Description
What is the Henry Small Game Rifle .22 Mag 20″ Octagon Barrel Skinner’s Sights Large Loop Lever Walnut Stock 16rds? It’s a purpose-built, classic American lever-action rifle chambered in .22 WMR, designed from the ground up for hunting small game and varmints with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and practical, modern features. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of CCI Maxi-Mag through one, and it’s a rifle that feels as good as it shoots.
Key Features
- Octagon Barrel & Walnut Stock: This isn’t just for looks. The 20-inch octagon barrel provides a solid, stable sight plane and adds a bit of forward weight that helps with steady offhand shots. The American walnut stock is finished to a high standard—it fits out of the box with no rough edges or fitting issues.
- Skinner’s Peep Sights: A massive upgrade over standard open sights. The rear peep sight is incredibly fast to acquire and, in my experience, promotes more consistent accuracy. It’s fully adjustable and works beautifully with the brass bead front sight.
- Large Loop Lever: Not just a cowboy movie prop. This loop is genuinely practical for use with gloved hands during cold Missouri mornings in the squirrel woods or while tending to a trap line.
- 16-Round Tubular Magazine: The under-barrel tube holds a generous 16 rounds of .22 Magnum. That’s plenty of firepower for a long day in the field without constantly reloading.
Specifications & Details
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagon |
| Sights | Skinner’s Peep Rear, Brass Bead Front |
| Action | Lever, Large Loop |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Magazine Capacity | 16 Rounds |
| Overall Length | Approx. 38.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.25 lbs |
Here’s the thing—this rifle weighs in at a manageable 6.25 pounds, which makes it easy to carry all day. The .22 WMR cartridge is the real star here, offering significantly more punch and range than a standard .22 LR, making it ideal for taking raccoons, groundhogs, or foxes at responsible distances. The action is smooth right from the factory, and that 16-round tube magazine means you’re ready for extended sessions. At $516.90, it represents a solid value for a rifle with this level of fit and finish.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Henry is perfect for the hunter who appreciates tradition but demands performance. It’s for the Missouri squirrel hunter who wants to reach out a bit farther across a creek bottom, or the landowner who needs a reliable, quick-handling tool for predator control. It’s also a fantastic choice for anyone who just loves shooting a slick, tactile lever-action—the .22 WMR is more affordable to feed for practice than centerfire lever guns. If you’re looking for a truck gun that has more character than a synthetic-stocked autoloader, this is a strong contender.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The Skinner’s sights are a game-winner for practical accuracy. The octagon barrel and walnut give it heirloom-quality aesthetics. The large loop is genuinely useful. Henry’s customer service is legendary. The .22 WMR is a versatile and effective small game/varmint round.
Cons: .22 WMR ammo is more expensive than .22 LR. The rifle is a bit heavier than some synthetic .22s. The traditional design lacks a scope mount (though one can be added to the receiver). The tubular magazine is slow to reload compared to a detachable box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you mount a scope on this rifle?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped, so yes, you can add a scope base. Henry and other companies like Warne make bases specifically for this model. That said, the included Skinner’s peep sight is so effective that many shooters, myself included, never feel the need to add glass.
Q: Is the .22 Magnum powerful enough for coyotes?
A: With proper shot placement and the right ammunition—like heavy 40-grain or specialized varmint loads—the .22 WMR is capable on coyotes inside 100 yards. For consistent, ethical coyote hunting, however, most would prefer a centerfire cartridge. Where it truly shines is on smaller predators like foxes and raccoons.
Q: How does it compare to a Henry .22 LR lever action?
A: The core action and quality are similar. The key difference is capability. The .22 Magnum version gives you more range, more energy on target, and better performance in windy conditions. You trade cheaper ammo cost for more power. It’s the choice when you need the rifle to do more than just plink.
This Henry Small Game Rifle is a specialized tool that executes its job with class and reliability. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, and remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. If you’re after a classic, capable lever-action for the field, this one deserves a close look.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.