Description
The Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine .357/.38 16.5″ 7-Round is a compact lever-action that marries traditional looks with modern shooting performance. Chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, this carbine features a polished brass receiver, a 16.5-inch octagon blued barrel, and select American walnut furniture. It’s built for close-quarters hunting, recreational shooting, and collecting, offering quick handling and the classic lever action feel that Henry is known for.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Brass Carbine |
| Material | Polished brass receiver, blued steel octagon barrel, American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special (interchangeable) |
| Finish | Blued barrel, polished brass receiver |
| Weight | Approximately 7.25 pounds (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Polished Brass Receiver: This isn’t just for looks—the brass adds corrosion resistance and gives the rifle a rich, old-school feel that stands out in any gun safe or on the range.
- 16.5-Inch Octagon Blued Barrel: The shorter barrel makes this carbine a natural for hunting in thick cover or plinking at the range, while the octagon profile helps dissipate heat and adds rigidity for consistent accuracy.
- Large-Loop Lever: Perfect for gloved hands during cold-weather hunts, the oversized loop allows for smooth, fast cycling without snagging.
- Select American Walnut Stock: Hand-finished walnut with a satin lacquer gives you a durable, comfortable grip that looks as good as it performs, with a classic straight-grip design.
- .357 Mag / .38 Special Versatility: Shoot inexpensive .38 Special for practice or plinking, then load .357 Magnum for deer-sized game—all in the same rifle, no tools needed.
Who It’s For
This carbine is built for the hunter who works tight woods and wants a fast-handling rifle that carries easy. It’s also a natural for cowboy action shooters, collectors who appreciate brass and walnut, and anyone who wants a reliable lever gun that can double as a truck gun or camp companion. If you value tradition but demand modern reliability, this one’s for you.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Smooth action right out of the box, dual-caliber flexibility saves money on ammo, brass receiver is a conversation starter, large loop works with gloves, 16.5-inch barrel balances nicely.
Cons: The brass receiver will tarnish over time unless you keep it polished—some folks like the patina, but if you want it shiny, you’ll need to wipe it down after handling.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine | Marlin 1894C | Winchester Model 92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 16.5″ octagon | 16.5″ round | 20″ round |
| Receiver | Polished brass | Blued steel | Blued steel |
| Capacity | 7 rounds | 9 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Weight | ~7.25 lbs | ~6.5 lbs | ~6.8 lbs |
| Price | $1,017.50 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,200 |
FAQ
What is the barrel twist rate on the Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine?
The barrel has a 1:16″ twist rate, which stabilizes both .357 Magnum and .38 Special bullets well for hunting and target shooting.
Can I shoot .38 Special in this rifle?
Yes, you can safely shoot .38 Special ammunition in this Henry Big Boy Brass Carbine. The action cycles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special reliably.
Is the brass receiver prone to tarnishing?
Yes, the polished brass receiver will develop a natural patina over time, especially if you handle it frequently. You can polish it back to shine with a brass cleaner, or leave it for an aged look.
How many rounds does the magazine tube hold?
The tubular magazine holds 7 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special, giving you plenty of firepower for hunting or plinking.
Trust & Delivery
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days from order
- ✓ 30-day return policy
- ✓ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Last updated: April 2026
Browse more options in our Lever Action Rifles category, or check out Henry Rifles and .357 Magnum Rifles for similar models.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.