Description
Picture this: you’re at the range on a crisp Missouri morning, the sun’s just coming up, and you’re loading a tube magazine with a satisfying click-click-click. You shoulder a rifle that feels like it was carved from a single piece of history, with a receiver that gleams like an old gold coin. That’s the experience of the Henry Golden Boy. It’s not just a tool; it’s a story you get to hold.
So, what is the Henry Golden Boy, .22 Short/Long/LR, 20″ Barrel, 16rd LR / 21rd Short, American Walnut, God Bless America? It’s a classic lever-action rimfire rifle chambered for all three .22 cartridges, featuring a 20-inch octagonal barrel, a stunning American walnut stock, and a polished brasslite receiver engraved with “God Bless America.” It’s a blend of nostalgic craftsmanship and modern, reliable function that’s ready for plinking, small game, or simply being the most beautiful gun in your safe. At $1014.72, it’s an investment in a piece of American firearm heritage that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Let’s talk about what makes this rifle special. First, the action. Henry’s smooth lever throw is legendary, and this one is no different. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of mixed .22 LR and .22 Short through my own, and the cycling is butter-smooth and reliable. The side-loading tube magazine is a classic design—it’s intuitive, holds a ton of rounds (16 of .22 LR or a whopping 21 .22 Shorts), and it’s drop-in ready with no fussy magazines to lose. The real showstopper, though, is the fit and finish. That American walnut stock has a deep, hand-rubbed oil finish that feels warm and substantial. The octagonal barrel adds significant weight and a distinctive profile, giving it a heft that soaks up recoil (not that .22 has much) and makes off-hand shooting remarkably steady.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a rifle you hide in a case. The polished brasslite receiver, engraved with the iconic “God Bless America” script and floral scrollwork, demands to be seen. It’s resistant to tarnishing, so it keeps its luster with basic care. The buckhorn rear and brass bead front sights are period-correct and perfectly serviceable for most uses. That said, the rifle’s grooved receiver is also ready for a scope if you want to tighten up your groups at longer distances, compatible with standard .22 rimfire scope rings.
| Caliber | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagonal |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 16 LR / 21 Short |
| Stock | American Walnut |
Pros: Unmatched classic aesthetics and craftsmanship. Incredibly versatile with triple-caliber chambering. The action is famously smooth and reliable right out of the box. High-capacity tube magazine. It’s a conversation piece and a shooter rolled into one.
Cons: The premium materials and finish come at a premium price point. The weight, while aiding stability, might feel hefty for younger shooters or long carrying sessions. Tube loading is slower than a detachable box magazine.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the shooter who values tradition as much as performance. It’s for the Missouri squirrel hunter who appreciates a quiet .22 Short. It’s for the collector who wants a functional work of art. It’s for the parent wanting to teach a new shooter on a rifle with real character and manageable recoil. If your idea of a good time involves the tactile pleasure of working a lever and the ping of a distant steel target, this is your rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the “brasslite” receiver real brass?
A: No, it’s a proprietary, highly polished brass-finish alloy that is much more durable and resistant to tarnishing than pure brass, while maintaining the classic golden look.
Q: Can I use .22 Magnum in this rifle?
A: Absolutely not. This rifle is chambered specifically for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges only. Firing a .22 Magnum (WMR) in this chamber is dangerous and can cause catastrophic failure.
Q: How difficult is it to clean with the tube magazine?
A: It’s straightforward. The inner magazine tube can be easily removed by unscrewing the knurled knob at the end of the outer tube, allowing you to run a cleaning rod from the breech end straight through the barrel.
If the idea of owning a piece of firearm artistry that shoots as good as it looks speaks to you, the Henry Golden Boy is waiting. See its current availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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