Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy Boy Scouts of America Centennial
Specs at a glance
About this product
Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in collectible and practical firearms. The Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy Boy Scouts of America Centennial is a commemorative lever-action .22 rifle, celebrating a century of Scouting. Its distinctive engraving and brass receiver set it apart. In stock at Kansas Gunshop for $1200.0.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial?
| Product Type | Lever-Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 S/L/LR |
| Capacity | 16 Rounds (.22LR), 21 Rounds (.22 Short) |
| Receiver Material | Brasslite (Brass Alloy) |
| Barrel Material | Blued Steel |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Finish | Polished Brasslite Receiver, Blued Barrel, Gold-Plated Barrel Band |
| Manufacturing | Henry Repeating Arms, USA |
| Hardness/Quality | Collector-grade finish, durable operational components |
| Compatibility | Standard .22 S/L/LR ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to shoot, requires standard firearm safety and cleaning practices |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: 38.5 inches; Barrel Length: 20 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New in Box |
| SKU | H004BSA |
What makes this Henry Golden Boy special?
The Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy Boy Scouts of America Centennial rifle isn't just another .22 lever-action. It's a commemorative piece, designed to honor 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America. The most striking feature is the highly polished Brasslite receiver, which is engraved with intricate Boy Scouts of America iconography, including the universal emblem and a detailed scene depicting Scouting activities. The American Walnut stock and forearm are also adorned with special BSA emblems, making it a true collector's item.
Beyond the aesthetics, it retains all the hallmarks of a standard Golden Boy: smooth lever action, a crisp trigger, and the ability to cycle .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle ammunition reliably. The tubular magazine is easy to load, and the adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with a beaded front sight provides a classic sight picture. It's a rifle that shoots as good as it looks, whether you're taking it to the range or displaying it.
Who is the Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial for?
This rifle holds particular appeal for a few distinct groups:
- Collectors: Its limited-edition nature and specific commemorative theme make it highly desirable for firearms collectors, especially those with an interest in Americana or Scouting.
- Former and Current Scouts/Scout Leaders: For anyone who has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America, this rifle serves as a tangible piece of history and a nostalgic reminder of their experiences.
- Henry Enthusiasts: Fans of Henry Repeating Arms often appreciate their special edition rifles, and this one is a standout.
- Gift Givers: It makes a significant and memorable gift for a special occasion, particularly for someone with a connection to Scouting.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this rifle?
- ✅ Unique Collectible Value: The BSA Centennial engraving and limited production run make this a distinct piece.
- ✅ Classic Henry Quality: Smooth action, reliable feeding, and solid construction, as expected from a Golden Boy.
- ✅ Stunning Aesthetics: The polished brass receiver and detailed engravings are visually impressive.
- ✅ Versatile .22 Caliber: Shoots .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, offering flexibility for plinking or small game.
- ✅ American Made: Henry Repeating Arms builds their rifles right here in the USA.
- ❌ Higher Price Point: As a commemorative edition, it costs more than a standard Golden Boy. If you just need a .22 plinker, see our other .22 rifles.
- ❌ Potential for "Safe Queen" Status: Its collectible nature might deter some from taking it out to the field often, which can be a shame for such a fun shooter.
- ❌ Brasslite Finish Requires Care: The polished Brasslite can show fingerprints and needs regular cleaning to maintain its luster.
Should you buy this rifle?
- Buy it if: You are a collector of commemorative firearms, have a strong connection to the Boy Scouts of America, or appreciate the blend of classic lever-action design with unique historical significance. It's an investment piece that also functions as a fine shooting rifle.
- Skip it if: Your primary goal is a budget-friendly plinking rifle, or you intend to heavily use and potentially scratch a firearm without concern for its finish. For a workhorse .22, consider a standard Henry H001 or Ruger 10/22.
How does it compare to other .22 lever-action rifles?
| Feature | Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial | Rossi Rio Bravo .22LR | Marlin 39A (Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Brasslite receiver, Blued steel barrel, American Walnut stock | Black synthetic stock, Blued steel receiver/barrel | Forged steel receiver, Blued steel barrel, American Walnut stock |
| Quality | Premium commemorative, excellent fit/finish, smooth action | Entry-level, functional, utilitarian finish | High-quality, robust, classic American lever-action |
| Compatibility | .22 S/L/LR ammo | .22 LR ammo only | .22 S/L/LR ammo |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS (FFL required) | Standard FFL transfer | N/A (secondary market) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Lifelong with proper care, collectible value retains/increases | Durable for recreational use, less heirloom quality | Decades of use, highly durable, sought after |
| Price | ~$1200.0 (new, commemorative) | ~$300-350 (new, standard) | ~$800-1500+ (used, condition dependent) |
The Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial stands in its own category, primarily due to its commemorative nature and premium finish. While the Rossi Rio Bravo offers a more budget-friendly entry into .22 lever guns, it lacks the aesthetics and collectible appeal. The Marlin 39A, though discontinued, was a legendary .22 lever-action known for its robust construction and accuracy, often commanding prices similar to or exceeding the BSA Centennial on the used market. The Henry BSA is a blend of collectible art and reliable shooting, a different proposition than a pure utility rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial a limited edition?
Yes, the Henry Golden Boy Boy Scouts of America Centennial is a special commemorative edition. While not strictly numbered, its production was tied to the BSA's 100th anniversary, making it a finite collectible.
What kind of ammunition does the Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial use?
This rifle is chambered for .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle ammunition. This versatility allows for different shooting experiences, from quiet plinking with .22 Short to more powerful .22 LR rounds.
How do I clean and maintain the Brasslite receiver?
The Brasslite receiver should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive polish specifically designed for brass or plated finishes. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials that could scratch the surface or remove the protective coating. Regular wiping after handling will help prevent tarnish and fingerprints.
Can this rifle be used for hunting?
While primarily a collector's item, the Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial is fully functional and capable of taking small game or varmints, much like any other .22 LR rifle. Always check local hunting regulations for permissible calibers and seasons in Kansas, like during squirrel season.
Where can I buy rifles online?
You can buy rifles online, including this Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial, from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). Firearms purchased online must be shipped to your local FFL dealer for transfer, where you will complete the necessary background checks.
Does this rifle come with a warranty?
Henry Repeating Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their firearms, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Details can be found on the Henry Repeating Arms website.
Is the Henry Golden Boy BSA Centennial difficult to operate for a new shooter?
Lever-action rifles like the Golden Boy are generally straightforward to operate. The action is smooth, and the .22 caliber has very little recoil, making it an excellent choice for learning basic marksmanship. Proper instruction and safety practices are always essential.
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