The Enduring Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Henry H004L Golden Boy Large Loop .22 LR Rifle

For anyone seeking a firearm that seamlessly blends timeless American craftsmanship with modern reliability, the Henry H004L Golden Boy Large Loop .22 LR rifle stands as an unparalleled choice. This iconic lever-action firearm is more than just a rifle; it's an heirloom, a practical tool, and a source of endless enjoyment for shooters of all experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a small game hunter, or a new shooter looking for the perfect first rifle, the Henry Golden Boy offers an experience rooted in tradition and built for today.

Why Choose the Henry Golden Boy Large Loop .22 LR? Unveiling Its Enduring Appeal

What makes the Henry Golden Boy a standout in the crowded world of firearms? Its appeal lies in a harmonious blend of aesthetics, performance, and an undeniable connection to America's shooting heritage. This isn't just another rifle; it's a testament to the pursuit of excellence in gun manufacturing.

Many enthusiasts and newcomers alike frequently ask:

• "What is a good first rifle for a beginner?"
• "Which .22 LR rifle offers both classic looks and modern performance?"
• "Is the Henry Golden Boy reliable for plinking and small game hunting?"
• "What's a truly beautiful rifle that I can pass down through generations?"
• "Where can I find a high-quality, American-made lever-action rifle?"

The Henry H004L Golden Boy Large Loop .22 LR answers all these questions with resounding clarity. It's renowned for its smooth action, exceptional accuracy, and striking appearance. Its design evokes the spirit of the Old West, making every shooting session a journey back in time, while its precision engineering ensures contemporary performance.

A Masterpiece of Design and Craftsmanship

Every detail of the Henry Golden Boy speaks to the meticulous attention given during its creation. It’s a firearm crafted not just for function, but for beauty and an unparalleled tactile experience.

The Gleaming Brasslite Receiver: A Nod to History

The heart of the Henry Golden Boy's distinctive appearance is its gleaming Brasslite receiver and barrel band. This choice of material offers the classic, golden hue reminiscent of traditional brass, but with the added benefits of modern metallurgical techniques, ensuring durability and a lasting shine. This isn't merely decorative; it's a structural component that contributes to the rifle's balanced feel and robust construction. The Brasslite finish resists tarnishing better than traditional brass, making maintenance straightforward and allowing the rifle to retain its luster for years to come. It’s this attention to detail that elevates the Golden Boy from a mere tool to a work of art.

American Walnut Stock: The Beauty of Natural Wood

Complementing the Brasslite receiver is the rich American walnut stock. Known for its strength, durability, and elegant grain patterns, American walnut provides a comfortable and secure grip while adding significant aesthetic value. The wood is meticulously finished, showcasing its natural beauty and providing a warm contrast to the metallic components. This choice of stock material is a hallmark of quality, offering a tactile connection to classic firearms and ensuring that each rifle possesses a unique character. The brass buttplate further enhances this classic appeal, providing a solid, traditional feel against the shoulder.

The Blued Octagonal Barrel: Precision and Tradition

The 20-inch octagonal barrel, finished in a deep, lustrous bluing, is another defining feature. This barrel shape is not only historically authentic but also offers practical advantages. The increased surface area of an octagonal barrel allows for more efficient heat dissipation during prolonged shooting sessions, contributing to consistent accuracy. The bluing process provides a durable, corrosion-resistant finish that protects the steel and complements the rifle's overall classic aesthetic. With a 1:16" twist rate, this barrel is optimized for the .22 LR cartridge, ensuring excellent bullet stability and precision downrange.

The Large Loop Lever: Style Meets Functionality

The "Large Loop" designation in the H004L model refers to the oversized operating lever. This feature is particularly popular for its distinctive appearance, but it also offers practical benefits. It allows for easier manipulation, especially for shooters wearing gloves or those who prefer a more pronounced grip when cycling the action. It contributes to the rifle's unique silhouette and provides a comfortable, smooth cycling experience that is characteristic of Henry lever-action rifles.

Unrivaled Performance: Accuracy and Reliability for Every Shot

Beyond its stunning looks, the Henry Golden Boy H004L is engineered for performance that consistently exceeds expectations.

Precision Sighting for Pinpoint Accuracy

The Henry Golden Boy is equipped with high-quality sights designed for intuitive and accurate target acquisition. It features a brass bead front sight that stands out clearly against various backgrounds, guiding your eye to the target. The rear sight is an adjustable buckhorn-type, allowing shooters to fine-tune elevation for different distances and ammunition types. This classic sight combination is not only historically accurate but also incredibly effective for developing fundamental marksmanship skills and achieving impressive groups, whether you're plinking cans or aiming for the bullseye. The balance of the rifle, with its overall length of 38.50 inches, also significantly contributes to highly accurate offhand shooting.

The Legendary Smooth Action

One of the most frequently praised attributes of any Henry rifle is its incredibly smooth action. The lever opens and closes with an effortless slickness that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. This fluid operation ensures rapid follow-up shots and contributes to a highly enjoyable shooting experience, free from hitches or hesitations. This reliability is paramount, whether you're in a competitive setting, hunting, or simply enjoying a day at the range. Even left-handed shooters will find Henry's lever action rifles remarkably user-friendly and safe to operate.

Versatile Caliber and Capacity

Chambered in .22 LR, the H004L offers an economical and widely available ammunition choice, making it perfect for extended shooting sessions without breaking the bank. The rifle’s tubular magazine boasts an impressive capacity, holding up to 16 rounds of .22 LR or an even more generous 21 rounds of .22 Short ammunition. This high capacity means more shooting and less reloading, adding to the overall enjoyment, especially during casual plinking or training sessions.

Who Is the Henry Golden Boy H004L For? Diverse Use Cases

The versatility of the Henry Golden Boy H004L is one of its greatest strengths, making it suitable for a wide array of users and applications.

1. The Recreational Shooter and Plinker

For those who simply love to shoot for fun, the Golden Boy in .22 LR is an ideal companion. Its low recoil and affordable ammunition make it perfect for hours of enjoyable plinking at the range or in a safe outdoor environment. The classic feel and smooth action add to the pure enjoyment of shooting.

2. The Small Game Hunter

With its precision accuracy and .22 LR chambering, the Henry Golden Boy is an excellent choice for ethical small game hunting. Whether you're pursuing squirrels, rabbits, or other varmints, the rifle's ability to place shots accurately combined with the effective power of the .22 LR cartridge makes it a reliable tool for responsible harvesting. Its lightweight design, at 6.75 pounds, ensures comfortable carrying during extended treks in the field.

3. The Collector and Firearm Enthusiast

The Henry H004L Golden Boy is a highly sought-after piece for collectors due to its iconic design, quality construction, and historical authenticity. Its ability to hold its value, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a prized addition to any collection. For enthusiasts, it represents a tangible connection to American firearm history and a benchmark for quality lever-action design.

4. Learning and Training: The Perfect First Rifle

Many shooting instructors and experienced gun owners recommend a .22 LR lever action as an excellent rifle for beginners, including youth shooters.

• Low Recoil: The minimal recoil of the .22 LR cartridge allows new shooters to focus on fundamental skills like sight picture, trigger control, and breathing without being distracted by recoil anticipation.
• Simple Operation: The lever action is intuitive and teaches safe gun handling principles from the outset.
• Cost-Effective Practice: Affordable ammunition means more practice sessions, which is crucial for skill development.
• Safety Features: The 1/4 cock safety mechanism provides an additional layer of security and teaches responsible firearm handling.

The Henry Golden Boy's full size (38.50" OAL with a 14" length of pull) ensures it feels like a "real" rifle, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in new shooters.

5. The Legacy Firearm

The robust construction and timeless design mean the Henry Golden Boy is built to last for generations. It’s the kind of rifle that can be passed down, creating family traditions and sharing the joy of shooting with future generations. Its classic good looks ensure it will always be appreciated.

Owning and Maintaining Your Henry Golden Boy

Responsible firearm ownership includes proper care and maintenance. The Henry Golden Boy is designed for durability, but a few simple steps will ensure its longevity and performance.

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the barrel and action is essential, especially after shooting. Use a proper cleaning kit for .22 caliber firearms. Pay attention to the Brasslite receiver and the American walnut stock; use appropriate cleaning solutions for each material to preserve their finish.
• Storage: Store your rifle in a dry, secure location, ideally in a gun safe. Consider using a silicone-treated gun sock for added protection against moisture and dust.
• Ammunition: While the Golden Boy can handle both .22 LR and .22 Short, consistency in ammunition type will help in maintaining accuracy. Always use clean, reliable ammunition from reputable manufacturers.

The Henry Difference: American Made, Unmatched Quality

Henry Repeating Arms has built a reputation for producing "Made in America or Not Made at All" firearms. This commitment to American manufacturing ensures stringent quality control and supports domestic industries. When you choose a Henry rifle, you're investing in a product backed by a company dedicated to customer satisfaction and a legacy of excellence.

For those ready to experience the legendary quality and performance of the Henry H004L Golden Boy Large Loop .22 LR, it is readily available through reputable dealers like DEGuns. Discover why this rifle continues to be a favorite among shooters and collectors worldwide.

Henry H004L Golden Boy Large Loop .22 LR Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	H004L
Action Type	Lever Action
Caliber	.22 LR / .22 Short
Capacity	16 Rounds (.22 LR) / 21 Rounds (.22 Short)
Barrel Length	20 inches
Barrel Type	Blued Octagon
Twist Rate	1:16"
Overall Length (OAL)	38.50 inches
Weight	6.75 lbs
Receiver Finish	Brasslite
Stock Material	American Walnut
Stock Finish Group	Brown
Sights	Brass Bead Front / Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear
Length of Pull	14 inches
Safety	1/4 Cock
Hand Orientation	Right Hand (Left-hand compatible action)
UPC	619835041005