Henry Big Boy Color Case Hardened Carbine .357/.38 16.5 in

The Henry Big Boy Color Case Hardened Carbine .357/.38 16.5 in is a handgun-caliber lever-action built for practical range work and field use. It combines a color case-hardened steel receiver with a blued octagon barrel and American walnut stock, delivering proven reliability in a compact carbine format.

Manufacturer	Henry Repeating Arms
Model	Big Boy Color Case Hardened Carbine
Material	Color case-hardened steel receiver, blued octagon steel barrel, American walnut stock with checkering
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Color case-hardened receiver, blued barrel
Weight	6.68 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Side Loading Gate with Removable Magazine — Reload without removing the tube; drop the magazine for cleaning or swapping loads in the field. This cuts downtime and keeps you on target during range sessions or hunts.
• Large-Loop Lever — Provides clearance for gloved hands or rapid cycling. Essential when operating in cold weather, tactical drills, or high-volume shooting.
• Adjustable Iron Sights and Drilled/Tapped Receiver — Factory sights let you zero immediately, and the drilled/tapped receiver accepts standard scope mounts for precision optics. No gunsmithing required.
• Octagon Blued Barrel, 16.5 Inches — The octagon profile adds rigidity and heat dissipation, while the 16.5 length balances maneuverability with velocity retention for .357/.38 loads.
• American Walnut Stock with Checkering — Provides positive grip under recoil and resists moisture. Checkering ensures a secure hold during rapid fire or adverse conditions.

Who It’s For

Law enforcement officers needing a reliable patrol carbine in a common handgun caliber. Serious shooters who want a compact lever action for steel challenges, cowboy action, or defensive training. Hunters who prefer a lightweight, fast-handling rifle for brush country or varmint control.

Pros/Cons

Pros: Side gate plus removable tube for fast reloads. Color case-hardened receiver resists wear and looks field-proven. Large-loop lever works with gloves. Drilled/tapped for optics without extra cost.

Cons: Factory trigger pull is heavier than aftermarket options—expect around 5-6 lbs out of the box. Some shooters may prefer a lighter trigger for precision work.

Comparison

Feature	Henry Big Boy Carbine	Marlin 1894 CST	Rossi R92
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl
Barrel Length	16.5 in, octagon	16.5 in, round, threaded	16.5 in, round
Receiver Finish	Color case-hardened	Stainless steel	Blued steel
Loading System	Side gate + removable tube	Side gate only	Side gate only
Stock	American walnut, checkered	Black laminate	Brazilian hardwood
Optic Ready	Drilled/tapped receiver	Picatinny rail included	Drilled/tapped receiver
Weight	6.68 lbs	7.0 lbs	5.8 lbs
Price	$1,125.27	$1,299.99	$749.99

FAQ

What is the barrel twist rate?

Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the 16.5-inch octagon barrel has a 1:20 twist rate, optimized for .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads.

Can I mount a red dot or scope without drilling?

Yes. The receiver is factory drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. You can install a Picatinny rail or direct-mount rings without any modification.

Does the side loading gate allow fast reloads?

Yes. The side gate lets you load single rounds without removing the magazine tube. For complete reloads, the removable tube can be taken out and refilled in seconds.

Is this carbine suitable for left-handed shooters?

Yes. The lever action is ambidextrous by design, with a large-loop lever that works from either shoulder. The safety and loading gate are also neutral-hand oriented.

What is the magazine capacity?

The removable tubular magazine holds 7 rounds of .357 Magnum or 8 rounds of .38 Special.

Last updated: April 2026

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