Description
You’re clearing brush on your Missouri property, the carbine slung across your back. A rustle in the undergrowth—not a threat, but a reminder. You need a rifle that bridges the gap between nostalgic reliability and modern defensive utility, one that handles like a tradition but performs without compromise. That’s the exact scenario the Henry Repeating Arms Big Boy Steel Lever Action, Side Gate, 357 Magnum, .38 Special, 20″ Barrel, Walnut Stock 10Rd is built for.
What is it? It’s a modernized, side-gate loading lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special. It features a 20-inch blued steel barrel, a genuine American walnut stock, and a 10-round tubular magazine. This design merges classic lever-gun aesthetics with practical loading upgrades for serious use, priced at $845.06.
When it comes to home defense or ranch patrol, speed matters. The side loading gate is the critical update here. You can top off the magazine without cycling the action or removing the tube—a genuine tactical advantage. Keep the 10-round tube full and add one in the chamber for an 11+1 capacity. The .357 Magnum round from a rifle barrel gains significant velocity, making it a formidable choice for medium game or defensive situations, while .38 Special offers low-recoil practice. The rifle weighs a manageable 7.7 lbs, balancing heft for steady aim without being cumbersome.
The American walnut stock isn’t just for show. It provides a solid, non-slip anchor against your shoulder, crucial for managing magnum recoil and getting back on target. The 20-inch barrel gives the .357 cartridge the room it needs to perform, while keeping the overall length practical for maneuvering in a truck or through doorways. The blued steel finish is classic, durable, and resists glare—something you’ll appreciate in the field. This rifle is drop-in ready for optics with its drilled and tapped receiver, compatible with popular mounts for scopes like those from Leupold or Vortex.
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (tubular) |
| Stock | American Walnut |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: versatile dual-caliber capability, robust side-gate loading, high-quality walnut and steel construction, and that legendary Henry smooth action. The classic look belies its modern practicality. Cons? Lever actions require practice to run as fast as a semi-auto. The tubular magazine reloads slower than a box mag, though the side gate mitigates this. It’s also a full-size rifle—not the best choice for ultra-compact spaces.
Who is this for? This is for the Missouri landowner who values a dependable, multi-role rifle. It’s for the shooter who appreciates mechanical elegance but demands functionality for defense, hunting whitetail or varmints, or just hitting steel at the range. It’s for anyone who understands that a proven design, updated with the right features, is often the most practical tool available. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you use .38 Special and .357 Magnum interchangeably?
A: Yes. The rifle safely fires both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. You must, however, fully cycle the action to eject the longer .357 Magnum casing if you’re switching from .38 Special. It’s best to stick to one caliber per shooting session.
Q: Is the side gate the only way to load it?
A: No. Henry retained the traditional removable tube magazine for loading as well. You can use either method, or both. The side gate is for tactical top-offs, while the tube can be used for a full unload or different bullet types.
Q: Is it ready for a scope?
A: Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base, making it straightforward to mount a scope using standard hardware. This makes the rifle capable of precise shots at distance, leveraging the flat trajectory of the .357 Magnum from a rifle barrel.
If a versatile, solidly-built lever action that handles both ranch work and home defense fits your needs, this Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate model is a definitive answer. See more details on our product page.
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