Description
The Henry Repeating Arms Big Boy Steel in .357 Magnum is a modern lever-action rifle built for reliability. It features a 20-inch barrel with a classic blue finish, a straight-grip American walnut stock, adjustable bead sights, and a 10-round capacity. This rifle bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and practical, hard-use performance for defense, hunting, and recreational shooting. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Key Features
- Robust .357 Magnum/.38 Special Platform: Delivers potent stopping power for defense or hunting medium game, with the softer-shooting, economical option of .38 Special for practice.
- American Walnut Straight-Grip Stock: Provides a classic, secure hold and fast handling in tight quarters—ideal for a vehicle or home defense scenario.
- Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear & Bead Front Sight: Offers a clean, intuitive sight picture for fast target acquisition at practical distances.
- Side Loading Gate & Tubular Magazine: Allows for safe, easy topping off of the 10-round capacity without unloading the entire tube.
- Blued Steel Construction: Combines timeless aesthetics with a durable, corrosion-resistant finish that stands up to the elements.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 20″ |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ (approx.) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (approx.) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Stock | American Walnut, Straight-Grip |
Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, the Big Boy Steel has a solid, authoritative feel that soaks up recoil, making follow-up shots with full-power .357 loads manageable. The 20-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and sight radius, giving you an edge when it comes to home defense or navigating dense timber. The side ejection port keeps spent brass predictable, and the smooth, short-throw lever action is a testament to Henry’s quality—no gunsmithing required to achieve this level of function out of the box. At $792.13, this rifle represents a significant value in a market of increasingly expensive firearms.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the rifle for the shooter who values proven mechanics over tactical trends. It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a versatile tool for predator control and property patrol. It’s for the home defender who appreciates a manually-operated firearm’s inherent safety and intimidating auditory signature. It’s also a perfect companion for a hunter pursuing deer or boar in thick cover, where quick, off-hand shots are the norm. Look, if you want a rifle that works without batteries, complex manuals, or fuss, this is it.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Extremely reliable manual action. Chambered in a potent yet versatile dual-caliber cartridge. Classic, durable aesthetics that improve with age. The 10-round capacity is substantial for a lever gun. The straight-grip stock allows for faster handling and a more compact profile compared to pistol-grip models.
Cons: Lever actions are generally slower to reload than modern semi-autos. The blued finish, while beautiful, requires more maintenance than modern coatings to prevent rust in humid conditions. The rifle’s weight, while aiding recoil management, is noticeable during extended carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special ammunition in this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The Henry Big Boy Steel .357 Magnum is designed to safely fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds. This gives you flexibility for low-recoil practice or using less expensive ammo at the range.
Q: Is it compatible with optics or accessory rails?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, allowing you to easily add a scope from brands like Leupold or Vortex. Adding a forward rail for a light would require gunsmithing, as the magazine tube is integral to the design.
Q: How does the loading system work?
A: It uses a traditional loading gate on the side of the receiver. You insert rounds directly into the magazine tube one at a time, which allows you to keep the rifle loaded and topped off safely. This is a distinct advantage over some tube-loaded rifles that require unloading from the muzzle end.
Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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