Henry Side Gate Lever Action Rifle .38-55 Win 20″ Blued Walnut
About this product
The Henry Side Gate Lever Action Rifle in .38-55 Winchester with a 20-inch blued barrel and walnut stock is a full-size, classic lever gun built for the shooter who appreciates tradition but demands modern function. Chambered in the venerable .38-55 Win, this rifle pairs a polished brass receiver with a deep-checkered American walnut stock and forend, delivering a balance of old-school looks and practical performance. The 20-inch round blued steel barrel, fully adjustable rear sight, and ivory bead front sight make it ready for the range or the field right out of the box. According to Henry Repeating Arms, the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, and the included transfer-bar safety and swivel studs add modern convenience without spoiling the classic lines. At $1,070.75, this is a solid investment for anyone wanting a versatile, heirloom-quality lever action.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Side Gate Lever Action Rifle |
| Material | Blued steel barrel and brass receiver (per manufacturer specs); American walnut stock and forend with deep checkering |
| Compatibility | .38-55 Winchester ammunition (also compatible with .375 Win in some cases, but verify with manufacturer) |
| Finish | Blued barrel; polished brass receiver (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | Approximately 7.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Side Gate Loading — WHY IT MATTERS: You can top off the magazine without opening the action or unloading the tube, keeping you in the fight or on target during a hunt.
- 20-Inch Blued Steel Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The shorter barrel keeps the rifle handy in thick brush or tight spaces while still delivering the velocity and accuracy the .38-55 is known for.
- Polished Brass Receiver — WHY IT MATTERS: The brass adds corrosion resistance and a distinctive look that stands out at the range, plus it’s drilled and tapped for easy scope mounting.
- American Walnut Stock with Deep Checkering — WHY IT MATTERS: The checkering gives you a secure grip in wet or gloved hands, and the walnut is tough enough to handle years of use.
- Fully Adjustable Rear Sight and Ivory Bead Front Sight — WHY IT MATTERS: You can dial in your point of impact quickly, and the ivory bead front is easy to pick up in low light.
Who It's For
This rifle is for the local hunter who wants a reliable lever action for deer or black bear in the woods, the target shooter who enjoys ringing steel with a classic cartridge, and the new gun owner looking for a versatile, easy-to-maintain rifle that won’t go out of style. It’s also a great choice for the collector or anyone who wants a piece that can be passed down.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Side gate loading is fast and intuitive; brass receiver is tough and looks great; drilled and tapped for optics; smooth action out of the box; .38-55 offers mild recoil with good ballistics for medium game.
- Cons: Ammunition availability for .38-55 can be spotty compared to .30-30 or .357 Mag, and the polished brass receiver will show scratches and tarnish over time if not cared for. Also, the 20-inch barrel limits velocity slightly compared to longer barrels, but that’s a trade-off for handiness.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Side Gate .38-55 | Marlin 1895 SBL .45-70 | Winchester Model 94 .30-30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38-55 Winchester | .45-70 Government | .30-30 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches | 18.5 inches | 20 inches |
| Receiver Material | Polished brass | Stainless steel | Blued steel |
| Loading Method | Side gate + tube | Side gate + tube | Tube only |
| Weight | ~7.5 lbs | ~7.5 lbs | ~6.8 lbs |
| Price | $1,070.75 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,200 |
Is the Henry Side Gate .38-55 good for hunting deer?
Yes, the .38-55 Winchester has been a reliable deer cartridge for over a century. With a 20-inch barrel, you’ll get enough velocity for clean kills on deer and black bear at typical woods ranges (under 150 yards). Just use a soft-point or hollow-point bullet for best expansion.
Can I mount a scope on the Henry Side Gate .38-55?
Yes. According to Henry Repeating Arms specs, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. You’ll need a set of low rings and a scout-style or traditional scope, depending on your preference.
What is the twist rate on the Henry Side Gate .38-55?
Per manufacturer specs, the twist rate is 1:12 inches, which stabilizes most factory .38-55 loads from 200 to 255 grains well.
Is the Henry Side Gate .38-55 easy to load?
Yes. The side gate lets you load single rounds without opening the action, and you can also load through the tube. It’s one of the most user-friendly lever actions on the market.
Does the Henry Side Gate .38-55 have a safety?
Yes, it includes a transfer-bar safety that prevents the rifle from firing unless the trigger is pulled. This is a modern safety feature that doesn’t interfere with the classic look or operation.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✔ Ships 1-2 business days
✔ 30-day returns
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Browse more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category, or check out our Henry Rifles and All Rifles for more options.
Last updated: April 2026