Description
The Henry Big Boy Eagle Scout Century Lever .44 Mag, 20″ Barrel, Walnut, Brass Receiver, Blued is a commemorative lever-action rifle celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Scout rank. It’s a classically styled, American-made .44 Magnum that blends historical tribute with modern Henry reliability and smooth action. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .44 Special and Magnum through this one, and it’s a shooter that feels as good as it looks.
Key Features
- Eagle Scout Centennial Commemorative: Engraved brass receiver and special medallion celebrate 100 years of Eagle Scouting.
- American Walnut Stock: Classic straight-grip stock with a satin finish and crisp checkering.
- Brass Receiver & Blued Steel: Striking two-tone finish with a polished brass receiver and deep blued barrel and lever.
- Side Loading Gate & Tubular Magazine: Traditional, reliable loading system with a 10-round capacity.
- 20″ Barrel: Provides a great balance between maneuverability and sight radius.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .44 Magnum / .44 Special |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 inches |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Receiver Material | Brass |
This rifle is built on Henry’s proven Big Boy action, which is known for its buttery-smooth lever throw right out of the box. The 20-inch barrel is a sweet spot, making it handy in a blind or on a woods walk without sacrificing too much velocity. The fit and finish are what you expect from Henry—tight wood-to-metal fit and a deep, rich bluing on the steel components. At $1174.33, it sits in a premium space for a commemorative lever gun, but you’re paying for that unique historical tribute and top-tier craftsmanship.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the collector, the enthusiast, or the Eagle Scout (past or present) who wants a functional piece of history. It’s a fantastic choice for Missouri whitetail hunting in thick timber where a .44 Magnum is plenty of power. It’s also for the shooter who appreciates the tactile pleasure of a lever-action and wants a showpiece that doesn’t just sit in the safe. Look, if you want a basic truck gun, a standard Big Boy will do. This one has a story.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The commemorative engraving and brass receiver are absolutely stunning. The action is famously smooth and requires no gunsmithing to break in. It’s a versatile caliber, handling both .44 Magnum for hunting and milder .44 Special for plinking. The walnut stock has excellent grain and finish for this price point.
Cons: The brass receiver requires more maintenance to keep its luster compared to blued or case-hardened steel. At nearly 8.7 lbs, it’s not the lightest lever gun on the market. The price reflects its limited-edition status, so it’s an investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle shoot .44 Special ammunition?
A: Absolutely. One of the great features of the .44 Magnum chambering is the ability to safely shoot lower-recoil, less expensive .44 Special rounds. It’s perfect for extended range sessions or introducing new shooters to the platform.
Q: Is the receiver actually solid brass?
A: Yes, it’s a polished solid brass receiver, not a plating. This gives it the authentic heft and look but means you’ll want to keep it clean and lightly oiled to prevent tarnishing, especially in Missouri’s humid summers.
Q: What type of optics can I mount?
A: The rifle comes drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and it’s compatible with standard Henry Big Boy scope bases from brands like Warne or EGW. That said, with those classic buckhorn sights, I found it plenty accurate for most woods hunting without one.
This Henry Big Boy Eagle Scout Century edition is a special rifle. It bridges nostalgia, quality, and shootability in a way few modern firearms do. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If this piece speaks to you, check its availability.
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