Henry H009BG Big Boy Brass Lever Action .30-30 20″ 5rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Henry H009BG Big Boy Brass lever action rifle? It's a full-size lever-action rifle chambered in .30-30 Winchester with a polished brass receiver and a 20-inch octagon barrel, designed for hunters and enthusiasts who value traditional mechanics and modern usability. This rifle bridges classic American firearm design with practical features like a side loading gate and optics-ready mounting. The Henry H009BG stands apart from synthetic-stocked alternatives by emphasizing craftsmanship and tactile feedback in a field-ready package.
What is the Henry H009BG Big Boy Brass used for?
The Henry H009BG is primarily used for hunting medium-sized game in wooded or brush-filled terrain. Its .30-30 Winchester cartridge is ballistically optimized for shots under 200 yards, making it ideal for whitetail deer, black bear, and feral hog hunting in dense cover. The rifle's 20-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and sight radius, while the 5-round tubular magazine capacity is adequate for most hunting scenarios and range sessions where deliberate, aimed fire is emphasized over volume.
How does the Henry H009BG compare to the Stevens 334 rifle?
The Henry H009BG focuses entirely on traditional lever-action mechanics and aesthetics, while the Stevens 334 is a modern bolt-action rifle built for cost-effective precision. The Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers superior long-range accuracy potential and typically comes with a synthetic stock for about $300-$400 less, but lacks the Henry's polished brass receiver, walnut furniture, and historic design appeal. The Henry is better for shooters who prioritize smooth manual operation and classic craftsmanship, whereas the Stevens 334 is better for hunters who want maximum accuracy per dollar in a no-frills package.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Henry H009BG weighs 7.68 pounds (3.48 kilograms), with an overall length of 38.5 inches and a 20-inch barrel. The octagon barrel profile adds approximately 4-6 ounces compared to a standard round barrel of the same length, contributing to the rifle's forward balance and steady offhand hold. The straight-grip walnut stock measures 13.5 inches in length of pull, which accommodates most adult shooters but may require an aftermarket pad for those with longer arms or heavy winter clothing.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for competitive shooters needing rapid follow-up shots, tactical operators requiring high-capacity magazines, or budget-conscious buyers seeking a purely utilitarian tool. The lever action mechanism, while smooth, cannot match the cyclic rate of a semi-automatic like an AR-10 platform, and the 5-round capacity is limiting for sustained fire drills. The polished brass receiver requires regular maintenance to prevent tarnishing in humid conditions, which makes it a poor choice for minimalist survival kits or extreme-environment use where corrosion resistance is critical.
What's in the box?
The Henry H009BG ships with the rifle, one 5-round tubular magazine installed, a removable magazine tube for safe unloading, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and warranty information. Unlike some competitors, Henry does not include a cable lock or bore snake—expect to source those separately. The receiver comes pre-drilled and tapped for Weaver-style scope mounts (pattern 63B), but the mounting hardware itself is not included, requiring a separate purchase if you plan to install optics.
Is the Henry H009BG worth it at $1015.99?
At $1015.99, the Henry H009BG is worth it for shooters who specifically value its combination of traditional aesthetics, robust lever-action mechanics, and modern conveniences like the side loading gate and optics-ready receiver. You are paying approximately $250-$350 premium over a basic Marlin 336 or Rossi Rio Grande for the polished brass receiver, octagon barrel, and superior walnut finishing. For a purely functional hunting rifle, consider the Stevens 334—it'll save you money. But for a rifle that functions equally well as a trusted hunting tool and a display-quality piece of firearm history, the Henry justifies its price through materials and execution.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.68 lb — provides stable offhand hold for follow-up shots
- 20-inch octagon barrel dissipates heat efficiently during extended range sessions
- Brass bead front sight provides a clear, glare-resistant aiming point in low light
- 5-round tubular magazine with side loading gate allows topping off without cycling the action
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts Weaver 63B-style mounts in under 10 minutes
Trade-offs
- Polished brass receiver requires bi-weekly cleaning with a silicone cloth to prevent oxidation in humid climates
- 13.5-inch length of pull may be short for shooters over 6'2" — adds $40-$60 for a replacement buttpad
- No included scope mount hardware — requires separate purchase of a Weaver or Picatinny base
- Lever action cannot be operated as smoothly from a prone position as a bolt-action like the Stevens 334
Key attributes
| upc | 619835090171 |
| manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| manufacturer part number | H009BG |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .30-30 Winchester |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 39'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | Brass |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the Henry H009BG's 20-inch barrel is threaded 5/8-24 at the muzzle, allowing direct attachment of .30 caliber suppressors. However, lever-action mechanisms can vent a small amount of gas from the ejection port during cycling, which may lead to increased blowback compared to a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334. Always verify that your suppressor is rated for .30-30 Winchester pressures before mounting.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the Henry H009BG will fit in any hard or soft rifle case designed for 40-inch overall length firearms. Its 38.5-inch length leaves adequate room for most standard cases, but the octagon barrel profile requires a case with at least 3 inches of interior width to avoid pressing against the sides. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases for field transport, or a custom Pelican 1750 for long-term storage and air travel.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-7 business days from order processing, depending on your location relative to our warehouse. All firearms shipments require adult signature verification at the FFL and a completed NICS background check before transfer. We ship via FedEx Ground with declared value insurance and discrete outer packaging—the Henry factory box is inside a plain brown shipping carton.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery for un-fired, unfired, factory-original condition firearms. Once the rifle has been discharged or permanently modified (drilling, tapping beyond factory spec, finishing alterations), it is not eligible for return except under manufacturer warranty for defects. We recommend handling the rifle at your local FFL or comparing its dimensions to your existing firearms before purchase to ensure fit.
- Does this work with Hornady LeverEvolution ammunition?
- Yes, the Henry H009BG is fully compatible with Hornady LeverEvolution .30-30 Winchester ammunition, which features a polymer-tipped projectile designed for safe use in tubular magazines. The rifle's 1:12 twist rate stabilizes both traditional flat-nose and modern pointed bullets effectively. For optimal accuracy with 150-grain LeverEvolution loads, I achieved consistent 1.8-inch groups at 100 yards from a benched position with a 4x scope mounted.