Henry Golden Boy Lever Action Rifle – Octagon Blued Barrel
About this product
The Henry Golden Boy Lever Action Rifle – Octagon Blued Barrel is a classic American firearm that pairs a traditional lever-action design with modern craftsmanship. This specific model features an octagon blued steel barrel, a bright Brasslite receiver, and an American walnut stock, creating a two-tone look that stands out in any collection. At 6.75 pounds and 38.5 inches overall, it balances well for offhand shooting, target work, or display. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, adding versatility for shooters who want a scope. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, this rifle is built for reliability and accuracy right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Golden Boy |
| Material | American walnut stock, Brasslite receiver, blued steel barrel |
| Compatibility | .22 S/L/LR, adjustable buckhorn rear sight, brass bead front sight |
| Finish | Blued octagon barrel, polished Brasslite receiver |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Octagon Blued Barrel – The octagon shape adds stiffness and weight distribution for steadier aim. Why it matters: You get better accuracy potential and a classic look that turns heads at the range.
- Brasslite Receiver – A lightweight brass alloy that resists tarnish and keeps the rifle balanced. Why it matters: No constant polishing, just a bright finish that stays sharp for years.
- American Walnut Stock – Hand-fitted walnut with a satin finish provides a comfortable grip and natural warmth. Why it matters: It absorbs recoil well and gives the rifle a heirloom-quality feel.
- Adjustable Sights – Buckhorn rear and brass bead front let you dial in elevation and windage. Why it matters: You can zero quickly for plinking or small-game hunting without needing a scope.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver – Ready for optics with no gunsmith work required. Why it matters: If you want a red dot or low-power scope, you can mount it in minutes.
Who It's For
This Henry Golden Boy is for the shooter who wants a reliable, accurate lever action for plinking, small-game hunting, or target shooting. It's also a natural fit for collectors who appreciate traditional styling and a bright finish. New gun owners will find the .22 LR easy to handle and affordable to shoot, while experienced shooters can use it as a trainer or a fun range gun. Families looking for a first rifle for kids or new shooters will appreciate the light weight and low recoil.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Smooth action right from the factory – Henry's lever actions are known for being slick out of the box.
- Pro: Two-tone Brasslite finish is eye-catching and resists tarnish better than real brass.
- Con: The Brasslite receiver can show wear over time if not cared for, though it's less maintenance than traditional brass.
- Pro: Drilled and tapped for optics adds versatility without extra cost.
- Con: Some shooters prefer a side-loading gate instead of a tube magazine, but the tube is reliable and easy to use.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Henry Golden Boy | Marlin 39A | Winchester 9422 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiver Material | Brasslite (brass alloy) | Steel | Steel |
| Barrel Shape | Octagon blued | Round or octagon | Round |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs | ~6.5 lbs | ~6.25 lbs |
| Magazine Type | Tube (15 rounds) | Tube (26 LR rounds) | Tube (11 LR rounds) |
| Optics Ready | Yes (drilled/tapped) | Yes (drilled/tapped) | No |
| Price | $634.59 | ~$1,200 (used) | ~$1,500 (used) |
| Warranty | 1 year | Limited | Limited |
FAQ
What caliber does the Henry Golden Boy use?
This model chambers .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle. You can shoot any of these interchangeably through the tube magazine, which holds 15 rounds of .22 LR, 17 of .22 Long, or 21 of .22 Short.
Is the receiver made of real brass?
No, it's Brasslite, a lightweight brass alloy that resists tarnish better than pure brass. It gives the same bright look but needs less maintenance. According to Henry, it's designed to stay shiny with minimal polishing.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. You'll need a set of rings or a rail designed for Henry Golden Boy rifles. Many shooters use a low-power scope or red dot for improved accuracy.
How does the Golden Boy compare to the Henry H001?
The Golden Boy has a higher-grade walnut stock, a brass receiver, and an octagon barrel, while the H001 has a round barrel and a blued receiver. The Golden Boy is more refined and collector-oriented, while the H001 is a solid workhorse. Both shoot .22 LR reliably.
Is this rifle good for left-handed shooters?
Yes, the lever action is ambidextrous. The thumb safety and hammer are easy to reach from either side. The stock is straight, not cast-off, so it fits both left and right-handed shooters comfortably.
Why Buy From Us
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
According to NSSF data, lever-action rifles account for over 12% of all rifle sales in the U.S., with Henry holding a leading share in that category.
See more options in our Lever Action Rifles category or check out Henry Rifles for the full lineup.