Description
The Henry Original Iron Frame Lever Action .44-40 with a 24.5-inch barrel is a historically inspired rifle that blends period-correct looks with modern materials. Chambered in .44-40 Winchester, it features a one-piece blued octagonal barrel, a color case-hardened receiver, and fancy American walnut stock. This lever gun uses a traditional toggle link system and holds 13 rounds in a fixed magazine, with classic folding ladder rear and blade front sights.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Original Iron Frame |
| Material | Blued steel barrel, color case-hardened steel receiver, fancy American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .44-40 Winchester ammunition |
| Finish | Blued barrel and magazine tube; color case-hardened receiver |
| Weight | Approximately 8.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Traditional Toggle Link Action — Why it matters: This authentic mechanism gives you the same smooth, reliable cycling that defined lever guns in the Old West, with modern heat-treated steel for durability.
- 24.5-Inch Octagonal Barrel — Why it matters: The extra weight and length stabilize the .44-40 round for flat trajectories at 100 yards, while the octagonal shape sheds heat faster during extended shooting sessions.
- Color Case-Hardened Receiver — Why it matters: This finish not only looks like a museum piece but also resists corrosion better than blued steel alone, so your rifle stays sharp through wet hunts.
- 13-Round Fixed Magazine — Why it matters: You get a full tube of .44-40 for quick follow-ups on running game, and the fixed design means no fumbling with detachable boxes in the field.
- Fancy American Walnut Stock — Why it matters: The high-grade walnut with hand-cut checkering gives you a sure grip in rain or snow, and the grain patterns make every rifle one of a kind.
Who It’s For
This lever action is built for the hunter who appreciates history but demands reliability. If you chase whitetail in thick timber, hunt feral hogs in brush country, or just want a classic plinker that turns heads at the range, the Henry Original Iron Frame fits your life. It’s also ideal for cowboy action shooters who need a period-correct rifle that shoots modern .44-40 loads without hiccups.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1880s look with modern steel; smooth toggle-link action; 13-round capacity for a lever gun; excellent fit and finish on walnut stock.
- Cons: The .44-40 round is less common than .30-30 or .45-70, so you may need to order ammo online; the fixed magazine is slower to reload than a detachable box.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Original Iron Frame .44-40 | Marlin 1894 Classic .44 Mag | Winchester 1873 Short Rifle .44-40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .44-40 Winchester | .44 Remington Magnum | .44-40 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 24.5 inches | 20 inches | 20 inches |
| Capacity | 13 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Action | Toggle link | Lever with rotating bolt | Toggle link |
| Stock | Fancy American walnut | American black walnut | American walnut |
| Receiver Finish | Color case-hardened | Blued | Color case-hardened |
| Price | $2,782.44 | $1,099.00 | $1,299.00 |
FAQ
What is the barrel twist rate on the Henry Original Iron Frame .44-40?
Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the 24.5-inch octagonal barrel has a 1:20 twist rate, optimized for the standard 200- to 240-grain .44-40 bullets.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
Yes, but it requires a side-mount or scout-style scope mount because the receiver is drilled and tapped for a side mount. The factory open sights are excellent for quick shooting, so many owners leave it as-is.
Is the .44-40 round still easy to find?
It’s not as common as .30-30 or .45-70, but major ammunition manufacturers like Winchester and Remington produce it regularly. Online retailers typically stock it, and many cowboy action shooters reload it.
How does the toggle link action compare to a modern lever action?
The toggle link is smoother and faster to cycle than a rotating bolt, but it’s not as strong for high-pressure loads. The .44-40 is a low-pressure round, so this action is a perfect match for reliability and authenticity.
Ready to Own This Classic Lever Action?
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, lever-action rifles account for roughly 12% of all rifle sales in the U.S., and the .44-40 remains a favorite among cowboy shooters and whitetail hunters. This Henry Original Iron Frame gives you that history with modern craftsmanship. Order yours today, and we’ll ship it to your FFL within 1-2 business days.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) ✓ Ships 1-2 business days ✓ 30-day returns ✓ Secure checkout
Browse more options: Lever Action Rifles | Henry Rifles | .44-40 Ammunition
Last updated: April 2026
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