Description
You’re on a ridge, the Missouri Ozarks sprawling below. A big whitetail steps into the clearing at 80 yards. There’s no magazine to fumble with, no bolt to cycle—just you, the rifle, and one perfectly placed shot. That’s the discipline and power of the Henry Singleshot, 45-70 Govt, 22″ Barrel, American Walnut, Blued. It’s a modern American-made single-shot rifle chambered in the legendary 45-70 Government cartridge, built for hunters and shooters who value precision, simplicity, and raw stopping power in a classic, reliable platform. With a suggested retail price of $432.86, it delivers old-world craftsmanship without a custom shop price tag.
When it comes to hunting dense timber or setting up for a decisive shot on larger game, the 45-70 Govt cartridge needs no introduction. This Henry harnesses that power in a controlled, deliberate format. The 22-inch blued steel barrel provides a solid sight radius and manages the cartridge’s substantial report and recoil effectively. The American walnut stock isn’t just for show—it’s shaped for a firm, natural hold from the bench or in the field. The single-shot action forces a shooter to make the first round count, a fundamental skill that translates to any firearm discipline. This rifle is drop-in ready for your next hunt, requiring no gunsmithing to start shooting.
Key Features & Practical Performance
The heart of this rifle is its simplicity. The side-lever action is smooth and positive, breaking open to accept a single 45-70 round. This mechanical simplicity translates to extreme reliability—there are few moving parts to fail. The manual extractor positively ejects the spent casing, a tactile confirmation of the cycle of fire. The blued finish on the steel is classic and durable, resisting the elements with proper care. Look, the weight of this rifle, a manageable 6.75 lbs, soaks up recoil better than lighter modern rifles, making it surprisingly shootable even with stout loads.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a rifle for spraying lead. It’s a tool for a specific purpose. The crisp, single-stage trigger is a standout feature, breaking cleanly and consistently to aid accuracy. The walnut stock, with its straight-grip design and subtle checkering, provides a secure anchor point. For mounting optics, the receiver is drilled and tapped, ready for a scope base compatible with standard Henry H015 series mounts. Whether you’re using the included fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front sight or topping it with a scout-style scope from brands like Vortex or Leupold, the platform is versatile.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38 Inches |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
| Action Type | Single Shot, Side-Lever |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: Incredible build quality and value at this price point. The 45-70 Govt is a supremely versatile cartridge for hunting North American game. The single-shot design promotes marksmanship fundamentals and is inherently safe. The classic walnut and blued steel aesthetics are timeless. The trigger is excellent out of the box.
Cons: Obviously, limited capacity requires deliberate shot placement. It’s not a rifle for high-volume shooting or rapid follow-ups. The straight stock design may transmit more perceived recoil than a modern Monte Carlo style for some shooters.
This rifle is for the Missouri hunter pursuing whitetail, black bear, or feral hog in thick cover where shots are typically close and decisive. It’s for the shooter who appreciates mechanical simplicity, classic lines, and the discipline of making one shot matter. It’s also an ideal entry point for a new hunter learning responsible gun handling, as the single-shot action is unambiguous. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this Henry Singleshot handle modern, high-pressure 45-70 loads?
A: Yes. Henry rifles are built to withstand SAAMI specifications for modern 45-70 ammunition. Always consult your owner’s manual, but it is safe to use with standard factory loads from major manufacturers like Hornady, Federal, and Remington.
Q: Is the rifle suitable for a beginner?
A: As a teaching tool for safety and marksmanship fundamentals, it is excellent. The recoil of the 45-70 cartridge, however, can be stout. New shooters should start with lighter commercial loads to build proficiency before moving to full-power hunting ammunition.
Q: What type of scope mount does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard scope base designed for the Henry H015 series. Several aftermarket companies like EGW make direct-fit bases, which then accept standard rings. This allows for flexible optic setup.
If the idea of a no-nonsense, powerful rifle that forces you to slow down and connect with the fundamentals appeals to you, the Henry Singleshot in 45-70 Govt is worth a close look.
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