Description
The Henry Single-Shot Youth, .243 Win, 22″ Barrel, American Walnut, Black is a purpose-built, American-made single-shot rifle designed for introducing new shooters to centerfire hunting. It combines a manageable .243 Winchester caliber with a scaled-down walnut stock and a 22-inch barrel for a lightweight, low-recoil platform that builds confidence and marksmanship fundamentals from the first shot. This is a rifle that teaches patience, precision, and respect for the firearm—one round at a time.
Key Features
- Youth-Scaled American Walnut Stock: Shorter length of pull and reduced overall weight fit younger shooters perfectly, promoting proper stance and control.
- Versatile .243 Winchester Chambering: A flat-shooting, low-recoil caliber effective for varmints up to deer-sized game, ideal for a first hunting rifle.
- Single-Shot Action: The manual break-action design emphasizes shot placement and safety, requiring the shooter to consciously load each round.
- 22-Inch Blued Steel Barrel: Provides a solid sight radius and balances the rifle well, without being overly long or muzzle-heavy for a smaller frame.
- Transfer Bar Safety System: A hammer-blocking safety mechanism provides an added layer of drop-safe security, a critical feature for a training firearm.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .243 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 37.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 5.5 lbs |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Action | Single-Shot Break-Action |
| Safety | Transfer Bar |
Weighing in at roughly 5.5 pounds, this rifle won’t fatigue a young shooter during a long day at the range or in a deer stand. The manual action is simple and robust—no gunsmithing required for maintenance, just basic cleaning. The .243 Win cartridge itself is a proven performer; it’s compatible with a wide range of affordable, readily available ammunition from brands like Federal Premium, Hornady, and Winchester. That said, the single-shot design forces a deliberate pace. You can’t rush a follow-up shot, which turns every trigger pull into a focused lesson. Here’s the thing—that’s not a bug, it’s the core feature.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the definitive first rifle for a young hunter under supervision. It’s for the parent or mentor who values teaching safety and shot placement over firepower. It’s also a superb choice for an adult seeking a minimalist, lightweight brush gun for Missouri whitetail or a truck gun for dispatching predators on the farm. When it comes to building foundational skills, this rifle is a dedicated tool, not a toy.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Excellent for teaching safety and marksmanship. Lightweight and easy for youths to handle. The .243 Win is a capable and low-recoil hunting round. Classic walnut and blued steel construction is durable and handsome. Simple operation means minimal can go wrong.
Cons: Single-shot capacity is a limitation for any scenario requiring rapid follow-ups. The youth stock may be too short for some larger-framed adults without a spacer kit. It’s a dedicated hunting/training tool, not a tactical or defensive platform.
Priced at $439.63, this Henry represents a significant value for a lifetime-quality firearm that can be passed down. The 22-inch barrel gives the .243 Win cartridge enough tube to achieve efficient velocities for ethical hunting, while the walnut stock provides a classic, secure grip. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for its role. Is the single-shot a limitation? In a way, yes—but that constraint is what makes it such an effective teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the stock adjustable for an adult to use?
A: The stock is a fixed, youth-sized walnut stock. While a smaller-framed adult may find it comfortable, most will want a longer length of pull. Henry and aftermarket companies offer spacer kits to extend the stock, but the rifle is primarily optimized for younger shooters.
Q: What is the effective hunting range of this rifle in .243 Win?
A: With proper shot placement and quality ammunition, the .243 Winchester is capable of taking deer-sized game out to 250-300 yards in capable hands. Its flat trajectory makes it an excellent choice for open fields, but its light recoil also makes it manageable for shooting from improvised positions in timber.
Q: Can a scope be mounted on this model?
A: Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard scope base. A compact, low-power variable optic (like a 1-4x or 2-7x) from Leupold or Vortex would be an ideal match, keeping the rifle lightweight and quick-handling for a new shooter.
Ready to put a classic, responsible first rifle in the hands of the next generation? This Henry Single-Shot is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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