Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum/38 Special Lever Action Rifle is a classic, American-made lever-action rifle chambered in a versatile pistol caliber. Its iconic brass receiver and octagon barrel set it apart. Available now for $799.00.
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 Big Boy 357 Magnum/38 Special Lever Action Rifle?
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Capacity | 10 Rounds (.357 Mag) / 10 Rounds (.38 Spl) |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Barrel Type | Octagon Blued Steel |
| Overall Length | 37.5 inches |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs |
| Receiver Material | Hardened Brass |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Sights | Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn with White Diamond Insert Rear, Brass Bead Front |
| Finish | Polished Hardened Brass Receiver, Blued Barrel, Polished Walnut Stock |
| Manufacturing | Made in USA |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box; requires standard rifle cleaning and maintenance |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | H006M |
What are the key features of this Henry Big Boy rifle?
The Henry Big Boy in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is a firearm that carries a lot of tradition, but it’s built with modern reliability. The most striking feature is certainly the polished hardened brass receiver. It’s not just for looks; it’s a robust piece of engineering that gives the rifle a distinct aesthetic and feel. Paired with the blued 20-inch octagon barrel, you’ve got a rifle that balances well and points naturally. The octagon barrel isn’t just a nod to tradition; it adds a bit of weight for stability and dissipates heat effectively during extended shooting sessions. The American Walnut stock and forend are well-finished and comfortable to shoulder, providing a solid grip.
Chambered in .357 Magnum, this rifle offers a significant ballistic advantage over shooting the same cartridge from a handgun. You’ll see increased velocity and energy, making it a capable choice for hunting medium game or for self-defense. The ability to also reliably cycle .38 Special ammunition is a major plus. It means you can practice with less expensive, lower-recoil rounds, which is great for new shooters or just for extended range sessions. The tubular magazine holds 10 rounds, which is a good capacity for a lever action. The smooth action is a hallmark of Henry rifles, and this Big Boy is no exception. It cycles cleanly and consistently, making for a pleasant shooting experience. The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight acquire targets quickly and are effective for the typical ranges this rifle will be used at.
Who should consider buying the Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum/38 Special Lever Action Rifle?
Buy it if:
- ✅ You appreciate classic American firearms design and craftsmanship.
- ✅ You’re looking for a versatile rifle that can shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
- ✅ You want a rifle for hunting small to medium game (like deer or hogs) at closer ranges.
- ✅ You’re a fan of lever-action rifles and want a smooth, reliable action.
- ✅ You’re looking for a fun and iconic rifle for target shooting or plinking.
- ✅ You want a companion rifle to a .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver for ammunition commonality.
Skip it if:
- ❌ You need a rifle for long-range hunting or precision shooting beyond 150 yards (see our bolt-action rifles for long-range options).
- ❌ You prefer a rifle with high-capacity detachable magazines (see our AR-15 platforms).
- ❌ You require a rifle that is lightweight for extensive backcountry packing (see our lightweight rifle options).
What are the pros and cons of the Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum/38 Special Lever Action Rifle?
Having handled and transferred quite a few of these, I can tell you they’re well-regarded for a reason.
Pros:
- ✅ Versatile Ammunition: The ability to shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special is a huge advantage for training, cost, and recoil management.
- ✅ Classic Aesthetics: The polished brass receiver and octagon barrel give it a timeless look that stands out at the range or in the field.
- ✅ Smooth Action: Henry’s lever actions are known for their slick, reliable cycling, making for a very enjoyable shooting experience.
- ✅ American Made: Henry Repeating Arms builds these right here in the USA, and the quality shows.
- ✅ Effective for Medium Game: With .357 Magnum, it’s a capable rifle for deer and other medium-sized game within appropriate ranges.
Cons:
- ❌ Weight: At 8.68 lbs, it’s not the lightest rifle, especially for carrying long distances in the field. If you’re looking for something lighter, check out our lightweight rifle options.
- ❌ Loading Method: The tubular magazine is loaded from the front, which can be slower than a side loading gate or detachable magazine.
- ❌ Optic Mounting: While possible, mounting optics can sometimes interfere with the classic lines and balance, and requires specific mounts.
How does the Henry Big Boy compare to other lever action rifles?
| Feature | Henry Big Boy .357/.38 | Rossi R92 .357/.38 | Marlin 1894 .357/.38 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Hardened Brass Receiver, Blued Steel Barrel, American Walnut Stock | Blued Steel Receiver/Barrel, Brazilian Hardwood Stock | Blued Steel Receiver/Barrel, American Walnut Stock |
| Quality | High-end fit and finish, very smooth action, durable brass receiver | Good utility grade, can be a bit rougher out of the box, reliable | Historically high quality, newer production varies, generally solid |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Shipping | Ships from Wichita, KS | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Excellent, brass receiver can show character over time but is robust | Good, all-steel construction is durable | Excellent, all-steel construction is durable |
| Price | $799.00 | ~$650-$700 | ~$900-$1100+ (depending on model/availability) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum/38 Special Lever Action Rifle
Is the Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum/38 Special suitable for hunting?
Yes, the Henry Big Boy in .357 Magnum is capable for hunting small to medium-sized game like deer, hogs, or coyotes at ranges typically within 100-150 yards. The .357 Magnum cartridge gains significant velocity and energy from a rifle-length barrel, making it much more effective than from a handgun. Always check local hunting regulations.
Can I shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition in this rifle?
Absolutely. One of the major advantages of the Henry Big Boy in this caliber is its versatility. It’s designed to reliably feed and fire both .357 Magnum and the shorter .38 Special cartridges. This allows for cheaper practice with .38 Special and more powerful performance with .357 Magnum when needed.
How do I load the Henry Big Boy rifle?
The Henry Big Boy utilizes a tubular magazine that is loaded from the front. To load, you twist and pull out the inner magazine tube, drop cartridges into the outer tube, and then replace the inner tube, pushing it back into place. This system is reliable, though some prefer a side loading gate for quicker top-offs.
What kind of maintenance does the Henry Big Boy require?
Like any firearm, regular cleaning and lubrication are essential. The Big Boy is relatively easy to field strip for basic cleaning of the barrel and action. Pay attention to the brass receiver, as it can be polished to maintain its luster or allowed to develop a natural patina over time. Follow the owner’s manual for detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Is the Henry Big Boy accurate?
For a lever-action rifle with iron sights, the Henry Big Boy is generally quite accurate. With quality ammunition, shooters can expect to achieve good groups at typical lever-action ranges (under 150 yards). The 20-inch octagon barrel contributes to stability and accuracy. Adding a scope, if desired, can further improve precision.
Where can I buy firearms online?
You can buy firearms online from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). When purchasing a firearm online, it will be shipped to a local FFL dealer of your choice for transfer, where you will complete the necessary background checks.
Does this rifle come with a warranty?
Henry Repeating Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty on all their firearms, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Details of the warranty can be found on Henry’s official website or in the owner’s manual included with the rifle.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Rifles | Full Shop
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.