Description
I remember the first time I broke open a single-shot shotgun. The solid clunk of the action, the smell of oil and wood—it’s a ritual. That’s the heart of the Henry Single Shot, Break-Open 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3″, American Walnut, Blued. It’s a purpose-built, no-fuss firearm designed for one clean shot and the discipline that comes with it. At its core, this is a modern American-made single-shot that honors a classic form, with a price tag of $402.03 that respects your wallet.
Here’s the thing—in a world of semi-autos and high-capacity magazines, why choose a single shot? Because it teaches fundamentals like nothing else. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to 3″ magnums through this 20-gauge, and the experience is consistently straightforward. The break-open action is intuitive, the 26-inch barrel provides a smooth swing, and the whole package just feels right in your hands. It’s a tool that demands focus and rewards skill, which is something every shooter can benefit from.
Key Features & Handling
The first thing you’ll notice is the American walnut stock. It’s not just for show; it provides a solid, warm anchor point that synthetic stocks can’t match. The blued steel finish on the receiver and barrel is deep and classic, resisting the elements with proper care. Weighing in at about 6.5 pounds, it’s light enough for a young shooter or a long walk in the field but has enough heft to manage recoil comfortably.
The action is the star. A simple, robust break-open design with a manual safety and an automatic ejector. After firing, you press the lever, the barrel drops, and the spent shell is kicked out forcefully—ready for the next round. This mechanism is drop-in ready and requires zero gunsmithing to get started. It’s compatible with any standard 20-gauge shell up to 3 inches, making it versatile for clays, small game, or introductory home defense. The 26-inch barrel length is a sweet spot, offering a good sight plane without being unwieldy in a blind or thick brush.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
| Action | Break-Open, Single Shot |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: The simplicity is brilliant. There’s almost nothing to go wrong. It’s incredibly safe for teaching—one round at a time means full control. The quality of materials (that walnut and steel) at this price point is excellent. It’s also just a pleasure to handle; it points naturally and carries easily.
Cons: It’s a single shot. That’s a feature, but also the limitation. You won’t be shooting sporting clays competitions or defending a homestead against a horde with it. The manual safety is a positive click, but some might prefer a tang safety. Recoil with heavy 3″ loads is more noticeable than in a heavier gas-operated semi-auto.
So who is this for? It’s the perfect first shotgun for a responsible new shooter. It’s for the hunter who values the challenge and tradition of making that one shot count on squirrel or turkey. It’s an ideal farm or cabin gun for dispatching pests. And for an experienced shooter? It’s a pure, uncluttered range toy that brings you back to the basics. This Henry is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun fire 2.75″ and 3″ shells?
A: Absolutely. The 3″ chamber handles both 2.75″ and 3″ 20-gauge shells without any issue. You can cycle between light target loads for practice and heavier magnum loads for hunting.
Q: Is the ejector extractor or automatic?
A: It’s an automatic ejector. When you break the action open after firing, it positively kicks the spent casing out several feet. For unloading a live round, you can manually ease it out.
Q: What’s the process to get one?
A: Like all firearms, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. You can purchase online and have it shipped to your local licensed dealer for the background check and pickup. We handle all the compliance details.
Look, if you want a reliable, honest firearm that strips shooting down to its essence, this Henry Single Shot is a compelling choice. It’s built with pride, handles with grace, and teaches lessons that last. See if it’s the right fit for your rack.
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