GForce Arms GFLVR357 Saddlehorn 20in .357 Magnum 10+1

Description

If you’re looking for a lever gun that actually earns its keep at the range and in the field, the GForce Arms GFLVR357 Saddlehorn 20in .357 Magnum 10+1 is a serious contender. This is a full-size, 20-inch-barreled .357 Magnum lever action that brings classic lines and modern reliability together without the boutique price tag. The color case-hardened aluminum receiver keeps weight down near 5.50 lbs, while the fixed Turkish walnut stock gives it that traditional feel. With a 10+1 tubular magazine and fiber-optic sights, it’s built for quick follow-ups and solid hits—whether you’re ringing steel or hunting.

Manufacturer	GForce Arms
Model	GFLVR357 Saddlehorn
Material	Aluminum receiver, Turkish walnut stock, steel barrel
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Color case-hardened receiver, blued barrel
Weight	5.50 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 20-Inch Barrel – Gives you a longer sight radius and better velocity retention with .357 Magnum loads, which means flatter trajectories and more energy on target at typical competition or hunting distances.
• Color Case-Hardened Aluminum Receiver – Keeps the weight under 6 lbs without sacrificing durability, making this rifle easy to carry all day and swing onto target fast.
• Fixed Turkish Walnut Stock – Provides a stable, comfortable cheek weld and classic aesthetics that won’t look out of place next to vintage guns, but with modern fit and finish.
• Fiber-Optic Front Sight & Adjustable Rear Sight – Allows you to dial in your zero and pick up the front sight quickly in variable light, critical for speed in competition or low-light field conditions.
• 10+1 Tubular Magazine – Gives you 11 rounds of .357 on tap, enough for most stages or a magazine of follow-up shots on game without constant reloading.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the shooter who wants a lever action that actually performs—not just a wall hanger. If you compete in cowboy action, run tactical lever matches, or just want a reliable .357 for hunting and plinking, the Saddlehorn delivers. It’s also a solid choice for anyone who appreciates the versatility of shooting both .357 Magnum and .38 Special from the same gun, saving money on practice while having full-power loads for serious work.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Lightweight at 5.50 lbs, easy to carry and maneuver.
• Pro: Fiber-optic sights are bright and fast to acquire.
• Pro: 10+1 capacity is above average for a lever gun.
• Pro: Classic walnut stock with modern receiver materials.
• Con: The aluminum receiver, while light, may not hold up as well to heavy, repeated .357 Magnum loads as a steel receiver would over tens of thousands of rounds. For most shooters this isn’t an issue, but if you plan to run high-pressure loads exclusively and shoot high volume, it’s something to monitor.

Comparison

Feature	GForce Arms Saddlehorn	Henry Big Boy Steel	Marlin 1894 CSBL
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl
Barrel Length	20 in	20 in	16.5 in
Weight	5.50 lbs	7.3 lbs	6.5 lbs
Capacity	10+1	10+1	8+1
Receiver Material	Aluminum (color case-hardened)	Steel	Stainless steel
Price	$630.69	$950–$1,100	$1,200+

Compared to the Henry Big Boy Steel, the Saddlehorn is nearly 2 lbs lighter and hundreds less in cost. The Marlin 1894 CSBL is a premium option with a shorter barrel and stainless build, but at nearly double the price. For the money, the Saddlehorn offers the best weight-to-capacity ratio in the budget-to-mid lever gun segment.

FAQ

Is the GForce Arms GFLVR357 Saddlehorn reliable with .38 Special?

Yes. According to GForce Arms specs, the Saddlehorn is designed to feed both .357 Magnum and .38 Special reliably. The 20-inch barrel handles the shorter .38 cases without issue, and the tubular magazine cycles them smoothly. Just be aware that .38 Special will have a noticeable velocity drop in a 20-inch barrel compared to .357, but it’s perfectly fine for practice and plinking.

Can I mount a scope or red dot on this rifle?

The Saddlehorn receiver does not come drilled and tapped for a scope mount from the factory, so you’ll need to have it machined if you want optics. That said, the fiber-optic front and adjustable rear sights are excellent for iron-sight competition and field use. If you need optics, consider a model with a pre-drilled receiver or a side-mount option.

How does the weight of 5.50 lbs affect recoil with .357 Magnum?

At 5.50 lbs, the Saddlehorn is light for a lever gun, so you will feel the recoil more than with a 7+ lb rifle. However, the .357 Magnum is not a punishing round, and the stock’s design helps manage it. For most shooters, it’s manageable even with full-power loads. If you’re sensitive to recoil, stick with .38 Special for extended sessions.

Is this rifle legal in all 50 states?

Yes, the GForce Arms GFLVR357 Saddlehorn is a non-restricted lever-action rifle with a 20-inch barrel and fixed stock, making it legal in all 50 states. Always check your local laws regarding magazine capacity, but the 10+1 tubular magazine is compliant in most jurisdictions.

Buy with Confidence

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Last updated: April 2026

Internal links: Lever Action Rifles | Firearms | .357 Magnum Rifles