Description
The Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ 10rd is a full-size lever-action sporting rifle that blends classic lines with modern utility. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this rifle pairs a 20-inch round blued steel barrel with a blued steel receiver and checkered American walnut furniture. A side loading gate and removable tubular magazine simplify topping off the tube, while the drilled-and-tapped receiver accepts the BB-RSM scope base. Intended for target shooting and hunting applications, the Big Boy Steel balances traditional aesthetics with practical performance.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Steel Side Gate |
| Material | Blued steel barrel and receiver, American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt |
| Finish | Blued steel |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Side Loading Gate – Why it matters: You can top off the magazine without removing the tube, keeping you in the action during a hunt or range session.
- Removable Tubular Magazine – Why it matters: Unloads quickly and safely, and makes cleaning or storage a breeze.
- Checkered American Walnut Stock – Why it matters: Provides a secure, slip-resistant grip even in wet or gloved hands, plus classic good looks.
- Drilled-and-Tapped Receiver – Why it matters: Accepts the BB-RSM scope base so you can mount optics for precision shooting without gunsmithing.
- 20″ Blued Steel Barrel – Why it matters: Gives you a full-length sight radius for accurate aiming and balances the rifle well for off-hand shooting.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who wants a reliable, traditional lever gun for deer or hog hunting in brush or timber. It also suits the target shooter who appreciates the .45 Long Colt’s mild recoil and wants a side gate for quick reloads. If you’re a collector or enthusiast who values American craftsmanship and a classic look with modern convenience, this is your rifle.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Smooth action, side gate for easy loading, accurate barrel, solid build, and a beautiful walnut stock.
- Cons: One honest drawback: the .45 Long Colt has a limited effective range compared to modern calibers like .30-30, making it best for shorter-range shots under 100 yards.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 LC | Marlin 1894 .357 Mag | Winchester 1873 .45 LC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt | .357 Magnum | .45 Long Colt |
| Barrel Length | 20″ | 18.5″ | 20″ |
| Capacity | 10 rounds | 9 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Side Gate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs | 6.8 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Stock Material | American Walnut | American Black Walnut | Walnut |
FAQ
Is the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate accurate for hunting?
Yes, with a 20″ barrel and drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics, it’s accurate enough for deer-sized game out to 100 yards. Expect 2-3 MOA with quality factory ammunition.
Can I use .45 Colt +P ammunition in this rifle?
Per Henry specs, the Big Boy Steel is rated for standard-pressure .45 Long Colt only. Do not use +P or magnum loads, as they can damage the action or cause unsafe pressure.
What scope base fits the drilled-and-tapped receiver?
The receiver is tapped for the Henry BB-RSM scope base (sold separately). This base allows you to mount most standard 1-inch tube scopes.
How do I load the side gate?
Simply push each cartridge nose-first into the gate on the right side of the receiver. The gate springs back after each round. You can also load through the magazine tube if preferred.
Does this rifle come with a safety?
Yes, it features a transfer bar safety and a half-cock hammer notch, both standard on Henry lever actions.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Browse more lever action rifles or check our hunting rifles category for similar options.
Lever Action Rifles | Hunting Rifles | Henry Rifles
Last updated: April 2026
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