Description
The Henry Frontier Rifle in .22 Magnum is a classic, side-gate loading lever-action rifle built for precision and reliability. It features a 24-inch octagonal barrel, an 8-round capacity, a genuine American Walnut stock, and a polished blued finish. This is a no-fuss, high-quality rimfire rifle designed for serious plinking, small game hunting, and anyone who appreciates traditional craftsmanship. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .22 WMR through one, and its smooth action and inherent accuracy are exactly what you’d expect from Henry.
Key Features
- Side-Gate Loading: Loads via a traditional loading gate on the receiver, just like the big-bore classics, or via the tubular magazine.
- 24″ Octagonal Barrel: Provides a long sight radius for improved accuracy and that iconic frontier rifle profile.
- American Walnut Stock: A genuine, hand-finished hardwood stock with a satin finish that looks and feels premium.
- Polished Blued Steel: A deep, rich blued finish on all metal parts for corrosion resistance and classic good looks.
- Adjustable Marbles® Sights: A fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and a brass bead front sight for precise shot placement.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .22 WMR (.22 Magnum) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | 43 Inches (approx.) |
| Capacity | 8 Rounds (tubular magazine) |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs (approx.) |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
| Sights | Adjustable Marbles® Semi-Buckhorn Rear, Brass Bead Front |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the real appeal is in the handling. That 6.75-pound weight balances perfectly in the hands, and the lever throw is buttery smooth right out of the box—no gunsmithing required. The .22 Magnum cartridge itself is a fantastic step up from standard .22 LR, offering flatter trajectory and more energy downrange, making this rifle a legitimate tool for varmints and small game out to 125 yards. At $525.83, you’re getting a lot of rifle for the money, especially when you consider the quality of the walnut and the meticulous metalwork.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Frontier model is for the shooter who wants a traditional lever-action experience in a potent, yet affordable, rimfire caliber. It’s perfect for the Missouri squirrel hunter who demands quiet, precise shots, the ranch owner needing a reliable pest-control tool, or the collector who just loves the timeless design. It’s also an excellent first “real” rifle for a young shooter stepping up from a basic .22, teaching manual of arms and marksmanship with a serious piece of kit. The side-gate loading is a feature usually reserved for centerfire Henrys, and its inclusion here is a huge plus for purists.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Impeccable Henry Repeating Arms fit and finish. The dual loading (side-gate and tube) is incredibly versatile. The .22 WMR is a highly effective and fun cartridge. The walnut and blued steel construction is classic and durable. The rifle’s inherent accuracy is excellent for a lever-action.
Cons: The 24-inch barrel makes it a long rifle, which can be cumbersome in thick brush. Ammunition cost for .22 Magnum is higher than .22 LR. That said, the performance gain is worth the extra few cents per round for its intended uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle shoot .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
A: No. This rifle is chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). You must only use .22 Magnum ammunition. Using .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber is unsafe and can cause serious malfunctions.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
A: This specific model with the 24″ octagonal barrel is not threaded. Henry does offer threaded versions in other configurations, but the classic Frontier model maintains its traditional profile. For those wanting to suppress, you’d need to have a gunsmith thread the barrel, which is a straightforward job on this rifle.
Q: What kind of optics mount does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard scope base. It uses a common pattern compatible with bases from brands like Warne, Leupold, or EGW designed for the Henry H001/H004 series. Mounting a compact scope turns this into a supremely accurate, long-range rimfire platform.
Here’s the thing—the Henry Frontier Rifle in .22 Magnum isn’t trying to be the latest tactical wonder. It’s a refined, purpose-built tool that connects you to a classic American shooting tradition. It’s overbuilt, smooth, and reliable. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If you’re looking for a rimfire lever gun with heft, history, and serious capability, this one deserves a long, hard look.
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