Description
I remember the first time I handed a Henry Mini Bolt .22LR, Orange Stock to a new shooter. The look of pure, uncomplicated joy said it all. This isn’t just a rifle; it’s a gateway. It’s Henry’s purpose-built, single-shot .22LR bolt-action rifle designed from the ground up for young shooters and training, featuring a vibrant, safety-orange synthetic stock for high visibility in the field. At a total length of just 30.5 inches and a weight under 3 pounds, it’s scaled perfectly for smaller frames, making that first range trip a success, not a struggle.
Here’s the thing—the Mini Bolt gets the fundamentals right. The action is simple, robust, and teaches the deliberate process of loading a single round, chambering, firing, and extracting. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from CCI Mini-Mags to standard velocity stuff through these, and the reliability is exactly what you expect from Henry. The 16.125-inch barrel provides a solid sight radius with the included fully-adjustable rear peep sight and blade front sight, which are surprisingly good for a rifle at this price point. It fits out of the box with zero fuss, and the manual safety is intuitive and positive.
Key features? Let’s start with that stock. The bright orange isn’t just for looks—it’s a major safety feature in the woods, making the rifle highly visible when leaned against a tree. The synthetic material is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean, which is perfect for a rifle that’s likely to see some honest dirt. The single-shot design forces focus and marksmanship, conserving ammo and building good habits from round one. The smooth bolt throw is short and easy for young hands to operate, and the trigger breaks cleanly with minimal take-up. That said, the real win is in the details, like the drilled and tapped receiver ready for a Weaver/Picatinny-style base (a common standard) should you want to add a compact optic later.
Specifications
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
|---|---|
| Action | Bolt-Action, Single Shot |
| Barrel Length | 16.125 inches |
| Overall Length | 30.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.75 lbs |
| Stock | Solid Orange Synthetic |
| Sights | Adjustable Peep Rear, Blade Front |
| Receiver | Drilled & Tapped for Scope Mount |
Pros: Perfectly scaled for youth/small-frame shooters. The bright orange stock is a fantastic safety feature. The single-shot design is ideal for teaching fundamentals and safety. Built with Henry’s renowned quality and reliability. Lightweight and easy to handle. The price is incredibly accessible for a lifetime rifle.
Cons: Single-shot only, so not for rapid plinking. The stock length is fixed, so it may be outgrown by a larger teen. The open ejection port can let debris in if you’re rolling around in the leaves—just something to be mindful of.
So who is this for? Primarily, it’s the ultimate first rifle for a kid. It’s also a brilliant, low-cost training tool for any new shooter of any age to learn bolt manipulation and sight alignment without distractions. For the seasoned hunter, it’s a superb, ultra-lightweight companion for small game where every ounce counts, and that orange stock is a no-brainer for visibility. At $265.26, it represents a serious value for a rifle that will create memories and skills that last far longer than a brick of .22LR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age range for this rifle?
A: There’s no hard rule, but it’s ideally suited for shooters approximately 6-12 years old, depending on size and maturity. The light weight and short length of pull make it manageable where a full-size rifle would be cumbersome.
Q: Can adults use it comfortably?
A: Absolutely. While compact, the ergonomics are solid. It’s a bit like driving a go-kart—fun, focused, and a great reminder of the basics. For hunting squirrels or tin cans, it’s a pure pleasure for shooters of any size.
Q: What scope base does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #3 Weaver-style base, which is widely available from brands like Weaver, Leupold, and others. It’s a simple, drop-in ready setup if you decide to add optics.
This Henry Mini Bolt .22LR, Orange Stock is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If you’re looking to start a new shooter off right, or just want a no-fuss, reliable .22 for the woods, take a closer look at this one.
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