Description
If you’ve been waiting for a lever gun that loads like a modern repeater but keeps that soul-of-the-woods look, the henry big boy steel side gate .357 mag/.38 spl 20-inch 10rd is your answer. It’s a full-size, field-ready rifle from Henry Repeating Arms, chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, with a 20-inch blued steel barrel and real American walnut furniture. The side-loading gate means you can top off the magazine without taking the rifle out of the action — a game-changer when you’re sitting a deer run or working a covey of quail.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Steel Side Gate |
| Material | Blued steel barrel and receiver; American walnut stock and fore-end |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special (standard and +P pressure) |
| Finish | Blued steel |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Side Loading Gate: Why it matters — you can reload without unloading the tube, keeping your rifle ready for follow-up shots in the field or at the range.
- Removable Tube Magazine: Why it matters — when you’re done, simply drop the tube to clear the rifle safely, no poking or fishing for rounds.
- Drilled-and-Tapped Receiver: Why it matters — mount a scout scope, red dot, or peep sight without a gunsmith, giving you fast target acquisition in low light.
- Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear Sight with Diamond Insert: Why it matters — the diamond insert lets you center the front bead even in thick brush or dusk, keeping your shot placement true.
- Brass Bead Front Sight: Why it matters — that gold bead catches the light and stands out against dark backgrounds, helping you pick up the front sight fast.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who walks miles of public land, the rancher who needs a truck gun that doubles as a predator defense tool, and the lever-action enthusiast who wants modern convenience without losing the classic lines. If you shoot .357 or .38, you already know the versatility — plinking, deer hunting, or running drills. The Big Boy Steel Side Gate fits all of it.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Side gate + tube magazine gives you the best of both loading worlds. Large loop clears gloved fingers. .357/.38 means cheap practice and hard-hitting hunting loads. Fit and finish are Henry-quality — smooth action, tight wood-to-metal fit.
- Cons: The receiver is not case-hardened, so if you want that traditional color case look, you’ll want the brass or case-hardened models. Also, the large loop can pinch your hand if you’re not used to it — practice your cycling.
Comparison vs Competitors
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate | Marlin 1894C | Rossi R92 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches | 18.5 inches | 20 inches |
| Capacity | 10 rounds | 9 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Loading | Side gate + removable tube | Side gate only | Side gate only |
| Receiver Material | Steel (blued) | Steel (blued) | Steel (blued) |
| Stock | American walnut | American walnut | Brazilian hardwood |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 5.8 lbs |
| MSRP | $962.98 | $1,049.99 | $599.99 |
FAQ
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this rifle?
Yes, the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate is built to handle .38 Special +P pressures. The steel receiver and barrel are more than up to it. That said, standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum are the recommended loads for longest life.
Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
The receiver is drilled and tapped for a #8-40 thread pattern, which is the most common for lever-action scope bases. You’ll need to buy a separate base and rings — Henry offers their own, or you can use an aftermarket rail.
Is the large loop standard or optional?
The large loop is standard on this model. It’s designed for gloved hands and faster cycling. If you prefer a standard loop, you’ll want to check the Henry Big Boy Steel model without the side gate.
How do I clean the tube magazine?
Remove the tube by unscrewing the magazine cap at the muzzle, then slide the tube out. Wipe it down with a solvent-soaked patch and re-oil lightly. The side gate makes this easier because you don’t have to load rounds through the tube.
Trust & Shipping
- ✓ Nationwide delivery — all 50 states
- ✓ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day return policy
- ✓ Secure checkout
Browse more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles section, or check out all rifles and ammunition for your new Henry.
Last updated: April 2026
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