Henry Side Gate Wildlife 45-70 Gov Lever-Action Rifle

Description

You’re in the Missouri timber, the light is fading, and you need a rifle that bridges the gap between a classic brush gun and a modern, reliable tool. The Henry Side Gate Wildlife 45-70 Gov 4+1 18.43″ Fancy American Walnut Blued Right Hand with Large Loop is that rifle. It’s a side-loading, side-ejecting lever-action chambered in the legendary 45-70 Government, built for power and precision in dense cover. With a 4+1 capacity, a fast-handling 18.43-inch barrel, and classic American walnut furniture, it’s a purpose-built hunting companion that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.

Here’s the thing—when it comes to hunting in the Ozarks or anywhere thick cover demands a quick, powerful shot, a traditional top-loading lever gun can be a liability. The Henry Side Gate solves this. It gives you the classic, smooth Henry lever action you trust, but adds a modern, receiver-mounted loading gate. This means you can quietly top off the magazine without cycling the action or taking your eyes off the game. The large loop lever isn’t just for looks; it’s a practical feature for gloved hands in cold weather, allowing for swift, positive manipulation. The rifle is drop-in ready, requiring no gunsmithing to get you from the box to the field. Its chambering in 45-70 Government means it’s compatible with a wide range of ammunition, from manageable 300-grain loads to heavy-hitting Buffalo Bore offerings that can handle any North American game.

The 18.43-inch barrel length is a masterstroke for balance. It provides the necessary sight radius and velocity for the potent 45-70 cartridge while keeping the overall package nimble for quick shouldering in a blind or navigating through brush. The blued steel finish is deep and durable, resisting the elements while complementing the rich, fancy-grade American walnut stock. That walnut isn’t just for show—it provides a solid, warm cheek weld and a confident grip, even when your hands are damp. Weighing in at approximately 7.5 lbs, it carries easily all day but has enough heft to manage the cartridge’s substantial recoil. At $1315.06, this Henry represents a significant investment in a firearm that blends heritage with genuine, field-proven innovation.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Caliber	45-70 Government
Magazine Capacity	4+1 Rounds
Barrel Length	18.43 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 37.5 Inches
Stock	Fancy American Walnut
Finish	Blued Steel
Action	Lever Action with Side Gate

Pros: The side loading gate is a genuine tactical upgrade for hunters, allowing silent reloads. The 45-70 cartridge is immensely versatile, capable of taking everything from whitetail to bear with the right load. The large loop lever and classic walnut stock offer both function and timeless aesthetics. The shorter barrel makes it exceptionally quick and easy to handle in tight quarters.

Cons: The 45-70 Government is not a cheap round to practice with extensively. Recoil with full-power hunting loads is stout, which may be a consideration for some shooters. As a premium Henry model, it commands a premium price point compared to basic lever actions.

This rifle is for the Missouri hunter who demands more than nostalgia from their lever gun. It’s for the individual pursuing whitetail in dense river bottoms, hog hunting in thickets, or preparing for a western elk hunt where a powerful, short-range cartridge is ideal. It’s for the shooter who appreciates classic American craftsmanship but insists on modern functionality—like the ability to safely unload via the side gate without cycling live rounds through the action. If your scenario involves close-range, high-stakes shots in challenging terrain, this is your tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still load this rifle from the tube like a traditional Henry?

A: No. The Side Gate Wildlife model is designed specifically for loading via the side gate on the receiver. This is a dedicated feature for safer, quieter loading and unloading in the field, moving away from the traditional tube-fed design on many Henry rifles.

Q: Is the 45-70 suitable for deer hunting in Missouri?

A: Absolutely. With modern, lighter-weight ammunition (like Hornady’s LEVERevolution FTX loads), the 45-70 is a supremely effective deer cartridge within its effective range. It offers decisive stopping power and deep penetration, making it an excellent choice for ethical harvests, especially in brushy areas where shot distances are short.

Q: What type of optics can I mount on this rifle?

A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, making it compatible with standard bases for a Henry H014/H010 series. A low-power variable scope (like a 1-4x or 1-6x) or a quality ghost ring peep sight from a brand like Skinner Sights are popular and practical choices for this hard-hitting brush gun.

See the full details and availability for the Henry Side Gate Wildlife 45-70 at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.