Description
I was up in a tree stand last fall, the Missouri frost just starting to bite, when I saw him—a whitetail buck that had no business being that size. My hand went to the lever of my Henry, and in that quiet moment, I was thankful for the solid, timeless piece of American engineering I was holding. That’s the feeling this rifle delivers.
The Henry Lever Action 45-70 22″ barrel Blued Wood Stock is a classic, hard-hitting big-bore rifle built for hunting and brush-busting. It’s a side-gate loading lever-action with a 22-inch blued steel barrel, chambered in the potent .45-70 Government cartridge, and dressed in traditional American walnut. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. This isn’t a safe queen; it’s a working rifle with a pedigree, and at $902.95, it represents a serious value in a world of plastic and polymer.
Let’s talk about that action. Henry’s side-gate loading is a game-saver—literally. You can top off the magazine without cycling rounds out of the chamber, a feature modern lever-gun shooters rightly demand. The lever throw is smooth, not sloppy, and it gets buttery with use. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from cowboy loads to stout Buffalo Bore through mine, and the action just gets better. The 22-inch barrel length is the sweet spot for the .45-70, giving you a full sight radius and good velocity without becoming a clumsy log in thick timber. The rifle weighs in at a manageable 7.5 lbs, which feels substantial but not burdensome when you’re carrying it all day.
The wood and metal finish is where Henry’s pride shows. The American walnut stock has a classic, hand-filling shape and a satin finish that looks right. The blued steel is deep and even—it’s a proper finish that protects the metal and develops character over time. This rifle fits out of the box, with no gunsmithing required to get it into the field. The buckhorn rear and brass bead front sight are simple, rugged, and fast, though the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount if you prefer optics. For a classic look, it pairs perfectly with a leather sling from brands like Montana Gun Slings.
Here’s the thing—the .45-70 Gov’t cartridge is the star. This old warhorse, dating back to 1873, is more relevant than ever for hunting in North America. With modern ammunition from makers like Hornady, Federal, and Barnes, it’s capable of cleanly taking any game on this continent, from whitetail in the Ozarks to elk out west. The tubular magazine holds 4 rounds, giving you 5 total with one in the chamber. That’s more than enough for any ethical hunting scenario.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Satin Walnut |
Pros: Iconic, reliable lever-action design. Potent, versatile .45-70 chambering. Superior side-gate loading convenience. Excellent wood-to-metal fit and finish. Drilled & tapped for optics. Made in the USA with a fantastic warranty.
Cons: .45-70 ammo is expensive for high-volume plinking. The rifle has some heft to it—this isn’t a lightweight mountain gun. The traditional buckhorn sights take some practice for precision shooting at distance.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who appreciates tradition but demands modern functionality. It’s for the Missouri woods hunter who needs a round that can punch through brush. It’s for the shooter who wants a single, powerful rifle for deer, bear, or even nostalgic fun at the range. If you value craftsmanship, history, and sheer stopping power in a no-nonsense package, this Henry is calling your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle suitable for a beginner?
A: With the right instruction on its manual operation and respect for its powerful cartridge, yes. However, the .45-70’s recoil and ammunition cost make it less ideal as a first-ever “learner” rifle compared to a .22LR or .30-30.
Q: Can it handle modern, high-pressure .45-70 loads?
A: Absolutely. This Henry is built to handle all SAAMI-spec .45-70 ammunition, including the modern +P offerings from companies like Buffalo Bore and Garrett. Always check your specific ammo’s labeling and start with standard loads to get a feel for it.
Q: What’s the process for purchasing it online?
A: FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. You can purchase it through our site, and we will ship it to your chosen licensed FFL dealer in Missouri or any other compliant state for the required background check and transfer.
If you’re ready for a piece of American history that still gets the job done with authority, this Henry Lever Action is waiting. See the full details and availability on our site.
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