The Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop 20 in Octagon .357 Mag 10rd is a production lever-action rifle built for shooters who demand reliability and precision. Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, it features a polished brass receiver, a 20-inch octagon blued steel barrel, and a tubular magazine with a side loading gate. The large-loop lever facilitates gloved operation and rapid cycling, while the rifle comes drilled and tapped for optics. This is a field-ready firearm suited for hunting, target shooting, and competition.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Brass Large Loop |
| Material | Polished brass receiver, blued steel barrel, American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Blued barrel, brass receiver |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Polished Brass Receiver – Why it matters: The brass receiver provides corrosion resistance and a smooth action surface, reducing friction during cycling and extending service life.
- 20-Inch Octagon Barrel – Why it matters: The octagon profile adds stiffness and weight for improved accuracy and reduced muzzle rise, critical for follow-up shots in competition or hunting.
- Large-Loop Lever – Why it matters: The oversized lever allows operation with gloved hands and enables rapid cycling without snagging, essential for tactical or heavy-use scenarios.
- Side Loading Gate – Why it matters: The side gate lets you top off the magazine without removing the tube, maintaining readiness during extended shooting sessions.
- Drilled and Tapped for Optics – Why it matters: This pre-threaded receiver accepts aftermarket scope mounts, letting you adapt the rifle for precision shooting without gunsmithing.
Who It’s For
This rifle is designed for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and serious shooters who need a reliable lever-action for tactical training, deer hunting, or cowboy action competition. It suits those who value traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Robust brass receiver resists wear; large-loop lever works with gloves; side gate allows quick reloads; dual caliber compatibility (.357 Mag and .38 Special).
- Cons: Weight at 8.68 lbs is heavier than some competitors; the large-loop lever can pinch fingers if not handled deliberately; the polished brass requires regular cleaning to maintain appearance.
Comparison: Henry Big Boy Brass vs. Competitors
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop | Marlin 1894 CSBL | Winchester 1873 Short Rifle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 20 in octagon | 16.5 in | 20 in round |
| Receiver Material | Polished brass | Stainless steel | Steel (blued) |
| Lever Type | Large loop | Standard loop | Standard loop |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs | 7.3 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 9 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Price | $1,017.50 | $1,200–$1,400 | $1,100–$1,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rifle accept .38 Special ammunition?
Yes, the Henry Big Boy Brass Large Loop is chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. You can safely fire .38 Special rounds with no modifications, though accuracy may vary slightly due to bullet diameter differences.
Is the receiver drilled and tapped for scope mounts?
Yes, the receiver comes drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. You can mount a scout or traditional scope using aftermarket rails without extra machining.
What is the maximum effective range for hunting?
With .357 Magnum loads, expect effective range out to 100–125 yards for deer-sized game. Using .38 Special, the range drops to about 50–75 yards due to lower velocity.
Does the large-loop lever affect cycling speed?
Yes, the large loop allows faster cycling with gloved hands and reduces lever throw time. However, it requires a slightly different hand position than standard loops—practice is recommended.
Can I use this rifle for cowboy action competition?
Yes, the large-loop lever and side gate make it suitable for cowboy action shooting. Its weight and brass receiver meet most competition rules, though some classes may require specific stock configurations.
Trust your gear. This rifle ships with nationwide delivery to all 50 states, 1–2 business day processing, 30-day return policy, and secure checkout.
Explore more: Lever Action Rifles | Henry Rifles | .357 Magnum Rifles
Last updated: April 2026
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