Description
I was hunkered down in a Missouri blind last November, the rain coming down sideways, when I realized something: a pretty walnut stock and blued steel are great for the safe, but they’re a liability when the weather turns. That’s when a rifle like this Henry Lever Action 45-70 All Weather 18″ Barrel, Coated Stock earns its keep. It’s a modern, corrosion-resistant iteration of the classic American lever gun, built to handle harsh conditions and the powerful 45-70 Government cartridge without a second thought.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a safe queen. The entire rifle is coated in a tough, weather-resistant finish. The barrel, receiver, and even the lever are protected. The stock is a synthetic, coated affair that shrugs off moisture, scrapes, and temperature swings. I’ve put a few boxes of Hornady LeverEvolution and some heavier Buffalo Bore loads through one, and the action smoothed out nicely after the initial break-in. It’s a tool, and it feels like one in the best possible way.
Key Features
The heart of this rifle is its legendary reliability. The Henry side-gate loading system is a masterpiece of modern engineering on a classic platform. You can load via the traditional tube or the side gate, which is a huge convenience. The 18.43-inch barrel is cold hammer-forged and capped with a threaded muzzle (5/8-24 thread pattern), ready for a suppressor or brake. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, a must for stretching the legs of the 45-70. The ghost ring rear sight and brass bead front are rugged and fast, perfect for woods hunting. At 7.3 lbs, it carries easily but has enough heft to manage the stout recoil.
Let’s talk about that 45-70 Government chambering. It’s a legendary North American cartridge, capable of taking any game on the continent with the right load. From deer to moose, and yes, even as a stout defensive round, it has authority. The rifle’s capacity is 4 rounds in the tube, plus one in the chamber. The lever throw is smooth, and the large loop is generous enough for gloved hands—a real benefit in a tree stand or a cold duck blind.
| Caliber | 45-70 Government |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 18.43″ |
| Overall Length | 37.5″ |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 |
| Thread Pattern | 5/8-24 |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The all-weather protection is the real deal. The side-gate loading is a game-changer for convenience and safety. The threaded barrel is a fantastic modern touch. It’s incredibly versatile for hunting in the thick stuff or open fields. The price point of $872.31 is competitive for a feature-rich, American-made lever gun.
Cons: The 45-70 is not a cheap round to plink with. Recoil is substantial with full-power loads—it’s a thumper. The synthetic stock, while durable, lacks the classic aesthetic some lever-gun purists crave.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the practical hunter who doesn’t let the weather dictate their season. It’s for the Missouri woods hunter chasing whitetail in the rain, the Alaskan guide who needs a reliable backup, or the homesteader looking for a capable, do-everything rifle that can live in a truck without worry. If your priority is function and durability over fancy finishes, this is your lever action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the side gate easy to load?
A: Absolutely. It’s stiff when new but breaks in quickly. It’s far more convenient than unloading the tube if you need to safe the rifle with a round chambered.
Q: What optics mount does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Henry scope base, which is readily available. Many popular one-piece mounts from brands like Warne or Leupold will fit, making it drop-in ready for a low-power scope or a red dot.
Q: Can it handle the heavy, modern 45-70 loads?
A: Yes, but check your manual. Henry rates this action for all standard SAAMI-spec 45-70 loads. Always consult your ammunition manufacturer’s data to ensure compatibility with your specific firearm.
Look, if you need a lever action that works every single time, regardless of the mud, rain, or temperature, this Henry All-Weather is a compelling choice. It’s a modern workhorse built on a timeless platform. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. Check our site for current availability.
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