Description
Picture this: you’re walking a Missouri fence line, the sun’s low, and a squirrel pops its head up. You shoulder a rifle that feels like an old friend, work the lever with a satisfying clack-clack, and make a clean shot. That’s the Henry Lever Carbine Lever 22 S/L/LR 16.12″ Barrel Walnut Stock Blue in a nutshell. It’s a classic, American-made rimfire lever-action carbine designed for pure, uncomplicated shooting fun. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle (and it’ll also cycle .22 Short and Long), it’s the perfect companion for plinking, small game, and introducing new shooters to the manual-of-arms that won the West. At $347.70, it delivers Henry’s renowned quality without breaking the bank.
Look, I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from CCI Standard Velocity to hyper-velocity stingers through this carbine. The action smoothed out beautifully after the first brick of ammo, and that 16.12-inch barrel is a sweet spot—maneuverable in the woods or a blind, but still giving you the stability for accurate off-hand shots. The walnut stock has that classic Henry fit, with a satin finish that feels great in the hand and develops character with use. Here’s the thing—this isn’t a finicky rifle. It’s drop-in ready for a day at the range or in the field, no gunsmithing required. It just works.
Key Features That Make It Shine
The heart of this rifle is its smooth, side-ejecting lever action. It’s a tactile, engaging way to shoot that never gets old. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, a huge plus if you want to add a compact optic like a Leupold FX-II or a Burris Fastfire for precise squirrel work. The front sight is a brass bead, easy to pick up in low light, paired with a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear. The tubular magazine holds a generous 15 rounds of .22 LR (21 rounds of .22 Short), fed through the loading port under the barrel. Weighing in at just 5.75 pounds, it’s a joy to carry all day.
Henry builds these with a focus on durability and simplicity. The blued steel finish is deep and even, providing solid corrosion resistance for our humid Missouri summers. The lever throw is short and positive, making follow-up shots quick and instinctive. I’ve found it cycles sub-sonic rounds reliably, which is great for keeping noise down. The overall length is a compact 34.5 inches, making it easy to store in a truck or maneuver through brush. It’s a rifle that asks for nothing more than ammo and a safe backstop.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 S, .22 L, .22 LR |
| Barrel Length | 16.12 inches |
| Overall Length | 34.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 LR / 21 Short |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
The Straight Talk: Pros & Cons
Pros: The classic lever-action fun is off the charts. It’s incredibly reliable with all types of .22 ammo. The quality of the walnut and bluing is excellent for the price point. Its light weight and compact size make it ideal for younger shooters or as a handy woods gun. Henry’s customer service is legendary if you ever need it.
Cons: Loading the tubular magazine is slower than a detachable box mag. The sights are good, but some shooters may prefer a receiver peep sight for precision—that’s an aftermarket add. It’s a rimfire, so its purpose is specific: small game, plinking, and training.
Who Is This Rifle For?
This Henry is for the Missouri shooter who values tradition and tactile feedback. It’s the ideal first rifle for a kid or new shooter—the manageable recoil and engaging operation build fundamental skills. It’s for the small game hunter who wants a quick, reliable carbine for squirrels and rabbits. It’s for the collector or enthusiast who just wants a beautifully made, fun-to-shoot lever gun for the collection. And it’s for anyone who believes shooting should be a joyful experience, not just a loud one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mount a scope on this Henry .22 Lever Carbine?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped from the factory for standard rimfire scope bases. A compact 4x scope or a 2-7x variable mounted with low rings works perfectly and won’t interfere with the lever’s operation.
Q: What’s the real-world accuracy like with the iron sights?
A: With practice and good ammo, hitting a 1-inch spinner at 50 yards is very doable. The adjustable rear sight lets you dial it in for your preferred ammunition. For serious small-game headshots at longer ranges, a scope will tighten groups considerably.
Q: Is it difficult to clean with the tubular magazine?
A: Not at all. The magazine tube assembly easily unscrews from the receiver for cleaning. A standard .22 caliber cleaning rod and patches run from the breech end after working the lever to open the action. It’s a straightforward process.
If the thought of a classic, no-nonsense lever gun that’s as at home on a farm as it is at a family fun day speaks to you, this Henry deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, and we can help facilitate that smooth process.
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