Description
The Henry Lever Octagon .17HMR 20″ Barrel Walnut Stock is a classic American lever-action rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .17 HMR cartridge. It features a 20-inch octagonal barrel, a genuine American walnut stock, and a smooth side-gate loading system, making it a purpose-built tool for precision small game hunting and long-range varmint control. This rifle blends timeless craftsmanship with modern ballistic performance for the discerning shooter.
Key Features
- Flat-Shooting .17 HMR Caliber: Delivers laser-like trajectory with minimal drop out to 200 yards, perfect for precise shots on small targets.
- 20″ Octagonal Barrel: Provides a solid sight plane, adds muzzle-heavy stability for off-hand shots, and offers classic aesthetics.
- Genuine American Walnut Stock: Durable, handsome, and shaped for a natural, secure grip in the field or from a bench.
- Side-Gate Loading & Tubular Magazine: Allows for safe, easy topping off without cycling the action. The tubular magazine holds multiple rounds for follow-up shots.
- Smooth Lever Action: Henry’s renowned action is reliable and fast, allowing for quick cycling between shots when a prairie dog town gets active.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagonal |
| Overall Length | 38.5″ (approx.) |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs (approx.) |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Magazine | Tubular, 11-round capacity |
| Sights | Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear, Brass Bead Front |
Weighing in at approximately 6.75 pounds, this Henry balances beautifully, making it steady for off-hand shooting at a moving fox or from a rested position on a fence post. The 11-round capacity means you can stay on target longer before needing to reload—a real advantage when you’re working a field. The rifle ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your local FFL transfer. At $498.10, it represents a significant value in a heirloom-quality firearm. The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front sight provide a clear, traditional sight picture, but the receiver is also drilled and tapped for scope mounts, offering flexibility. Want to mount a optic? It’s compatible with standard .22 tip-off bases or weaver-style rings for scopes like the Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the hunter who respects tradition but demands modern performance. It’s for the Missouri landowner needing a definitive tool for coyote and groundhog management at extended rimfire ranges. It’s for the shooter who enjoys the tactile satisfaction of a lever gun but wants the ballistic advantage of the .17 HMR over standard .22 LR. When it comes to hunting squirrels or rabbits where extreme precision at 100+ yards is required, this rifle delivers. That said, it’s also a pure pleasure to shoot on the range, where its mild report and lack of recoil make for a great training or introductory rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The .17 HMR cartridge offers a vastly flatter trajectory and more energy downrange than .22 LR. The octagon barrel and walnut stock provide superior aesthetics and stability. Henry’s side-gate loading is a practical upgrade for safety and convenience. The action is famously smooth and reliable right out of the box—no gunsmithing required.
Cons: Ammunition cost is higher than .22 LR. The .17 HMR is a high-velocity round best suited for varmints and small game, not for larger pests or medium game. The traditional iron sights, while good, may require an optic for shooters wanting to maximize the cartridge’s long-range precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the .17 HMR compare to a .22 WMR for varmint hunting?
A: The .17 HMR generally has a flatter trajectory and is less susceptible to wind drift, making hits at 150-200 yards more predictable. The .22 WMR hits with more blunt force, but drops more. For pure precision on small targets like prairie dogs, the .17 HMR often has the edge.
Q: Can you load this rifle without using the side gate?
A: No. This model features Henry’s traditional loading system where rounds are fed directly into the tubular magazine via the side gate. This is actually a safety and convenience feature, as you can top off the magazine without manipulating the lever or having the action open.
Q: Is this rifle suitable for a beginner?
A: Absolutely. The lack of heavy recoil, the simple manual of arms, and the reliable operation make it an excellent choice. The main consideration for a beginner is the cost of .17 HMR ammunition compared to .22 LR for practice.
Ready to add this classic yet capable lever action to your collection? This Henry Lever Octagon .17HMR is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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