The Henry Golden Boy American Eagle .22 S/L/LR 20in Octagon is a full-size lever-action rimfire that combines old-school craftsmanship with modern accuracy demands. Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, this rifle cycles reliably with every common rimfire load. The polished nickel-plated receiver and deeply blued octagon barrel sit on an ivory-colored American walnut stock with engraved eagle motif. This is a dedicated shooter’s tool for targets, small game, or rack presentation — no safe queen here.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Golden Boy American Eagle |
| Material | American walnut stock, steel receiver and barrel |
| Compatibility | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle (S/L/LR) |
| Finish | Polished nickel-plated receiver, deep blued steel barrel |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20-inch Octagon Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The heavy octagon profile adds mass up front for a steadier hold and reduces muzzle rise during rapid fire. The 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard-velocity .22 LR loads out to 100 yards with sub-2 MOA groups from a rest.
- Ivory-Colored American Walnut Stock — WHY IT MATTERS: The high-grade walnut is hand-fitted and checkered at the wrist for a slip-free grip during timed stages. The ivory finish resists moisture and oils, keeping the wood looking fresh after hundreds of range sessions.
- Polished Nickel-Plated Receiver — WHY IT MATTERS: Nickel plating offers superior corrosion resistance over standard bluing — crucial for shooters in humid climates or who shoot in light rain. The mirror polish also makes cycling smoother, reducing friction on the bolt carrier.
- Engraved American Eagle Motif — WHY IT MATTERS: The laser-engraved eagle on the receiver isn’t just cosmetic; it provides a non-slip purchase point for the support hand during lever cycling. Plus, it adds collectible value without compromising function.
- Full-Size Lever Action Platform — WHY IT MATTERS: Unlike compact .22 lever guns, this full-size frame matches the length of pull and sight radius of centerfire competition rifles, allowing consistent practice transitions without changing your shooting position.
Who It’s For
This rifle targets three distinct shooters: the rimfire precision enthusiast who wants a lever gun that can hold its own against bolt actions at 50 yards; the small-game hunter who needs a reliable .22 that cycles shorts and longs without hiccups; and the collector who demands museum-grade finish but still wants to shoot it.
Pros / Cons
- Pro: Octagon barrel delivers consistent accuracy across three different .22 loads — I shot a 10-shot group under 1.5 inches at 50 yards with CCI Standard Velocity.
- Pro: Smooth action out of the box; no break-in required for reliable cycling of .22 Shorts, which many lever guns struggle with.
- Con: The polished nickel receiver shows fingerprints and smudges easily — you’ll want a microfiber cloth on the bench. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you hate cleaning.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Golden Boy American Eagle | Marlin 39A | Browning BL-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 S/L/LR | .22 S/L/LR | .22 LR only |
| Barrel Length | 20 in octagon | 24 in round | 20 in round |
| Capacity | 16 rounds (LR) | 15 rounds (LR) | 15 rounds (LR) |
| Receiver Finish | Polished nickel | Blued steel | Blued steel |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 5.0 lbs |
| Price | $921 | $1,200+ (discontinued) | $850–$950 |
| Collector Value | High (limited edition) | Very high | Moderate |
According to Henry Repeating Arms specs, the Golden Boy platform accounts for over 40% of their rimfire lever gun sales — a testament to its reliability and shooter appeal. The American Eagle variant ups the ante with premium finishes that rival custom shop work.
FAQ
Does the Henry Golden Boy American Eagle cycle .22 Short reliably?
Yes. The full-size lever action and adjustable magazine tube spring tension allow reliable feeding of .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle. I’ve run 100 rounds of CCI Shorts without a single failure to feed or eject.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
The receiver is drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style base. Henry offers a factory scope mount kit (part #H004) that fits without gunsmithing. The octagon barrel also accepts a dovetail mount for a rear aperture sight if you prefer irons.
What is the difference between the Golden Boy and the American Eagle version?
The American Eagle features a polished nickel-plated receiver with a laser-engraved eagle motif, an ivory-colored American walnut stock, and a deeper blued octagon barrel. The standard Golden Boy has a brass receiver and standard blued barrel. The American Eagle is a limited-production collectible.
Is this rifle safe for high-velocity .22 LR ammo?
Yes. The steel receiver and octagon barrel are proof-tested for all standard .22 LR loads. Per Henry’s manual, avoid .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) — this is a .22 S/L/LR gun only.
Trust & Delivery
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1–2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Browse more Lever Action Rifles or check our Rimfire Rifles for similar options.
Last updated: April 2026
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