Description
Picture this: you’re walking the fence line of your Missouri property, a squirrel chatters from a hickory tree, and you need a tool that’s light, reliable, and won’t break the bank on ammo. You’re not looking for a tactical marvel; you want a straightforward, honest rifle that gets the job done. That’s the exact scenario where the Henry Lever 22 Magnum Lever 19.25″ Barrel, American Walnut Stock shines. It’s a classic rimfire lever-action rifle chambered in .22 WMR, built with traditional craftsmanship and modern reliability, offering a tremendous fun-to-cost ratio for plinking, small game, and introductory shooting.
Here’s the thing—for under five hundred dollars, you’re getting a rifle that feels like it costs more. At $451.10, this Henry represents serious value. The American walnut stock has a warmth and grain that synthetic stocks simply can’t match, and the 19.25-inch barrel provides a handy balance that’s easy to carry all day. The .22 Magnum (WMR) cartridge itself is a smart, budget-conscious choice. It delivers significantly more punch and range than a standard .22 Long Rifle, making it more capable for varmints and target shooting at longer distances, yet it remains far more affordable to shoot than centerfire cartridges. You get the timeless, satisfying operation of a lever-action without the high cost of feeding a .30-30 or .45-70.
Key Features & Practical Tradeoffs
The heart of this rifle is its smooth, side-ejecting lever action. It’s a simple, robust mechanism that Henry has perfected. The action cycles cleanly and is famously reliable with the rimmed .22 WMR cartridge. The tubular magazine holds a generous number of rounds, which is a plus for extended plinking sessions. Loading is done through the front of the tube under the barrel, a classic design that adds to the rifle’s nostalgic appeal. The rifle comes drop-in ready, requiring no gunsmithing to start shooting straight from the box. The open, adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight are period-correct and perfectly functional for the rifle’s intended ranges.
Let’s talk about the walnut. In an era of polymers and composites, the genuine American walnut stock is a major part of the value proposition. It provides a solid heft and a classic look that just feels right. The finish protects the wood without being overly glossy. That said, the tradeoff for this classic material is weight and care. It’s not as weather-resistant as a synthetic stock, so you’ll want to keep it oiled. The rifle’s overall weight of approximately 6.25 lbs is manageable for most shooters, contributing to its steady aim.
| Caliber | .22 WMR (Magnum) |
| Barrel Length | 19.25 inches |
| Overall Length | 37.5 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 6.25 lbs (approx.) |
| Magazine | Tubular, side-loading |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional value for a wood-stocked lever gun. The .22 WMR is a cost-effective, versatile round. The action is smooth and proven. The classic aesthetics are undeniable. It’s a fantastic introductory rifle for new shooters due to its low recoil and simple operation. It’s also a perfect companion for farmers, ranchers, and casual plinkers.
Cons: .22 WMR ammo, while cheaper than centerfire, is more expensive than .22 LR. The tubular magazine is slower to load than a detachable box magazine. The iron sights, while classic, may not suit everyone—though the rifle’s receiver is grooved for scope mounts, compatible with standard .22 rimfire scope rings.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Henry is for the practical shooter who appreciates tradition but watches their wallet. It’s ideal for the Missouri landowner needing a dependable tool for pest control. It’s for the parent wanting to teach a youngster the fundamentals of lever-action shooting without the noise and cost of a larger caliber. It’s for the collector or enthusiast who wants a fun, affordable shooter to add to the rack. This rifle proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a piece of American firearm heritage. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many rounds does the tubular magazine hold?
A: The magazine capacity for .22 WMR in this model is typically 11 rounds. Always check your local regulations regarding magazine capacity.
Q: Can I use .22 Long Rifle ammunition in this rifle?
A: No, you cannot. This rifle is chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Firing .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber is unsafe and can cause serious malfunctions. Only use ammunition marked .22 WMR or .22 Magnum.
Q: Is it difficult to mount a scope on this Henry?
A: Not at all. The receiver is grooved to accept standard .22 tip-off scope rings, making it a straightforward process. Many popular rimfire scope models from brands like Simmons, Nikon (rimfire series), or Vortex (Crossfire Rimfire) will fit perfectly, turning this into a great small-game rifle.
If the idea of a classic, reliable, and affordable lever-action rimfire fits your needs, this Henry model is ready to deliver years of service and enjoyment.
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