Description
Let me tell you about a rifle that forces you to slow down and make every shot count. I was at the range last fall, watching a guy blaze through a magazine with his semi-auto, spraying the berm. Then I pulled out my Henry Single-Shot Break Open in .308. The ritual of loading, aiming, and firing one precise round—it’s a different kind of satisfaction. That’s what this rifle is about: deliberate, accurate, and built with an old-world pride you can feel in your hands. It’s a tool that teaches patience and rewards skill.
The Henry Single-Shot Break Open .308/7.62 with a 22″ Barrel and American Walnut Stock is a modern, American-made single-shot rifle built for precision and simplicity. It features a break-open action, a crisp single-stage trigger, and a classic walnut stock, offering a focused and reliable shooting experience for hunting, target practice, or introducing new shooters. At $422.90, it represents a significant value for a rifle of this quality. This is a no-nonsense firearm that ships to Missouri and compliant US states, and it’s one of those guns that just feels right from the moment you shoulder it.
Here’s the thing—the break-open action is the star of the show. It’s smooth, locks up tight, and gives you immediate, visual confirmation that the chamber is clear. That’s a huge plus for safety, especially when you’re teaching someone. The 22″ barrel is cold hammer-forged, which Henry is famous for, and it provides that .308 Winchester cartridge with plenty of room to stabilize. I’ve put a few boxes of Federal Premium 168-grain match ammo through mine, and the consistency is impressive for a single-shot at this price point. The rifle weighs in at a very manageable 6.5 lbs, making it easy to carry all day in the field.
The American walnut stock is where you see the value. It’s not just a slab of wood; it’s properly finished with a satin sheen, has clean checkering for a solid grip, and the fit to the metal is excellent. This isn’t a rifle that needs gunsmithing or tweaking—it fits out of the box. The straight-grip stock and subtle crescent buttplate give it a traditional feel that I love. The single-stage trigger breaks cleanly at around 4.5 lbs, with just a hint of take-up. It’s predictable, which is exactly what you want when you only get one shot before reloading.
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Action | Break-Open Single Shot |
What I like: The build quality is outstanding for the price. The action is robust, the barrel is accurate, and the walnut stock is a genuine highlight. It’s incredibly simple to operate and maintain. The safety aspect of a single-shot is perfect for mentorship. It forces good fundamentals.
What to consider: It’s a single-shot. That’s a feature, not a bug, but it’s not for every scenario. If you’re chasing hogs or need rapid follow-up shots, you’ll want a repeater. The straight stock design, while classic, might not suit every shooter’s ergonomic preference compared to a modern pistol-grip stock.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who enjoys the challenge of making the first shot the only shot—think deer or predator hunting from a stand. It’s an ideal first centerfire rifle for a young shooter or anyone new to the sport, teaching respect and marksmanship. It’s also for the traditionalist who appreciizes simple, mechanical elegance and wants a reliable, accurate rifle for the bench without the complexity of a bolt-action. And because it’s chambered in .308, you have a massive selection of affordable practice ammo and high-performance hunting rounds, from Winchester Super-X to Hornady Precision Hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle safely fire both .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO ammunition?
A: Yes, the chamber is designed to safely fire both .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO rounds. As always, consult your owner’s manual and stick to high-quality, in-spec ammunition from reputable manufacturers like Federal, Hornady, or Sellier & Bellot.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle device or suppressor?
A: No, this model features a standard, crowned barrel end. It is not threaded from the factory. If threading is a requirement for you, that would be an aftermarket gunsmithing job.
Q: How does the break-open action work, and is it durable?
A: To load, you press the top lever to the side, which unlocks the action, allowing the barrel to pivot downward. You insert a cartridge directly into the chamber, then close the action until it locks securely. The mechanism is extremely robust and simple—fewer moving parts than a bolt-action—which translates to long-term durability and ease of cleaning.
If the idea of a straightforward, well-made rifle that brings back the fundamentals appeals to you, this Henry Single-Shot is worth a close look. Check its availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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