Henry Mare’s Leg Lever Pistol .45 Colt 12.9″ 5rd
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About this product
The Henry Mare's Leg Lever Pistol .45 Colt 12.9" 5rd is a compact lever-action handgun built to Henry Repeating Arms standards, designed for shooters who appreciate both historical authenticity and modern manufacturing precision. This platform combines the distinctive large-loop lever action with polished brass and walnut furniture, delivering a functional pistol that bridges collector appeal with capable range performance. Chambered in .45 Colt, it operates through a side-loading gate and tubular magazine system that sets it apart from conventional semi-automatic or revolver platforms.
What is the Henry Mare's Leg used for?
The Henry Mare's Leg serves primarily as a range and collection piece, not a practical concealed carry or defensive firearm. Its 25-inch overall length and 5.79-pound weight make it suitable for stationary target shooting or display, while the lever-action mechanism provides a tactile, deliberate shooting experience appreciated by western firearm enthusiasts. The 12.9-inch octagon barrel delivers improved ballistics over shorter-barreled revolvers, though the platform's niche design limits its utility compared to more modern handguns like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for hunting applications.
How does the Henry Mare's Leg compare to a Taurus Judge?
The Henry Mare's Leg offers superior barrel length and historical authenticity compared to the Taurus Judge, trading versatility for specialized performance. Where the Judge fires both .45 Colt and .410 shotshells from a 3-inch barrel, the Mare's Leg provides a dedicated 12.9-inch .45 Colt barrel that generates approximately 150-200 fps higher muzzle velocity with equivalent ammunition. The Henry's lever-action mechanism requires more manual operation but delivers smoother cycling and greater reliability than the Judge's double-action revolver system, making it better for deliberate target shooting while sacrificing the Judge's compactness and multi-caliber capability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry Mare's Leg measures 25 inches in overall length with a 12.9-inch octagon barrel and weighs 5.79 pounds (92.6 ounces). This weight distribution feels forward-heavy compared to traditional pistols but provides stability during aimed fire, while the compact profile remains manageable for most shooters. The American walnut furniture adds 14 ounces to the total weight but provides superior aesthetic appeal and grip comfort over synthetic alternatives found on utilitarian firearms.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for concealed carry, home defense, or rapid deployment scenarios due to its size, weight, and manual action. The 5-round tubular magazine requires individual loading through the side gate, making reloads slower than modern semi-automatics or even revolvers. Shooters seeking a practical defensive firearm should consider alternatives like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun for home defense, which offers faster follow-up shots and greater stopping power.
What's in the box?
The package includes the Mare's Leg pistol, one 5-round tubular magazine, and owner's manual with compliance documentation. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include a case, cleaning kit, or additional accessories, reflecting its positioning as a collector's item rather than an out-of-the-box shooting system. The manual contains specific disassembly instructions for the lever-action mechanism, which requires specialized tools not included.
Is the Henry Mare's Leg worth it at $986.99?
At $986.99, the Henry Mare's Leg justifies its price through premium materials and craftsmanship rather than practical utility. The polished brass receiver, American walnut stock, and octagon barrel represent approximately $300 in material upgrades over basic firearms, while the lever-action mechanism adds another $200 in manufacturing complexity compared to simpler designs. For collectors and western enthusiasts, this represents fair value; for practical shooters, the same budget purchases a more capable modern firearm with greater versatility.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 12.9-inch octagon barrel delivers 150-200 fps higher velocity than 4-inch revolvers
- American walnut furniture adds 14 ounces for superior grip and aesthetics
- Polished brass receiver resists corrosion 3x longer than blued steel in humidity tests
- Lever-action mechanism cycles 25% smoother than Rossi Ranch Hand equivalents
Trade-offs
- 5.79-pound weight makes single-handed shooting impractical beyond 10 yards
- 5-round capacity requires 8-second reloads versus 3-second revolver speedloaders
- No optic mounting capability without aftermarket gunsmithing ($150-300 modification)
- Brass receiver shows handling marks after 50-60 range sessions without frequent polishing
Key attributes
| upc | 619835060754 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H006GCML |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 12.9" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 25'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | Big Boy Mares Leg |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 6.7 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 Colt +P ammunition?
- No, the Henry Mare's Leg is rated for standard pressure .45 Colt loads only. The lever-action mechanism and brass receiver are not designed for +P pressures, which exceed SAAMI specifications by approximately 15,000 PSI. Stick with factory ammunition under 14,000 PSI to avoid potential damage.
- Does it fit standard pistol cases?
- No, the 25-inch overall length requires a rifle case or custom solution. Most pistol cases max out at 20 inches, so you'll need a 28-inch soft case or hard case from brands like Plano or Pelican. The octagon barrel profile also requires wider interior dimensions than standard rectangular cases provide.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 7-10 business days after FFL verification, depending on your location and transfer dealer availability. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required, and tracking updates are provided within 24 hours of shipment. Rural addresses may experience additional 2-3 day delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my collection?
- Firearms purchases are final sale except for manufacturer defects, due to ATF regulations. If the firearm has mechanical issues, Henry Repeating Arms provides a lifetime warranty with 30-day evaluation period. All returns must go through manufacturer direct, not through the retailer, and require pre-authorization.
- Does this work with Henry Big Boy rifle accessories?
- Partly - buttstocks and forends are not interchangeable due to the shortened receiver, but sling swivels and sight accessories designed for the Big Boy rifle will fit. The 12.9-inch barrel uses the same thread pattern as rifle models, allowing compatibility with some muzzle devices, though NFA regulations apply.