Description
Picture this: a small, destructive pest is tearing through your garden or outbuilding. You need a tool that’s quiet, precise at short range, and won’t over-penetrate or cause collateral damage. That’s the exact scenario the Henry Garden Gun Smoothbore Rifle 22 LR, 18.50″ Barrel, Black Fixed, 15rd was built for. It’s a specialized .22 LR smoothbore rifle designed for close-quarters pest and varmint control, offering a unique blend of low report, minimal ricochet risk, and high capacity in a classic, reliable lever-action platform.
When it comes to home defense on the perimeter—think sheds, coops, or the garden—this isn’t your average .22. The smoothbore barrel is the key. It stabilizes .22 LR shot shells (like CCI or Federal) effectively, creating a tight pattern at garden distances to dispatch pests without the bullet skipping off into the distance. The 15-round tubular magazine capacity means you can handle multiple targets or follow-up without constant reloading. At a total length of just 37.5 inches and a weight of 5.75 lbs, it’s incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces. The Henry Repeating Arms reputation for quality is built into every part, and this model fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required, ready for a straightforward FFL transfer.
Let’s break down what makes it work. The 18.5-inch smoothbore barrel is the defining feature. It’s not designed for long-range accuracy with standard rounds, but that’s the point. With .22 LR shot shells, it turns into a miniature, rifle-stocked shotgun perfect for rats, snakes, or starlings inside 15 yards. The action is Henry’s signature lever-action, known for its smooth operation and dependable feeding. The black finished receiver and American walnut stock give it a no-nonsense, classic look that’s at home in a truck or leaning by the back door. The fixed sights are simple and robust, calibrated for the close distances you’ll actually use it. Here’s the thing—for its intended role, few tools are as purpose-built and effective.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle (Smoothbore) |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 Inches |
| Overall Length | 37.5 Inches |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 Rounds (Tubular) |
| Action | Lever Action |
| Sights | Fixed Front & Rear |
| Stock | American Walnut |
Pros: Extremely low noise and recoil. Minimal risk of ricochet with proper ammunition. High 15-round capacity reduces reloads in active pest situations. Legendary Henry lever-action reliability. Lightweight and short for easy handling. Perfectly suited for its niche role.
Cons: Smoothbore limits effective use with standard .22 LR rounds for precision. Not a general-purpose rifle or long-range tool. Fixed sights are basic. Requires specific ammo (shot shells) for its primary advantage.
This rifle is for the Missouri landowner, gardener, or homesteader who needs a dedicated, safe tool for close-range pest control. It’s for the person who values a quiet solution that won’t disturb neighbors or livestock. It’s also an excellent choice for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of a lever action with very manageable recoil. If your threat is a raccoon in the feed bin or a rodent population in the barn, this is your specialized tool. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot regular .22 LR bullets out of the smoothbore barrel?
A: You can, but accuracy will be significantly reduced at any distance. The barrel lacks rifling, so the bullet will not stabilize. This gun is designed and optimized for use with .22 LR shot shells from brands like CCI for its intended pest control role.
Q: What is the effective range with shot shells?
A: For reliable pest elimination, keep your shots inside 10-15 yards. The shot pattern spreads quickly, making it ideal for close work in confined spaces like sheds or under porches, but ineffective for longer-range varminting.
Q: Is this suitable for home defense against people?
A: No. The Henry Garden Gun is a specialized tool for small pests and varmints. While any firearm can be used in a defensive emergency, the .22 LR shot shell lacks the necessary penetration and stopping power for two-legged threats. It is not recommended for primary human defense.
For a specialized, practical solution to a common problem, the Henry Garden Gun stands alone. Its price of $373.08 reflects its focused utility and quality construction. See the full details and availability on our site.




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