Description
I was in the woods last fall, the kind of morning where the frost crunches underfoot and your breath hangs in the air. I had my Henry Lever Action Side Gate .45-70 Govt, 22″ Barrel, American Walnut, Color Case Hardened, 4rd across my lap, and when a big whitetail stepped out at 80 yards, the solid thunk of working that side gate lever to chamber a round was the most satisfying sound imaginable. That’s the rifle we’re talking about today—a modern classic built for serious work.
So, what is it? The Henry Lever Action Side Gate .45-70 Govt is a robust, traditionally-styled lever-action rifle featuring a 22-inch barrel, a genuine American walnut stock, color case-hardened receiver, and a 4-round magazine. It combines old-world craftsmanship with modern functionality, most notably the addition of a side loading gate alongside the traditional tube magazine, offering versatile loading options for hunters and shooters who demand reliability and power.
Here’s the thing—the .45-70 Government cartridge is no joke. It’s a thumper, a piece of American history that’s taken everything from deer to bison. This Henry is built to handle it. The action is smooth right out of the box, no gunsmithing required, and it just gets better with use. I’ve put a couple hundred rounds of everything from mild cowboy loads to stout Buffalo Bore through mine, and the lockup remains tight and the function flawless. The side gate is the star of the show, letting you top off the magazine without having to unload the entire tube, a genuine advantage when you’re in the field.
The aesthetics are where Henry truly shines. The color case hardening on the receiver isn’t a film or paint; it’s the real deal, with those signature blues, purples, and golds swirling across the metal. Paired with the oil-finished American walnut stock, which has a subtle but effective checkering pattern, this rifle looks like it stepped out of a century-old catalog but shoots like a modern firearm. It balances perfectly, with the 22-inch barrel coming in at an overall length of 39.5 inches, making it quick to shoulder in thick timber.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 39.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 Rounds |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
Pros & Cons
Let’s be direct. The pros are substantial: timeless good looks, bomb-proof construction, versatile loading with the side gate, and chambered in a legendary, powerful cartridge that’s compatible with a huge range of ammunition from brands like Hornady, Remington, and Federal. The trigger is a crisp, single-stage pull that’s surprisingly good for a lever gun. The cons? Well, at 7.3 pounds, it’s not a featherweight, but that mass helps soak up the .45-70’s considerable recoil. And while the $863.85 price reflects its quality, it’s an investment in a rifle that will last generations.
Who is this rifle for? This is for the hunter who pursues big game in dense cover or open country where a 200-yard shot is the max. It’s for the shooter who appreciates mechanical elegance and American history rolled into one reliable package. It’s also an ideal companion for a Missouri deer hunter in the Ozark brush or a ranch hand looking for a durable, powerful tool. This rifle ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you still load from the tube magazine, or is it side-gate only?
A: You have both options. The traditional tube loading under the barrel is fully functional. The side gate is an addition, giving you the choice to load either way or top off the magazine without cycling all the rounds out.
Q: Is the .45-70 suitable for a first-time rifle buyer?
A: Honestly, probably not. It’s a powerful cartridge with significant recoil and ammunition cost. It’s best suited for experienced shooters or those specifically needing its power for hunting large game. For a first lever gun, I’d often point someone toward a .30-30 or .357 Magnum.
Q: What type of optics mount does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard scope mount base. A common and reliable setup is to use a Picatinny rail or scope mounts designed for the Marlin 336 or similar flat-top lever actions, which provide a solid platform for a low-power variable optic like a Leupold VX-Freedom or Vortex Crossfire.
If you’ve been looking for a lever action that honors tradition without sacrificing modern utility, the Henry Side Gate in .45-70 is a compelling choice. See if it’s the right fit for your needs at firearms-missouri.com.
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