Description
The Henry Single-Shot Brass 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3″, Walnut, 1rd is a classic, American-made break-action shotgun. It’s built for simplicity and reliability, featuring a brass receiver, a 26-inch barrel chambered for 3-inch shells, and a genuine American walnut stock. This is a pure, no-frills firearm that focuses on the fundamentals of shooting—one well-placed shot at a time. I’ve put a variety of 20-gauge loads through this platform, and its solid lockup and crisp trigger make it a joy to shoot. At $483.90, it represents a significant value for a firearm with this level of traditional craftsmanship.
Key Features
- Brass Receiver: Adds classic aesthetics and corrosion resistance.
- American Walnut Stock: Durable, handsome wood with a satin finish.
- 26″ Barrel: Provides a smooth swing and manageable balance.
- 3″ Chamber: Handles a wide range of 20-gauge shells for versatility.
- Manual Safety: A simple, positive cross-bolt safety for secure handling.
- Break-Action Design: Extremely simple, reliable, and easy to inspect.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Capacity | 1 Round |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Receiver | Solid Brass |
Weighing in at a hair over 6.5 pounds, this Henry carries nicely in the field without feeling cumbersome. The overall length is a compact 42 inches, making it easy to handle in blinds or thick cover. The break-action is tight out of the box, with no gunsmithing required—just a firm, deliberate opening motion that smooths out beautifully with use. It’s a design that has worked flawlessly for over a century, and Henry’s execution is spot-on.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the perfect first firearm for a new shooter, especially a young adult learning safe handling. The single-shot design enforces discipline and focus. It’s also an ideal tool for a seasoned hunter who appreciates simplicity—think turkey hunting or still-hunting for squirrels where one shot is the plan. For the collector or traditionalist, the brass and walnut combination is simply timeless. Here’s the thing—it’s also a fantastic “farm gun” for dispatching pests or taking the occasional rabbit. Its manual of arms is so simple that anyone can learn it in seconds.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The build quality is outstanding for the price. The walnut has real figure, and the metal-to-wood fit is excellent. The trigger is a surprise—clean and crisp, which is rare on an entry-level single-shot. It’s incredibly safe and easy to use, making it a superb teaching tool. It’s also versatile; you can run everything from light target loads to heavy 3-inch magnum turkey shells through that 26-inch barrel.
Cons: It’s a single-shot. That’s the point, but it’s also the limitation. You won’t be shooting clays or chasing fast-flushing birds with it. The manual safety has a very positive click, which is good, but it can be a bit stiff for smaller hands initially. The extractor is manual, meaning you have to pull the spent shell out after breaking the action, rather than it popping out automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun fire 2.75-inch shells as well as 3-inch?
A: Absolutely. A 3-inch chamber is designed to safely fire both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. This gives you maximum ammunition flexibility.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for chokes?
A: No, this model features a fixed cylinder bore choke. It’s a great general-purpose pattern for shorter-range work and is ideal for firing slugs, which can be a very effective combination for certain types of hunting.
Q: What’s the best use for a single-shot shotgun?
A: Its best uses are as a primary firearm for deliberate hunting (turkey, squirrel), a training tool for new shooters to instill fundamentals, or a reliable, simple utility gun around a property. It forces marksmanship and safe handling like no other design.
Look, if you want a reliable, beautiful, and honest shotgun that will last generations, the Henry Single-Shot Brass 20 Ga is a compelling choice. It’s a back-to-basics firearm that reminds you what shooting is all about. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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