Description
I was at the range last weekend, breaking in a new lever-action, and a guy two benches over kept glancing over. Finally, he walked up and said, “That’s the one I’ve been looking at online. Is it as good as it looks?” I handed it to him. The smile said it all. The Henry Golden Boy El Dorado Edition .22 S/L/LR isn’t just a rifle; it’s a piece of American craftsmanship that feels like an heirloom from the moment you pick it up. It’s a meticulously finished, octagonal-barreled lever-action chambered in the versatile .22 Long Rifle (and it handles .22 Short and .22 Long, too), designed for pure shooting pleasure, small game hunting, and turning heads at the range.
Look, I’ve put a few thousand rounds of everything from cheap bulk pack to match-grade .22 LR through various Golden Boys, and the action just gets smoother. The El Dorado takes that legendary Henry reliability and wraps it in a stunning, polished brasslite receiver that gleams in the sunlight. The American walnut stock has a satin finish that feels fantastic in the hand, and that 20-inch octagonal barrel isn’t just for show—it adds weight up front for a steadier hold. At just over 6.8 pounds, it’s substantial but not heavy, balancing perfectly right at the lever. This is a rifle that begs to be shot, not just stored.
Key Features & Why They Matter
The heart of this rifle is its versatility. The ability to safely fire .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges from the same tube-fed magazine is a huge plus. Want to plink quietly with .22 Shorts? Go for it. Need a little more oomph for squirrels? Load up with LR. The side ejection port keeps spent casings out of your line of sight, which is a nice touch for right or left-handed shooters. The buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front are classic and effective, though many shooters I know eventually add a tang-mounted peep sight for precision work—a popular and straightforward upgrade that requires no gunsmithing required.
Here’s the thing—the fit and finish are what you’re really paying for. The deep, polished bluing on the barrel and magazine tube is flawless. The brasslite receiver won’t tarnish like real brass, so it stays brilliant with minimal care. The lever throw is short and slick right out of the box, and the trigger breaks cleanly. It’s a rifle that feels solid, with no rattle or play. I’ve found it pairs perfectly with a simple leather lever wrap and a quality 4x scope from a brand like Leupold or Vortex for those longer shots, though it’s plenty accurate with the irons.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 S / .22 L / .22 LR |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagonal |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 16 .22 LR / 21 .22 Short |
| Finish | Polished Brasslite Receiver, Blued Steel |
Pros & Cons: My Straight Take
Pros: The aesthetic is unmatched in its price class—it’s simply a beautiful object. The multi-caliber .22 capability is incredibly practical. Henry’s customer service is legendary for a reason. It’s dead-nuts reliable with any quality ammunition. The smooth action makes it a joy to shoot for hours. That said, it’s not a lightweight backpacking rifle. The polished finish shows fingerprints and requires a bit more care than a matte blued gun. The buckhorn sights, while classic, aren’t everyone’s favorite for precision. But are these deal-breakers? Not for me.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the shooter who appreciates tradition and tactile satisfaction. It’s for the Missouri squirrel hunter who wants a reliable, accurate tool that also has soul. It’s for the rimfire enthusiast who already has a 10/22 and wants something with more character. It’s a fantastic first rifle for a young shooter under supervision, teaching them manual operation and respect for a firearm. At $746.26, it’s an investment in a lifetime of shooting enjoyment that you’ll never want to sell. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with all firearm purchases requiring an FFL transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the receiver real brass?
A: No, it’s Henry’s “Brasslite” material, a highly polished, durable alloy that looks identical to brass but is much more resistant to tarnishing and is lighter weight.
Q: Can I mount a scope on it?
A: Yes, but not in the traditional way. The Golden Boy is drilled and tapped on the top rear of the receiver for a Henry-specific scope mount base (sold separately). A more popular and historically accurate option is a tang-mounted peep sight, which attaches to the rear of the receiver.
Q: How does it handle different .22 cartridges?
A: Flawlessly. You can mix .22 Short, Long, and LR in the tubular magazine without issue. The action cycles them all, though you’ll notice a difference in report and recoil. Just remember to adjust your point of aim as the ballistics differ.
If the idea of owning a rifle that combines classic aesthetics with modern reliability speaks to you, this Henry Golden Boy El Dorado Edition is worth a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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