Henry Big Boy Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Walnut
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Side Gate .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Walnut is a classic lever-action rifle built for shooters who want a side gate for quick reloads without giving up the traditional look. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this full-size rifle pairs a 20-inch blued octagon barrel with a color case hardened steel receiver and American walnut furniture. It comes drilled and tapped for scope mounts, with adjustable sights for right-hand shooters.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Side Gate |
| Material | Steel receiver, American walnut stock and forend |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Blued steel barrel and tube, color case hardened receiver |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Side Loading Gate – Why it matters: You can top off the tubular magazine without opening the action, making reloads faster and easier on the range or in the field.
- 20-Inch Octagon Barrel – Why it matters: The extra weight and rigidity improve accuracy and reduce felt recoil, while the classic profile gives you that Old West look.
- Color Case Hardened Receiver – Why it matters: It adds durability and a distinctive, hand-finished appearance that stands out from standard blued rifles.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver – Why it matters: You can mount a scope or red dot without a gunsmith, making this lever gun more versatile for hunting or target shooting.
- Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Sights – Why it matters: You get windage and elevation adjustments out of the box, so you can zero the iron sights for your specific load.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the shooter who wants a dependable lever-action that handles .45 Long Colt with authority. It fits right-handed shooters who appreciate traditional ergonomics, but it also works for anyone who wants a side gate for convenience. Whether you’re a collector, a cowboy action competitor, or a hunter after deer or hogs, this Henry Big Boy delivers.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Smooth action right from the box, side gate for quick reloads, classic looks with modern build quality.
- Cons: The color case hardened receiver can show wear over time if not cared for, and the rifle is on the heavier side at 8.68 lbs.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Side Gate .45 Colt | Marlin 1894 .45 Colt | Winchester 1873 .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Lever action, side gate + tube | Lever action, side gate | Lever action, loading gate |
| Barrel Length | 20″ octagon | 20″ round | 20″ octagon |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs | 7.5 lbs approx. | 8.5 lbs approx. |
| Receiver Finish | Color case hardened | Blued | Case hardened or blued |
| Price | $1015.62 | $1,099–$1,299 | $1,200–$1,400 |
| Drilled & Tapped | Yes | Yes | No |
FAQ
Is the Henry Big Boy Side Gate drilled and tapped for a scope?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, so you can add an optic without any gunsmith work. It comes with adjustable sights from the factory.
Can I use .45 Colt +P ammunition in this rifle?
Per Henry Repeating Arms, the Big Boy Side Gate is rated for standard .45 Long Colt pressures. While it can handle some +P loads, always check the manufacturer’s manual. Stick with standard pressure for best reliability and case life.
Does this rifle come with a side gate only, or also a loading tube?
It has both a side loading gate and a tubular magazine. You can load through the gate or the tube—whichever is more convenient for you.
Is the action smooth out of the box?
Yes, Henry lever actions are known for being slick right from the factory. The Big Boy Side Gate cycles .45 Colt rounds smoothly without any break-in needed.
What is the magazine capacity?
The tubular magazine holds 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt. That gives you plenty of firepower for hunting or plinking.
Why Buy from Us
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Over 60% of lever-action buyers choose Henry for reliability and customer service. Lever Action Rifles | Henry Rifles | .45 Colt Ammunition