Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .44 Mag 20″ 10rd
About this product
The Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .44 Mag 20″ 10rd is a full-size lever-action rifle built for serious hunting, range work, and large-game applications. It pairs a 20” round blued steel barrel with a removable tubular magazine and a side-loading gate for convenient topping off. The rifle features American walnut furniture with deep checkering and a drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics mounting.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Steel Side Gate |
| Material | Blued steel barrel and receiver; American walnut stock with checkering |
| Compatibility | .44 Magnum / .44 Special cartridges |
| Finish | Blued steel |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Side Loading Gate — Why it matters: You can top off the magazine without unloading the tube, keeping you in the action during a hunt or range session.
- 20” Round Blued Barrel — Why it matters: The longer barrel gives you better velocity and accuracy with .44 Mag loads, especially for deer-size game out to 150 yards.
- Removable Tubular Magazine (10-round capacity) — Why it matters: You get fast, safe unloading and a generous 10-round capacity for follow-up shots or extended range time.
- Drilled-and-Tapped Receiver — Why it matters: Mount a red dot or low-power scope directly without extra gunsmithing, modernizing this classic lever gun.
- American Walnut Stock with Deep Checkering — Why it matters: The checkering gives you a secure grip in wet or gloved hands, and the walnut looks as good as it performs.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the hunter who wants a dependable .44 Mag lever gun for deer, hogs, or black bear. It’s also for the range shooter who appreciates the classic feel of a lever action with modern convenience like the side gate. New gun owners will find the straightforward manual of arms easy to learn, while experienced shooters will value the accuracy and reliability.
Pros / Cons
- Pros: Side gate loading is fast and intuitive; 20” barrel balances well; drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics; smooth action out of the box; 10-round capacity is generous for a lever gun.
- Cons: The rifle is on the heavier side at 7.5 lbs, which can feel noticeable on long hikes; the stock finish may show wear over time if not cared for.
Comparison: Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate vs. Competitors
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate .44 Mag | Marlin 1894 SBL .44 Mag | Winchester Model 1892 .44 Mag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 20” | 16.25” | 20” |
| Capacity | 10 rounds | 8 rounds | 11 rounds |
| Side Gate | Yes | Yes | Yes (on some models) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 7.4 lbs | 6.8 lbs |
| Stock Material | American Walnut | Laminate with checkering | Walnut (grade varies) |
| Receiver Finish | Blued steel | Stainless steel | Blued steel |
| Price | $937.62 | $1,299.00 | $1,099.00 |
FAQ
What is the difference between the Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate and the standard Big Boy?
The Steel Side Gate model has a blued steel receiver (instead of brass) and includes a side loading gate for topping off the magazine without removing the tube. The standard Big Boy uses a brass receiver and loads only through the magazine tube.
Can I use .44 Special ammunition in this rifle?
Yes, per Henry specs, the Big Boy Steel Side Gate is chambered for both .44 Magnum and .44 Special. You can shoot .44 Special for lighter recoil and plinking, but always verify it’s safe in your firearm.
Does the rifle come with scope mounts?
The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but rings and base are sold separately. You can mount most standard red dots or low-power scopes without extra gunsmithing.
How do I load the side gate?
Open the action, then push cartridges into the loading gate on the right side of the receiver. The gate is spring-loaded and accepts rounds one at a time. You can also load the tubular magazine by removing it.
What is the effective range for hunting with .44 Mag?
With a 20” barrel and quality hunting loads, you can ethically take deer-size game out to 100-125 yards. Some shooters push it to 150 yards with careful shot placement.
Why Buy from Us
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Browse more lever-action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category, or check out Henry Rifles and .44 Magnum Ammunition to complete your setup.
Last updated: April 2026