The Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ is a lever-action rifle built for shooters who demand precision and durability. Chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, this model features a 20″ octagon blued barrel, polished brass receiver, and semi-fancy American walnut stock. It combines traditional craftsmanship with a side-loading gate for practical reloading. Designed for target shooting, hunting, or as a collector’s piece, the engraved accents and premium materials make it a workhorse with style. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the rifle weighs 8.68 lbs, ensuring stable handling.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Deluxe Engraved |
| Material | Blued steel barrel, polished brass receiver, semi-fancy American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Blued barrel, polished brass receiver |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Octagon Blued Barrel (20″): Provides superior accuracy and heat dissipation for sustained shooting sessions. WHY IT MATTERS: The longer barrel length and octagon profile reduce muzzle rise and improve sight radius, giving you tighter groups at 50+ yards.
- Polished Brass Receiver with Engraved Accents: Adds corrosion resistance and a classic aesthetic that stands out in any collection. WHY IT MATTERS: The engraving isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a testament to hand-finishing, ensuring each receiver is unique and built to last.
- Side-Loading Gate: Allows quick reloads without removing the magazine tube. WHY IT MATTERS: In field or competition scenarios, this reduces downtime and keeps your action ready for follow-up shots.
- Semi-Fancy American Walnut Stock: Offers ergonomic grip and recoil absorption. WHY IT MATTERS: The wood’s grain density and oil finish enhance durability, preventing moisture damage during hunting in wet conditions.
- Adjustable Rear Sight and Bead Front Sight: Provides precise windage and elevation adjustments. WHY IT MATTERS: You can zero the rifle for different loads—from .38 Special target rounds to .357 Magnum hunting loads—without tools.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for law enforcement officers who need a reliable backup for patrol or training, military personnel seeking a durable firearm for range qualification, and serious shooters who demand accuracy for hunting or competition. Its .357 Mag/.38 Spl chambering makes it versatile for both practice and defense.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Reliable side-loading gate, premium wood and brass construction, adjustable sights, and compatibility with two calibers.
Cons: The polished brass receiver requires regular cleaning to maintain its finish, especially in humid environments. This is a trade-off for the aesthetic, but a minor one for shooters who maintain their gear.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ | Zev Technologies OZ9C | Geissele Super Duty 16″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Lever Action | Striker-fired | Gas-operated |
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | 9mm | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 20″ Octagon | 4.5″ | 16″ |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs | 1.5 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 10 rounds | 15+1 | 30+1 |
| Material | Steel/Brass/Walnut | Stainless steel/Polymer | Steel/Aluminum |
| Price | $1,965.90 | $1,299.00 | $1,899.00 |
FAQ
What is the barrel twist rate for the Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″?
The barrel features a 1:16″ twist rate, optimized for stabilizing .357 Magnum and .38 Special bullets from 125 to 158 grains. This ensures consistent accuracy with common loads.
Can this rifle handle +P ammunition?
Per Henry Repeating Arms, the Big Boy Deluxe Engraved is rated for standard .357 Magnum pressures. Using +P loads is not recommended as it may accelerate wear on the brass receiver and action. Stick to factory .357 Mag or .38 Spl for reliability.
Is the side-loading gate compatible with speed loaders?
No, the side-loading gate is designed for manual single-round loading. For faster reloads, you can use a loading rod to push rounds into the magazine tube, but speed loaders are not compatible with this gate design.
What is the overall length of this rifle?
The overall length is 38.5 inches, making it suitable for use in tight spaces like vehicle storage or home defense setups, while still providing a full-length sight radius for accuracy.
Trust and Delivery
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026. According to industry data, lever-action rifles account for 12% of the U.S. hunting rifle market, with Henry Repeating Arms holding a 35% share in that segment.
Explore more: Lever Action Rifles | Henry Rifles
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