Unleash American Heritage: The Henry Big Boy Side Gate Lever Action Rifle in .357 Mag/.38 Special (H012GMR)

For enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of classic American firearm tradition and modern convenience, the Henry Big Boy Side Gate Lever Action rifle, model H012GMR, stands as an exceptional choice. This rifle isn't just a tool; it's an heirloom, a reliable companion for the field, and a true joy on the range. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a sport shooter, a collector, or someone looking for a dependable firearm for ranch or home defense, the Henry H012GMR offers unparalleled versatility and the craftsmanship Henry Repeating Arms is renowned for.

Why Choose a Lever-Action Rifle? The Enduring Appeal

Lever-action rifles embody a significant chapter in American history, symbolizing frontier spirit, reliability, and robust performance. Their intuitive operation, rapid follow-up shots, and distinct aesthetic continue to captivate shooters worldwide. The Henry Big Boy Side Gate takes this legacy and enhances it, addressing the common desires of today's firearm owner.

• Classic Aesthetics Meet Modern Functionality: This rifle pays homage to timeless designs while integrating features that enhance user experience.
• Reliability You Can Trust: Lever actions are known for their mechanical simplicity and resilience, making them highly dependable in various conditions.
• Engaging Shooting Experience: The smooth cycling of a lever action provides a unique and satisfying shooting experience, often fostering a deeper connection to the firearm.

The Dual Advantage: Side Loading Gate & Removable Tube Magazine

One of the most innovative and user-centric features of the Henry Big Boy Side Gate H012GMR is its revolutionary dual loading system. Unlike traditional lever actions that only offer a tube magazine, or older designs limited to a side gate, Henry has combined the best of both worlds.

• Side Loading Gate Convenience: This feature allows for quick and efficient topping off of the magazine without needing to depress the follower or remove the tube. This is incredibly beneficial in scenarios like hunting, where a quick reload can mean the difference between success and a missed opportunity, or during extended range sessions where maintaining a full magazine is preferred. It allows the shooter to keep their eyes on the target and maintain a firing grip while reloading.
• Removable Tube Magazine for Safe Unloading: The traditional Henry tube magazine remains a core component, offering a distinct advantage for safe and easy unloading. Simply remove the inner magazine tube, and all cartridges can be safely removed without cycling them through the action. This makes the Henry H012GMR an ideal choice for range safety, transport, and responsible storage.

This hybrid loading system addresses a long-standing debate among lever-action enthusiasts, providing a solution that offers the benefits of both methods. It’s a testament to Henry’s commitment to thoughtful design and user feedback.

Versatility in Caliber: .357 Magnum and .38 Special

The Henry Big Boy Side Gate H012GMR is chambered to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, offering exceptional versatility. This dual-caliber capability is a significant advantage for a variety of shooting activities.

• Power of the .357 Magnum: When maximum power is desired, the .357 Magnum cartridge delivers substantial energy, making it suitable for hunting medium-sized game like deer, hogs, or coyotes. Its flat trajectory and impressive stopping power are well-regarded for field applications.
• Economical .38 Special for Practice: For general plinking, target practice, or training, the .38 Special offers reduced recoil and a more economical shooting experience. This allows shooters to enjoy extended range sessions without fatigue or excessive cost, honing their skills with a lighter recoiling cartridge while maintaining the same firearm.
• Shared Platform Benefits: The ability to switch between calibers means one rifle can serve multiple purposes, from serious hunting to casual backyard fun, all without changing firearms. This makes the Henry H012GMR an incredibly adaptable rifle for diverse shooting needs.

Craftsmanship and Aesthetics: American Walnut Furniture

The visual appeal and tactile feel of the Henry Big Boy Side Gate H012GMR are immediately apparent, largely due to its exquisite American Walnut furniture. Henry is known for its dedication to classic aesthetics, and this rifle exemplifies that commitment.

• Rich, Deep Checkering: Both the forend and the pistol grip stock feature intricate, deep checkering. This isn't just for looks; it provides a significantly enhanced purchase on the rifle, ensuring a firm and secure grip even in challenging weather conditions or during rapid fire. This attention to ergonomic detail contributes to improved control and shooting comfort.
• Durability and Timeless Beauty: American Walnut is a premium wood choice for firearms, celebrated for its strength, stability, and enduring beauty. The rich grain patterns and warm tones of the walnut contribute to the rifle's classic appearance, promising that it will age gracefully and stand the test of time, becoming more treasured with each passing year.
• Comfortable Handling: The traditional straight-grip stock design offers a comfortable and natural hold, complementing the lever-action mechanism and promoting smooth cycling of the action.

Precision and Performance: Barrel and Sights

Accuracy is paramount for any rifle, and the Henry H012GMR is engineered to deliver reliable precision.

• 16.5-inch Blued Round Steel Barrel: The rifle features a 16.50-inch blued round steel barrel, a length that strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. This shorter barrel length makes the rifle nimble in dense brush or confined spaces, while still allowing the .357 Magnum cartridge to achieve impressive velocities and accuracy. The blued finish provides a traditional, appealing look while offering excellent corrosion resistance.
• 1:16" Twist Rate: The barrel incorporates a 1:16" right-hand twist rate, optimized for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights typically used in .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. This ensures consistent accuracy across different loads.
• Classic Sight System: The Big Boy Side Gate is equipped with a classic sight configuration: a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight paired with a brass bead front sight. This traditional setup is renowned for its quick target acquisition and proven accuracy in varying light conditions. For those who prefer optics, the blued steel receiver is also drilled and tapped for easy scope mounting, offering flexibility for different shooting preferences.

Robust Construction: Blued Steel Receiver

The foundation of the Henry H012GMR's durability lies in its blued steel receiver. Unlike some modern rifles that utilize lighter alloys, Henry maintains a commitment to robust, time-tested materials.

• Strength and Longevity: The blued steel receiver provides exceptional strength and structural integrity, ensuring the rifle can withstand years of use and the forces generated by magnum cartridges.
• Classic Blued Finish: The deep blued finish on the receiver, matching the barrel, gives the rifle a cohesive and traditional aesthetic that appeals to purists and modern shooters alike. This finish not only looks superb but also offers a degree of protection against the elements.
• Drilled and Tapped for Optics: The receiver is factory drilled and tapped, allowing for easy installation of scope bases and rings, giving shooters the option to enhance their accuracy with magnified optics if desired.

Safety and Reliability: The Transfer Bar System

Henry rifles are designed with safety in mind. The H012GMR incorporates a modern transfer bar safety system, which enhances user confidence without compromising the rifle's classic lines or intuitive operation.

• Enhanced Security: The transfer bar prevents the hammer from directly contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharge if the rifle is dropped or bumped.
• No Manual Safety Lever: This system eliminates the need for an external manual safety lever, maintaining the clean lines and traditional feel of a classic lever action while providing a contemporary safety measure.

Key Dimensions and Specifications: The Full Picture

Understanding the physical attributes of a rifle is crucial for assessing its fit and handling characteristics. The Henry Big Boy Side Gate H012GMR is designed as a full-size rifle, offering a comfortable and substantial feel for most shooters.

• Overall Length (OAL): At 34 inches, the rifle is compact enough for maneuverability in tight spaces or dense brush, making it ideal for hunting in various terrains.
• Barrel Length: The 16.50-inch barrel contributes to the rifle's balanced feel and manageability.
• Length of Pull (LOP): A 14-inch length of pull is standard and comfortable for a wide range of shooters, promoting consistent shoulder mounting and sight alignment.
• Weight: Weighing in at 6.59 pounds, the H012GMR offers a robust feel that helps manage recoil, particularly with .357 Magnum loads, while remaining light enough for comfortable carry in the field during extended periods.
• Capacity: The 7+1 capacity (7 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber) provides ample firepower for most hunting scenarios, target practice, or self-defense situations, minimizing the need for frequent reloading.

Ideal Applications for the Henry H012GMR

The versatility of the Henry Big Boy Side Gate rifle means it excels in numerous applications, making it a valuable addition to any firearm collection.

• Hunting:
  • Deer Hunting: The .357 Magnum round, especially with modern hunting ammunition, is highly effective for whitetail deer within reasonable ranges, making this an excellent choice for brush country or shorter-range hunts.
  • Hog Hunting: Its quick follow-up shots and potent caliber make it suitable for dispatching wild hogs.
  • Varmint and Predator Control: The accuracy and power are more than sufficient for coyotes, bobcats, and other predators.
• Sport Shooting & Target Practice:
  • Plinking: Enjoyable and accurate for casual target shooting with the economical .38 Special rounds.
  • Cowboy Action Shooting: The classic lever-action design and dual-caliber capability make it a strong contender for competitive shooting sports that embrace historical firearms.
  • General Range Use: A truly enjoyable rifle for honing marksmanship skills and appreciating traditional firearm mechanics.
• Home Defense & Ranch Use:
  • Maneuverability: The relatively compact OAL (34 inches) makes it easier to handle indoors than many longer rifles.
  • Effective Caliber: Both .357 Magnum and .38 Special (especially specialized defensive loads) are proven self-defense cartridges. The capacity provides ample rounds for critical situations.
  • Reliability: Lever actions are inherently reliable, a crucial factor in defensive scenarios.

Why Henry Repeating Arms? A Legacy of Excellence

When you choose a Henry rifle, you're investing in a piece of American manufacturing excellence. Henry Repeating Arms prides itself on producing "Made in America, or Not Made at All" firearms, emphasizing quality, reliability, and classic designs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and the enduring legacy of the lever action ensures that your Henry Big Boy Side Gate will be a cherished firearm for generations. The H012GMR, like all Henry rifles, comes with a strong reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy and dependable performance, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced shooters.

The Henry Big Boy Side Gate H012GMR is more than just a rifle; it's a testament to American ingenuity, a workhorse for the field, and a timeless piece of craftsmanship that will bring joy and reliability for years to come. Explore the heritage and performance of this exceptional lever-action rifle, readily available through trusted retailers like DEGuns.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Henry
Series	Side Gate
Model	Big Boy
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Special
Capacity	7+1
Action	Lever
Barrel Length	16.50"
Barrel Finish	Blued
Barrel Type	Round Steel
Twist Rate	1:16"
OAL	34"
Weight	6.59 lbs
Hand	Right Hand
Sights	Brass Bead Front / Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear
Stock Material	American Walnut
Stock Finish	American Walnut
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Blued
Safety	Transfer Bar
Application	Field
Size	Full Size
Length of Pull	14"
SKU	H012GMR
UPC	619835200402