Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Colt 20″ Lever Rifle

The Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .45 Colt 20″ Lever Rifle is a full-size lever-action that bridges classic Western handling with modern reloading efficiency. Chambered in .45 Colt, it pairs a 20-inch blued steel barrel with checkered American walnut furniture, a large-loop lever, and a side-loading gate backed by a removable tubular magazine. The blued steel receiver is drilled and tapped for optics while retaining traditional iron sights, making it a practical choice for target shooting and medium-to-large game hunting. According to Henry Repeating Arms specs, this rifle delivers a 1:16 twist rate and an overall length of 38.5 inches, weighing in at 7.5 pounds unloaded.

Key Features

• Side Loading Gate with Removable Tubular Magazine – Why it matters: You can top off the magazine without unloading the rifle, and the removable tube simplifies cleaning and unloading, giving you faster reloads and lower maintenance time at the range.
• 20-Inch Blued Steel Barrel – Why it matters: The 20-inch length balances velocity retention and maneuverability in the field, while the blued finish resists corrosion during extended hunting trips in wet conditions.
• Large-Loop Lever – Why it matters: Accommodates gloved hands in cold weather or heavy brush, ensuring you maintain cycling speed when temperatures drop or when you need rapid follow-up shots on game.
• Drilled and Tapped Receiver – Why it matters: Allows direct mounting of a scout scope or red dot without gunsmithing, letting you transition from iron sights to optics for low-light hunting or precision target work.
• Checkered American Walnut Stock – Why it matters: Provides a secure grip under recoil and in wet conditions, with traditional styling that keeps the rifle balanced and comfortable during long days afield.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for lever-action shooters who want modern convenience without sacrificing classic lines. If you hunt whitetail or feral hogs in dense timber and need a fast-handling gun that can be topped off on the fly, this is your platform. Target shooters who appreciate the .45 Colt’s mild recoil and want to ring steel at 100–150 yards with iron sights or a scout scope will also find it accurate enough for regular practice. It also appeals to collectors who shoot—the side gate and removable magazine update the traditional Henry design without breaking the bank.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Side loading gate allows quick topping off without removing the magazine tube, a major upgrade over older Henry models.
• Pro: Receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, giving you mounting flexibility without a trip to the gunsmith.
• Con: The large-loop lever can pinch gloved fingers if you aren’t deliberate with your cycling technique—practice a smooth, full stroke to avoid it.

Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Trust & Shipping

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✓ Ships 1–2 business days
• ✓ 30-day returns
• ✓ Secure checkout

Explore more in our Lever Action Rifles or Henry Rifles categories. Need ammo? Check .45 Colt Ammunition.

Last updated: April 2026. According to NSSF data, lever-action rifles represent approximately 8% of the U.S. rifle market annually, with Henry Repeating Arms holding a significant share of that segment.