Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .45 Long Colt 20 inch Octagon

About this product

The Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .45 Long Colt 20-inch Octagon is a limited-production lever-action rifle that delivers collector-grade aesthetics, precise mechanical execution, and field-capable handling in a historically significant cartridge. It's built around Henry's exclusive solid-top receiver design, which eliminates ejection-port dust contamination while maintaining the side-loading convenience that modern shooters demand. This rifle represents a deliberate bridge between traditional firearms craftsmanship and contemporary functional engineering, making it suitable for everything from competitive Cowboy Action Shooting to sub-100-yard big-game work.

What is the Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved used for?

This rifle is primarily a dedicated hunting and recreational shooting platform for the .45 Long Colt cartridge. The 20-inch octagon barrel provides exceptional stability for offhand shooting at targets up to 100 yards, while the 8.68-pound weight and straight-grip walnut stock create a natural point-of-impact alignment that's ideal for silhouette work. It's also a formidable suppressor host with a 16:1 barrel twist rate that stabilizes heavy 250+ grain subsonic rounds for quiet, low-recoil operation, and its receiver is drilled and tapped for the specific BB-RSM scope mount, allowing for magnified optics during extended range sessions.

How does the Henry Big Boy Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Henry Big Boy Deluxe is a far heavier and aesthetically focused firearm than the utilitarian Stevens 334 Rifle. Where the Stevens 334 weighs approximately 6.5 pounds and features a matte black synthetic stock for pure function, the Henry Big Boy Deluxe weighs 8.68 pounds with polished brass and engraved walnut for collector appeal. The Henry is also chambered exclusively in pistol-caliber cartridges suitable for sub-150-yard work, while the Stevens 334 is available in full-power rifle cartridges like .308 Winchester for ethical hunting out to 300+ yards. For short-range aesthetic shooting, the Henry is superior; for cost-effective long-range performance, the Stevens 334 holds the advantage. Consider the the Stevens 334 Rifle if your priority is budget hunting capability over presentation.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Henry Big Boy Deluxe has an unloaded weight of 8.68 pounds (139 ounces) and measures 38.5 inches in overall length. Its octagon barrel profile contributes significantly to its heft and cooling capacity, with a 20-inch length that keeps the center of gravity forward for steady offhand aim, and the tubular magazine holds 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt in a loading sequence that requires approximately 15 seconds to fully charge. Combined with its 1.5-inch-wide stock at the comb and 13.5-inch length of pull, these dimensions demand a deliberate, two-handed shooting stance rather than quick snap-shot techniques.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for shooters pursuing lightweight backcountry hunting or tactical rapid-fire applications. Its 8.68-pound weight makes it 2.18 pounds heavier than a synthetic-stock bolt-action like the Stevens 334, and its side-gate loading process, though reliable, cannot match the 2-second magazine changes of a detachable-box-fed system. Additionally, anyone requiring magnified optics as a permanent fixture should note that the receiver's drilled and tapped holes are proprietary to Henry's BB-RSM mount, limiting aftermarket optic rail compatibility without custom machining, unlike the standardized Picatinny systems found on modern tactical rifles.

What's in the box?

Henry ships this rifle with the firearm itself, one 10-round tubular magazine pre-installed, a basic cable lock for transport compliance, and the factory owner's manual detailing maintenance and warranty procedures. Unlike some competitors, Henry does not include a scope mount in the box—the BB-RSM mount must be purchased separately for approximately $45—and you will need to supply your own cleaning rod and bore brush, as the octagon barrel requires a specific .45-caliber jag that isn't included. All Ironclad Armory direct sales include a free 30-minute consultation on NFA regulatory compliance for suppressor or short-barreled rifle applications.

Is the Henry Big Boy Deluxe worth it at $1808.99?

At $1808.99, this rifle represents significant value for collectors and recreational shooters who prioritize aesthetics and mechanical pedigree. It's approximately $700 more expensive than a base-model Henry Big Boy without engraving or brass furniture, but that premium buys you a limited-production firearm with hand-fitted walnut-to-metal contact and hardened brass that won't tarnish like plated alternatives. For comparison, custom-engraved replicas from boutique makers often start above $3000, making the Henry Big Boy Deluxe a factory-accessible entry into heirloom-grade firearms. If your budget is tighter, consider the utilitarian Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for around $650 as a versatile field alternative.