Description
The Henry Big Boy Carbine 357mag 16.5″ is a compact, American-made lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum (and .38 Special). It’s a modern take on a classic Western design, featuring a brass receiver, a 16.5-inch barrel for easy handling, and Henry’s renowned smooth action. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of both .38 and .357 through this model, and it’s a blast—literally and figuratively. This carbine is built for fun at the range, practical use on a trail, or as a dependable home defense option where legal.
Key Features
- Compact & Maneuverable: The 16.5-inch barrel makes it quick to shoulder and easy to handle in tight spaces like a tree stand or a vehicle cab.
- Dual-Caliber Flexibility: Shoots both .357 Magnum and the milder, cheaper .38 Special. That’s huge for cost-effective practice and versatility.
- Henry Smooth Action: The lever throw is buttery right out of the box—no gunsmithing required to get that iconic, slick lever-gun feel.
- Classic Brass & Walnut: The polished brass receiver and American walnut stock give it timeless looks that just get better with age.
- Side Loading Gate & Tube Feed: Load one round at a time via the traditional gate or unload via the removable tube magazine.
Specs & Details
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 16.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 34 inches |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
| Capacity | 7 rounds of .357 Mag |
| Receiver | Polished Brass |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the feel in your hands completes it. At just over 34 inches long and under 7 pounds, this carbine points naturally and carries all day without fatigue. The walnut has a nice, satin finish that’s handsome without being too glossy for field use. The rifle comes with sling swivel studs installed, so adding a simple leather sling from a brand like Montana Sling or Grovtec is a straightforward upgrade. The rear sight is a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn, and the front is a brass bead—a classic combo that works. Here’s the thing—at $797.86, you’re getting Henry’s legendary customer service and quality in a package that’s more agile than their standard 20-inch rifle models.
Who This Rifle Is For
This carbine is perfect for the shooter who wants a versatile, nostalgic, and practical long gun. It’s for the Missouri hunter in dense timber who needs a quick-handling firearm for deer or hog. It’s for the recreational shooter who appreciates mechanical craftsmanship and the tactile satisfaction of working a lever. It’s also a fantastic option for a homestead or ranch where a compact, powerful, and reliable rifle is a tool. And because it shoots .38 Special, it’s an ideal companion for anyone who already owns a .357 Magnum revolver, like a Ruger GP100 or a Smith & Wesson 686, allowing for caliber commonality.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Incredibly smooth action from day one. The dual-caliber capability is a massive advantage for training and plinking. Its compact size makes it uniquely handy without sacrificing ballistics. The fit and finish are top-tier for a production firearm. Henry’s lifetime warranty is as good as it gets.
Cons: The brass receiver requires a bit more maintenance to keep its shine if you’re using it hard outdoors. Lever actions are inherently slower to reload than a modern semi-auto. While the sights are good, mounting optics requires a separate, purchased rail that attaches to the receiver side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special +P ammunition in this rifle?
A: Yes, absolutely. The rifle’s action is more than strong enough to handle .38 Special +P pressures. In fact, .38 Special +P is a great way to get performance closer to a mild .357 load with less recoil and report, making it an excellent choice for home defense.
Q: How does the shorter barrel affect .357 Magnum velocity?
A: You will see some velocity drop compared to a 20-inch barrel—typically in the range of 150-250 feet per second depending on the load. However, from a 16.5-inch tube, .357 Magnum is still a very potent cartridge for medium game at reasonable distances, easily delivering enough energy for whitetail deer inside 100 yards.
Q: Is the magazine tube easy to remove for cleaning or unloading?
A: It is. The knurled end cap unscrews counter-clockwise, allowing the spring and follower to be removed. This is the standard, safe way to unload the rifle without cycling live rounds through the action. It’s a simple, robust system that has proven reliable for over a century.
If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted, versatile lever-action that blends old-school charm with modern practicality, this Henry Big Boy Carbine deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, so you can start the process online and pick it up from your local dealer.
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