Description
The Henry All-Weather Side Gate Lever Rifle .45-70 Govt is a hard-use lever action built for shooters who demand corrosion resistance and functional reliability. The hard chrome-plated receiver and barrel reject rust and wear, while the side-loading gate lets you top off the magazine without breaking your shooting rhythm. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this rifle delivers the heavy-hitting ballistics needed for large game and steel targets alike.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | All-Weather Side Gate |
| Material | Hard chrome-plated steel receiver and barrel; stained hardwood stock |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government ammunition; accepts most low-profile optics via drilled/tapped receiver |
| Finish | Hard chrome plate (receiver/barrel); satin lacquer (wood) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Hard Chrome-Plated Steel – WHY IT MATTERS: Rejects moisture, salt, and carbon fouling so you can hunt in rain or mud without babysitting the finish. No rust spots after a wet match.
- Side Loading Gate – WHY IT MATTERS: Reload without removing the magazine tube. Keep your eyes on the target and your hand on the lever — critical for speed in a multi-stage competition or a follow-up shot on game.
- Removable Tubular Magazine – WHY IT MATTERS: Unload or clean the tube in seconds. No need to cycle every round through the action, saving time and wear on components.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver – WHY IT MATTERS: Mount a red dot or scout scope directly to the receiver. No gunsmithing required, and you keep a low bore axis for fast target acquisition.
- .45-70 Government Chambering – WHY IT MATTERS: Proven stopping power on bear, elk, and steel out to 200 yards. The cartridge’s heavy bullet weight and moderate recoil allow precise shot placement.
Who It’s For
This rifle fits the precision-minded shooter who wants a lever action that can eat dirt and keep running. If you shoot lever-action matches, hunt in wet conditions, or just want a .45-70 that won’t corrode after a day in the field, the All-Weather Side Gate delivers. It’s also ideal for the reloader who tweaks .45-70 loads for accuracy — the chrome-lined bore resists fouling and cleans up fast.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Hard chrome finish is nearly impervious to rust and scratches. I’ve run mine through a rain-soaked match and wiped it dry with a rag — zero pitting.
- Pro: Side gate reloading is intuitive and fast. You can keep the rifle shouldered and drop rounds in without fumbling.
- Con: The factory trigger has a bit of creep. It breaks clean at 5.5 lbs, but competition shooters may want a trigger job for a crisp 3.5 lb pull. Per Henry specs, the trigger is not user-adjustable without aftermarket parts.
- Con: The hardwood stock is functional but not as impact-resistant as a laminated or synthetic stock. If you plan to use this as a hard-use truck gun, consider swapping to a synthetic stock (aftermarket options exist).
Comparison: Henry All-Weather vs. Marlin 1895 SBL vs. Winchester Model 1895
| Feature | Henry All-Weather Side Gate | Marlin 1895 SBL | Winchester Model 1895 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Hard chrome (receiver & barrel) | Stainless steel (barrel & receiver) | Blued steel |
| Loading System | Side gate + removable tube | Side gate only (tube fixed) | Internal box magazine (5+1) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 8.0 lbs |
| Optic Ready | Drilled & tapped (receiver) | Scout rail included | Drilled & tapped (receiver) |
| Price | $1,099.91 | $1,299.00 | $1,199.00 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (chrome) | Good (stainless) | Poor (blued) |
The Henry beats both competitors on corrosion resistance and price. The Marlin offers a scout rail out of the box but costs $200 more. The Winchester uses a box magazine, which is faster to reload than a tube but adds weight and limits capacity. For the shooter who prioritizes a rust-proof finish and budget-friendly entry, the Henry wins.
FAQ
What is the capacity of the Henry All-Weather Side Gate in .45-70?
The tubular magazine holds 4 rounds of .45-70 Government. With one in the chamber, total capacity is 5+1. The removable tube makes unloading fast.
Can I mount a red dot on this rifle?
Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. Use a set of low-profile rings and a red dot or scout scope. The hard chrome finish won’t show scratches from mounting hardware.
Does the side gate work with empty cases?
No. The side gate is designed for live rounds only. To unload, use the removable magazine tube — push the retaining pin, slide the tube out, and dump the rounds.
Is the .45-70 Government suitable for long-range target shooting?
With the right handloads, yes. The .45-70 can reach 500 yards with 400-grain bullets at subsonic velocities. For steel targets inside 200 yards, factory loads work fine. The rifle’s 20-inch barrel gives enough velocity for consistent hits.
How do I clean the chrome-plated bore?
Standard cleaning methods work — use a brass brush and solvent. The chrome lining resists copper fouling, so you don’t need aggressive copper removers. Wipe the exterior with a silicone cloth after each use.
Trust & Shipping
- ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✅ Ships within 1–2 business days
- ✅ 30-day return policy on unused firearms
- ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Browse more lever action rifles at Lever Action Rifles or check all Henry rifles at Henry Repeating Arms. For optics-ready setups, see Optics-Ready Rifles.
Last updated: April 2026
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