Description
There’s a certain rhythm to a lever-action .22 that just feels right. It’s the sound of a spent casing hitting the dirt, the smooth throw of the lever, and the satisfying clack as you’re ready for the next shot. I’ve put thousands of rounds through rifles like this, and the HENRY LEVER 22LR OCTAGON 20″ BARREL is the one that consistently brings a smile to my face. It’s not just a tool; it’s an experience.
So, what is the HENRY LEVER 22LR OCTAGON 20″ BARREL? It’s a classic American rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It features a 20-inch octagonal barrel, a side-loading gate, a tubular magazine holding 15 rounds, and a receiver drilled and tapped for optics. It’s a meticulously crafted, smooth-shooting lever gun built for plinking, small game hunting, and pure shooting enjoyment. At $455.80, it delivers old-world craftsmanship without a collector’s price tag.
Let’s talk about that octagon barrel. It’s not just for looks—though it does give the rifle a distinctive, timeless profile that turns heads at the range. The octagonal shape adds rigidity and a bit of forward weight, which helps steady your aim. Paired with the buttery-smooth Henry lever action, it makes for a rifle that points naturally and shoots softly. The action on these is famously slick right out of the box, with no gunsmithing required to achieve that signature Henry feel. You can load it up with standard or high-velocity .22 LR from brands like CCI or Federal and just enjoy the day.
The rifle’s design is pure simplicity and function. The side gate loading is authentic and satisfying, a direct nod to the lever guns of the Old West. The tubular magazine is incredibly reliable and keeps the lines of the rifle clean. Weighing in at about 6.25 pounds, it has a solid, substantial feel in your hands without being heavy—it’s a joy to carry on a long walk through the woods. The walnut stock is typically finished nicely, and the overall fit is what you expect from Henry: tight, precise, and built to last.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagon |
| Magazine | Tubular, 15-round capacity |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.25 lbs |
| Sights | Adjustable rear, blade front |
Here’s the thing—no firearm is perfect for every single task. The pros here are significant: incredible smoothness, iconic looks, fantastic reliability with all types of .22 LR, and that intangible fun factor that keeps you shooting. The potential cons? The tubular magazine is slower to load than a detachable box mag, and the rifle’s classic aesthetics might not appeal to someone looking for a purely tactical tool. It’s a rifle built for enjoyment, not for a firefight.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the shooter who appreciates heritage and craftsmanship. It’s for the Missouri landowner wanting a quiet, effective rifle for dispatching pests. It’s for the parent looking to teach a young shooter the fundamentals with a rifle that’s engaging and has virtually no recoil. It’s also for the collector who just wants a beautifully made, fun-to-shoot piece of American gun-making to enjoy on weekends. This rifle bridges generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you mount a scope on this Henry lever-action?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped from the factory for a scope base, making it a straightforward process. A compact rimfire scope from a brand like Vortex or Leupold is a popular and effective upgrade for precision shooting.
Q: What types of .22 ammunition does it cycle best?
A: In my experience, it handles everything from standard velocity to high-velocity rounds without a hiccup. It’s famously reliable. I’ve had the best accuracy with quality high-velocity rounds from CCI Mini-Mags, but it will eat bulk pack ammo all day long for plinking.
Q: Is it suitable for a first-time rifle buyer?
A: Without a doubt. Its gentle recoil, simple operation, and sheer fun factor make it one of the best introductions to rifle shooting you can find. The manual of arms is intuitive, and it builds excellent fundamentals.
If the idea of a classic, smooth-shooting .22 that you can pass down one day speaks to you, this Henry is waiting. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See if it’s the right fit for your rack.
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