Description
I was at the range last week, plinking steel with a buddy who brought out his grandfather’s old lever-action. The smooth action, the satisfying thwack of the .22 on target—it reminded me why rifles like the Henry Golden Boy 22LR Texas Tribute, 20″ Octagon Barrel, Brass Receiver, Walnut Stock, Adjustable Sights, 16rd aren’t just tools, they’re heirlooms you get to make memories with right now. This isn’t a replica; it’s a modern, shootable tribute built with the craftsmanship that makes you want to take care of it.
So, what is it? The Henry Golden Boy Texas Tribute is a .22 Long Rifle lever-action rifle that blends classic Western aesthetics with modern reliability. It features a distinctive 20-inch octagon barrel, a brilliant polished brass receiver, a genuine American walnut stock, adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sights, and a tubular magazine holding 16 rounds. It’s a showpiece that’s meant to be shot, offering a smooth, nostalgic shooting experience perfect for plinking, small game, or introducing new shooters to the lever-action platform.
Why This Rifle Stands Out
Look, you see a lot of .22 rifles that are purely functional. The Texas Tribute is something else. The first thing you notice is the weight—it’s a solid 6.75 lbs, which comes from that octagon barrel and brass receiver. That heft soaks up recoil (not that .22 LR has much) and makes for a incredibly stable hold offhand. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of standard and high-velocity ammo through one, and the action is buttery smooth right out of the box. No gunsmithing required, just a light cleaning and it’s ready for the range. The walnut has a nice, satin finish that feels great in the hand, not overly glossy or sticky.
The adjustable sights are a practical touch on a beautiful rifle. The semi-buckhorn rear is easy to dial in, and the brass bead front sight picks up light well. Here’s the thing—while it’s a masterpiece to look at, it’s also a seriously capable shooter. The 20-inch barrel gives you good velocity and that classic profile, while the lever throw is short and positive. Loading is straightforward via the tubular magazine, which is compatible with .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges. For optics purists, the receiver is grooved for scope mounts, so you could easily pair it with a compact rimfire scope from a brand like Leupold or Vortex if you wanted.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle (Also shoots .22 Short, .22 Long) |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagon |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 16 Rounds (.22 LR) |
| Receiver Material | Polished Brass |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk
Pros: The fit and finish are outstanding—it’s a conversation starter. The action is reliably smooth and the rifle is incredibly fun to shoot. It’s an excellent platform for teaching lever-action fundamentals due to its light recoil and simple operation. The classic aesthetics are timeless, and Henry’s customer service is legendary.
Cons: At $819.67, it’s an investment compared to a basic synthetic-stocked .22. The polished brass requires a bit more care to keep it looking pristine—fingerprints show. It’s not a lightweight backpacking rifle; that octagon barrel and solid construction add heft, which is a pro for shooting but a con for carrying all day.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the shooter who appreciates heritage and craftsmanship. It’s for the collector who actually shoots their collection, the parent wanting to pass down a quality firearm, or the enthusiast who just loves the tactile joy of a well-made lever gun. It’s a fantastic rifle for casual target shooting, pest control around the homestead, or as a primary firearm for a new shooter you want to impress with something special. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the brass receiver just for show, or is it functional?
A: It’s fully functional and durable. The brass is used for its classic appearance and corrosion resistance, though it’s softer than steel so you’ll want to avoid dings. It houses the rifle’s internal action just like a steel receiver would.
Q: Can I use a scope on this rifle?
A: Yes. The receiver is grooved for standard .22 tip-off scope rings. This makes it simple to add a compact rimfire scope without drilling or tapping, preserving the rifle’s clean lines if you decide to remove it later.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a standard Henry Golden Boy?
A: The “Texas Tribute” model specifically features the 20-inch octagon barrel and the polished brass receiver as its defining traits, giving it a distinct 19th-century Texas Ranger aesthetic. Standard Golden Boys may have round barrels or different barrel lengths and finishes. The 16-round capacity is a nice boost for longer range sessions.
If the idea of owning a piece of shooting history that’s built to last and even more fun to shoot appeals to you, this Henry deserves a close look. Check its availability and remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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