The Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate: A Modern Classic Reimagined for Today's Shooter

For enthusiasts seeking the quintessential American lever-action rifle, the Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate stands as a testament to timeless design merged with modern convenience. This firearm, specifically the Henry H012GCRCC model, chambered in the versatile .45 Colt (LC), offers a compelling blend of heritage, practical functionality, and exquisite aesthetics. It’s a firearm that doesn't just shoot; it tells a story, echoing the spirit of the Old West while providing the reliability and performance demanded by contemporary users. Available through reputable dealers like DEGuns, this rifle is a prime choice for a wide array of shooting disciplines and personal passions.

What Makes the Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate a Top Choice?

The Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate redefines user experience by integrating the most requested features from Henry's loyal customer base. The primary innovation is its dual-loading system: it retains the traditional, safe, and easy-to-unload removable tube magazine, while adding a convenient side loading gate. This means you can keep your magazine topped off without removing the tube, making for quicker follow-up shots and more efficient range time or hunting excursions.

Beyond its innovative loading mechanism, the rifle boasts Henry's renowned craftsmanship. The 16.50" blued octagon barrel ensures remarkable accuracy, a hallmark of Henry firearms. Paired with a semi-buckhorn rear sight and a classic brass bead front sight, target acquisition is intuitive and precise, whether you’re plinking cans or aiming for a deer at reasonable distances. The stunning American walnut furniture, deeply checkered for a secure grip, complements the receiver's rich, color case hardened finish, making this rifle as beautiful to behold as it is satisfying to shoot.

Key Features and Specifications at a Glance:

• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC)
• Capacity: 7+1 rounds
• Barrel Length: 16.50" Octagon, Blued Steel
• Overall Length (OAL): 34.10"
• Weight: 7.12 lbs
• Stock: American Walnut with deep checkering
• Receiver: Steel, Color Case Hardened Finish
• Sights: Brass Bead Front / Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear
• Safety: Transfer Bar
• Action: Lever Action
• Special Features: Side Loading Gate and Removable Tube Magazine, Large Loop Lever

Who Is the Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate For?

This rifle answers the call for a diverse group of firearm enthusiasts. Are you asking yourself, "What is the best lever action rifle for hunting small to medium game?" or "Which rifle offers both classic looks and modern functionality?" The Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate is designed to meet these exact needs and more.

• Hunters: The .45 Colt (LC) caliber, while often associated with revolvers, is a highly capable cartridge in a carbine-length rifle. It offers sufficient power for harvesting deer, hogs, and other similarly sized game at typical hunting ranges, making it an excellent choice for brush country or short to mid-range engagements. Its compact 16.50" barrel and overall length of 34.10" make it maneuverable in dense foliage or tight blinds.
• Sport Shooters & Plinkers: For those who love the rhythm and feel of a lever action at the range, the .45 Colt is a joy to shoot. Its moderate recoil, especially in a rifle, allows for extended shooting sessions without fatigue. The dual-loading system enhances the range experience, allowing for quick reloads to keep the fun going.
• Collectors & Enthusiasts of Classic Firearms: The color case hardened receiver and finely crafted American walnut furniture elevate this rifle beyond a mere tool; it's a piece of functional art. Its connection to the legacy of the Old West combined with Henry's reputation for quality makes it a desirable addition to any collection.
• Homesteaders & Ranchers: A reliable, versatile carbine is invaluable for pest control, protecting livestock, or general utility around the property. The .45 Colt offers enough punch for a variety of tasks, and the rifle’s robust construction ensures long-term durability.

Deep Dive into the .45 Colt (LC) Caliber: Versatility and Performance

The .45 Colt (Long Colt) cartridge is a venerable round with a rich history, initially developed for the Colt Single Action Army revolver in 1872. Its transition to lever-action rifles, particularly in models like the Henry Big Boy, unlocks its full potential.

• Historical Significance: Choosing a firearm chambered in .45 Colt connects you directly to the firearms of the American frontier. It's a caliber steeped in tradition, used by cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike.
• Ballistics in a Carbine: While often considered a pistol cartridge, when fired from a rifle-length barrel like the 16.50" octagon barrel of the Henry H012GCRCC, the .45 Colt experiences a significant boost in velocity and energy. This increased performance makes it more effective for hunting and longer-range shooting compared to its pistol performance. It's capable of delivering excellent knockdown power for medium-sized game within 100-150 yards, depending on the specific load.
• Ammunition Availability and Variety: The .45 Colt remains a popular caliber, ensuring a wide array of ammunition choices are readily available. From standard lead round nose for plinking to powerful jacketed hollow points or soft points designed for hunting, shooters have options to suit any application. Reloaders will also find the .45 Colt an enjoyable and forgiving cartridge to work with.
• Manageable Recoil: Despite its formidable power, the .45 Colt in a 7.12 lbs rifle like the Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate produces a very manageable recoil impulse, contributing to shooter comfort and faster follow-up shots.

The Artistry and Engineering of Henry Repeating Arms

Henry Repeating Arms has built a reputation for crafting "Made in America or Not Made at All" firearms, and the H012GCRCC model exemplifies their commitment to quality and American manufacturing.

• Color Case Hardening: The receiver's color case hardened finish is not just visually stunning; it's a traditional metallurgical process that provides a hardened, wear-resistant surface while creating unique, vibrant patterns of blues, browns, and purples. Each rifle's finish is unique, adding to its individual character and appeal as a collector's item. This process is a hallmark of high-quality, classic firearms.
• American Walnut Furniture: The choice of American walnut for the stock and forend is deliberate. Walnut is prized for its strength, durability, and classic beauty. The deep checkering applied to the grips ensures a non-slip purchase, enhancing control and safety in various conditions, whether you're in the field or at the range.
• Octagon Barrel: The 16.50" octagon barrel isn't merely an aesthetic nod to historical firearms. Its increased surface area aids in heat dissipation during extended shooting, and its rigidity can contribute to improved accuracy compared to thinner round barrels. The blued finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and a timeless look.
• Large Loop Lever: The "Large Loop" lever design is a functional enhancement, particularly appreciated by shooters wearing gloves in cold weather or those who simply prefer a more spacious and accessible lever for rapid cycling. It facilitates quicker and more comfortable operation of the action.

Why Choose the Henry H012GCRCC from DEGuns?

When considering an investment in a high-quality firearm like the Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate, choosing a reputable dealer is paramount. DEGuns stands as a trusted source for this and other fine Henry firearms, ensuring a smooth and reliable purchasing experience. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and extensive inventory of quality firearms make them a go-to destination for serious shooters and collectors. The Henry H012GCRCC represents an enduring legacy of American gun manufacturing, offering a unique blend of historical appeal and practical innovation. It’s more than just a rifle; it's an experience, a connection to a bygone era, and a reliable partner for your outdoor adventures or target shooting passions.

Whether you're looking for a reliable hunting carbine, a distinguished piece for your collection, or simply a fun and engaging rifle for the range, the Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate in .45 Colt (LC) is an outstanding choice that promises years of enjoyment and dependable performance.

Product Specifications: Henry Big Boy Carbine Side Gate

Feature	Detail
Brand	Henry
Series	Carbine Side Gate
Model	Big Boy
Caliber	45 Colt (LC)
Capacity	7+1
Barrel Length	16.50"
Barrel Description	Octagon, Blued
Overall Length	34.10"
Weight	7.12 lbs
Action	Lever
Hand	Right Hand
Sights	Brass Bead Front / Adj Semi-Buckhorn Rear
Stock Material	Wood (American Walnut)
Stock Finish	American Walnut (Brown Group)
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Color Case Hardened
Safety	Transfer Bar
Length of Pull	14"
Twist Rate	1:16"
Application	Field
UPC	619835200341
SKU	H012GCRCC