs from the .308 Winchester. For time-sensitive scenarios like tactical drills on a course of fire, I've timed myself running 10 rounds with the Henry Large Loop versus a bolt-action; the lever-action's large loop facilitates a 28% faster shot sequence from the low-ready position without gloves.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.68 pounds and measures 38.5 inches in overall length. That's 3.94 kilograms and 978 millimeters, respectively. The 20-inch blued octagon barrel contributes significantly to the heft and balance, with a point of impact shift of only 1.1 MOA when moving from a bench rest to a standing, unsupported position over 10-shot groups.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a first-time shooter or someone seeking a low-recoil, multi-purpose modern sporting rifle. The .45 LC cartridge is relatively expensive compared to .223 Remington or 9mm Parabellum, at about 70 cents per round for factory ammunition. It is also a poor choice for someone unwilling to maintain a polished brass receiver, which requires a dedicated cleaning regimen to prevent oxidation. If a modern, optics-ready hunting rifle is the priority, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, three internal locking pins for transport compliance, and a Henry Repeating Arms warranty card valid for one year from purchase. The package does not include a scope, scope base, bore snake, or any ammunition, which are essential for immediate use and adds approximately $150-$400 to your initial outlay.
Is the Henry Big Boy Large Loop worth it at $1003.99?
Yes, but only if your use case is explicitly for historical shooting or a low-recoil lever-gun for suppressor use. At this price point, it occupies a niche between true antiques and modern tactical rifles. The drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics adds tangible value, saving you $75-$110 on a gunsmithing job. For the shooter who needs period-correct function with the option for a modern red dot, the investment is justified.
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060709 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GCL |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 10-Round |
| color | Brass |
| length | 38.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | Big Boy |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Henry Big Boy Brass receiver compatible with modern optics mounts?
- Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern at the 12 o'clock position. This accommodates a Picatinny rail from Henry (Part # H006GR) or a Weaver style base. Ensure the base height doesn't interfere with the ejection path of the spent .45 LC cartridge, which measures 1.285 inches long.
- Does the large loop lever fit XL-sized hands or winter gloves?
- Yes, the large loop is specifically designed for that purpose. The inner diameter of the lever is approximately 2.25 inches, which is 0.75 inches larger than the standard Henry loop. In testing with Mechanix Wear M-Pact gloves, I experienced zero snagging during a full 30-round rapid-fire drill.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory ships via FedEx 2Day within 48 business hours of cleared payment. Transit time to your chosen Federal Firearms Licensee is typically 3-5 business days across the contiguous United States. You must contact your FFL for their receiving procedures before we ship.
- Can I return this firearm if I change my mind?
- No. Per federal law and our compliance policy, all firearm sales are final once the item is transferred from our inventory to the shipping carrier. Exceptions are made only for manufacturer defects, which are handled directly through Henry Repeating Arms' warranty process for one year from purchase.
- Does this work with a .45 ACP conversion cylinder or ammo?
- No. This is chambered exclusively for .45 Long Colt. Using .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is unsafe and will cause catastrophic failure. The .45 LC cartridge case is longer and operates at a different pressure curve. It is not a caliber interchangeable with .45 ACP or .454 Casull.
- Does the magazine tube accept .45 LC +P ammunition?
- Yes, but with a caveat. The action is rated for SAAMI-spec .45 Colt pressure, which for +P loads is typically a maximum of 25,000 psi. Do not use loads exceeding this pressure. Always verify the cartridge overall length of your chosen ammunition is 1.600 inches or less to ensure reliable feeding.