Description
The Henry Big Boy 357/38 Special, 20″ Octagon Barrel is a classic American lever-action rifle chambered for the versatile .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges. It features a handsome octagonal barrel, a smooth side-gate loading system, and a beautiful American walnut stock, blending timeless aesthetics with modern, reliable function.
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of both .38 Special plinking loads and full-house .357 Magnum through this rifle, and here’s my take. The action breaks in nicely, the trigger is surprisingly crisp for a lever gun, and that octagon barrel gives it a heft and balance that just feels right on the range. It’s a shooter’s rifle that looks like a showpiece.
Key Features
- Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special for versatility and lower-cost practice.
- 20-inch octagonal blued steel barrel for classic looks and stability.
- American walnut stock with a satin finish and a curved buttplate.
- Side-gate loading for safe, convenient topping off of the tubular magazine.
- Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight.
- Lever-action mechanism with a transfer bar safety system.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 20″ Octagon, Blued Steel |
| Overall Length | 38.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds of .357, 9 rounds of .38 Special |
| Stock | American Walnut |
Weighing in at 7.7 pounds, it has a solid, planted feel without being cumbersome. That weight, centered along that octagon barrel, soaks up recoil beautifully—even with hot .357 loads, it’s a pussycat. The capacity is a practical 7 rounds of the longer magnum cartridge, or you can load up to 9 of the shorter, milder .38 Specials. Look, if you want a rifle that turns heads and delivers consistent performance, this is a strong contender.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Big Boy is perfect for the shooter who appreciates heritage but demands a working firearm. It’s a fantastic choice for Missouri whitetail hunters who want a potent, short-range brush gun, or for the recreational shooter who enjoys the tactile satisfaction of a lever action. It’s also an ideal companion for anyone with a .357 Magnum revolver, allowing them to share ammunition between two platforms. The rifle is drop-in ready for optics if you want to mount a scout scope, using bases designed for models like the Henry Big Boy or similar lever-action profiles.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The dual-caliber capability is its biggest practical advantage. The fit and finish are outstanding for a production rifle—the wood-to-metal fit is tight, and the bluing is deep. The side-gate loading is a welcome modern touch on a classic design. It’s simply a joy to operate and shoot.
Cons: That beautiful octagon barrel and solid construction make it heavier than some synthetic-stocked alternatives. The tubular magazine is slower to load than a detachable box, though the side-gate helps. At $902.86, it’s an investment, but you’re paying for quality that lasts generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special ammunition in this .357 Magnum rifle?
A: Absolutely. That’s one of its best features. You can shoot lower-recoil, less expensive .38 Special for practice or small game, and then load .357 Magnum for hunting or more powerful range sessions. Just ensure you clean the chamber thoroughly after shooting .38 Special, as carbon can build up.
Q: Is the rifle ready to shoot right away?
A: Yes, it comes ready for use with open sights. As with any new firearm, a thorough cleaning and lubrication is recommended first. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, which we handle seamlessly for online orders.
Q: How does the octagon barrel affect performance?
A: The octagon shape adds rigidity and mass, which can contribute to consistent harmonics and potentially better accuracy. The main benefits are the classic aesthetic and the superb forward balance it gives the rifle, making it steady offhand. The overall length of 38.5 inches makes it maneuverable but not too short.
That said, the Henry Big Boy in .357/.38 is more than just a pretty piece of wood and steel. It’s a testament to functional American craftsmanship that’s as at home on a deer trail as it is on the firing line. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. If the blend of tradition, versatility, and top-shelf construction speaks to you, this rifle deserves a close look.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.