Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine 357 Magnum Lever Action is a rugged, classic lever gun chambered in a versatile pistol caliber. Its steel receiver and carbine length make it a practical choice for the field or range. Available for $899.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel receiver, blued steel barrel, American Walnut stock |
| Manufacturing | Henry Repeating Arms, USA |
| Finish | Blued steel, polished brasslite receiver (some models), satin finish wood |
| Hardness/Quality | Robust, field-ready construction |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to shoot out of the box (after FFL transfer) |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: 34 inches, Barrel Length: 16.5 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | H006M |
What is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine 357 Magnum Lever Action?
This is a modern take on a classic American firearm, built by Henry Repeating Arms. The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine in .357 Magnum is a compact, reliable lever-action rifle. It features a blued steel receiver, a 16.5-inch round barrel, and a straight-grip American walnut stock. The carbine length makes it maneuverable, and the .357 Magnum chambering allows for the use of both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, offering flexibility in ammunition choice for different applications, from plinking to hunting smaller game.
Key Features of the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine 357 Magnum Lever Action
- Steel Receiver: The blued steel receiver provides a traditional look and robust durability, capable of handling the .357 Magnum cartridge reliably. This isn’t the brasslite version, it’s solid steel.
- Carbine Length Barrel: At 16.5 inches, the barrel strikes a balance between velocity and maneuverability, making it handy in tight spaces or for quick handling.
- Versatile Caliber: Chambered in .357 Magnum, this rifle can also reliably feed and fire .38 Special ammunition, offering a wider range of options for recoil, cost, and intended use.
- American Walnut Stock: The straight-grip American walnut stock and forend are classic, providing a comfortable hold and a traditional aesthetic that many lever gun enthusiasts appreciate.
- Adjustable Sights: Equipped with a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and a brass bead front sight, allowing for precise aiming and zeroing.
- Side Loading Gate: This model features Henry’s new side loading gate, which allows for easier and quicker reloading without needing to remove the inner magazine tube, a significant improvement for many users. You can still load via the tube if you prefer.
- Smooth Action: Henry lever actions are known for their smooth, reliable cycling, and this model continues that tradition.
Who is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine 357 Magnum Lever Action For?
Buy it if:
- You’re looking for a reliable, classic lever action rifle for plinking or target shooting.
- You want a rifle that shares ammunition with a .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver for simplified logistics.
- You appreciate the traditional aesthetics and build quality of American-made firearms.
- You need a compact, maneuverable rifle for brush hunting or as a truck gun.
- You’re a fan of Henry Repeating Arms and their commitment to lever-action rifles.
- You want a rifle that’s legal for deer hunting in Kansas’s straight-wall cartridge zones.
Skip it if:
- You need a rifle for long-range precision shooting; while accurate, it’s not a precision rifle. See our bolt-action rifles for that.
- You prefer modern sporting rifles with modularity and high capacity magazines. This is a traditional design.
- You’re on a very tight budget and need the absolute cheapest option for a .357 rifle. Some imported options might be less, but typically with a drop in build quality.
- You plan on mounting a large scope; while possible, it can interfere with the hammer and traditional feel.
Pros & Cons of the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine 357 Magnum Lever Action
Pros:
- ✅ Versatile Ammunition: Shoots both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, offering flexibility for different shooting needs and budgets.
- ✅ Robust Construction: Steel receiver and quality components mean this rifle is built to last and handle field conditions.
- ✅ Maneuverable Carbine Length: The 16.5-inch barrel makes it easy to handle in dense cover or in and out of vehicles.
- ✅ Classic Aesthetics: The blued steel and American walnut give it a timeless look and feel that many shooters prefer.
- ✅ Smooth Action: Henry’s reputation for smooth, reliable lever actions holds true with this model, making for an enjoyable shooting experience.
- ✅ Side Loading Gate: A practical addition for quicker and more convenient reloading in the field or at the range.
Cons:
- ❌ Capacity: While adequate for hunting and plinking, the 7-round capacity is lower than some modern rifle designs. If you need higher capacity, consider our semi-automatic rifles.
- ❌ Optic Mounting: While a scope can be mounted, it’s not as seamless as on rifles designed with optics in mind, and can impact the classic feel.
- ❌ Recoil with .357 Magnum: While not excessive, the carbine’s lighter weight means .357 Magnum loads will have more felt recoil than in a heavier rifle.
Comparison: Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine vs. Competitors
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine (.357 Mag) | Rossi R92 (.357 Mag) | Marlin 1894 CST (.357 Mag) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Blued Steel, American Walnut | Blued Steel, Brazilian Hardwood | Stainless Steel, Laminate/Synthetic |
| Quality | High-quality fit and finish, smooth action | Good value, can be rougher out of the box but reliable | Excellent modern construction, weather-resistant |
| Compatibility | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Shipping | Ships promptly from Kansas Gunshop | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Decades with proper care | Many years with proper care | Decades, highly corrosion resistant |
| Price | ~$899.00 | ~$600-700 | ~$1200-1400+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the effective range of a Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine in .357 Magnum?
For hunting medium game, the effective range is typically considered to be within 100-150 yards. For target shooting, it’s accurate out to 200 yards, though bullet drop becomes significant past that.
Can I hunt deer in Kansas with a .357 Magnum lever action?
Yes, in Kansas, the .357 Magnum is legal for deer hunting in the straight-wall cartridge zones. Always check current Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism regulations before hunting.
How does the side loading gate work on this Henry Big Boy model?
The side loading gate allows you to feed cartridges directly into the magazine tube from the side of the receiver, similar to traditional lever actions. You can also still load by removing the inner magazine tube from the front, offering two convenient loading methods.
What kind of maintenance does a lever action rifle require?
Regular cleaning after use, especially of the bore and action, is important. Keep the moving parts lightly lubricated. Pay attention to the wood stock and protect it from moisture. Disassembly for deep cleaning is generally straightforward for these rifles.
Is the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine suitable for home defense?
While it can be used for home defense, its relatively low capacity and slower reloading compared to modern semi-automatic rifles might be a consideration. However, the .357 Magnum cartridge is potent, and the carbine’s maneuverability can be an advantage in close quarters.
Where can I buy a lever action rifle online?
You can buy a lever action rifle online, including the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine 357 Magnum Lever Action, right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate FFL transfers to your local dealer.
What’s the difference between the Steel and Brasslite Henry Big Boy models?
The Steel models feature a blued steel receiver, offering a traditional, robust feel and look. Brasslite models have a hardened brass receiver that gives a distinct, classic aesthetic. Functionally, both are reliable, but the steel version is often preferred for its durability and resistance to dings in the field.
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Last updated: April 2026
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