Meet the Henry Bear’s Leg (Like the Mare’s Leg, but Tougher) (.357 Magnum

About this product

Henry just announced the Bear’s Leg, and if you’ve ever handled a Mare’s Leg and thought, “This is cool, but I wish it was built for real work,” then you need to pay attention. This isn’t a novelty. The new Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is a serious, modern utility firearm designed from the ground up for the practical shooter. It takes that iconic short-stocked lever-action profile and equips it with features we actually use: a threaded barrel, a modern polymer handguard, and the brute strength to handle serious calibers like .45-70 Government. For the Iowa shooter who values a compact, powerful, and endlessly customizable tool for the truck, the trail, or the homestead, the Henry Bear’s Leg is a game-changer. We’ve already placed our order.

Specs at a Glance

• Manufacturer & Model: Henry Repeating Arms Bear’s Leg Pistol
• Available Calibers: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, .45-70 Government
• Action: Lever-Action
• Platform: SBR-platform pistol (no permanent modification, NFA rules apply)
• Barrel: Factory-threaded (thread pitch TBA)
• Handguard: Polymer with integrated M-LOK accessory slots
• Sights: Pica tinny rail section integrated for optics (full details pending)
• Finish: Henry's classic blued steel and walnut expected (other variants likely)

Why We're Stocking This

We’re bringing in the Henry Bear’s Leg because it solves a problem. Our customers ask for compact, powerful firearms that aren’t just range toys. They want a tool that can go from truck gun to trail companion to a serious defensive option without compromise. The classic Mare’s Leg was always a conversation piece, but it lacked the modern features to make it truly useful. Henry has fixed that. The threaded barrel means you can run a suppressor or compensator. The M-LOK handguard lets you mount a light or a foregrip instantly. Chambering it in .45-70 and .30-30 isn’t a gimmick; it’s a statement that this is a working man’s firearm. We trust Henry’s quality, and this platform’s versatility is exactly what our shop stands for: quality firearms for every shooter, especially those who demand more from their gear.

Handling lever-actions every day, we appreciate a smooth action and robust build. Henry delivers that. Stocking the Bear’s Leg is a no-brainer for us. It fills a niche that’s been underserved with a product that’s overbuilt and thoughtfully designed. We expect it to be a fast mover, especially in .357 Magnum for those who want to pair it with a revolver, and in .45-70 for those who want maximum power in a compact package.

Who It's For

• The Practical Outdoorsman: Someone who needs a powerful, short-barreled carbine alternative for brush country, from dispatching predators on the property to having a capable trail gun.
• The Truck Gun Aficionado: The shooter looking for a compact, powerful, and reliable firearm that can be easily secured in a vehicle without the bulk of a full-length rifle.
• The Modern Homesteader: For utility work around a property where a full-size rifle is cumbersome, but the potential need for decisive power—backed by calibers like .44 Mag or .45-70—is real.
• The Lever-Action Enthusiast & Customizer: The shooter who loves the lever-gun platform and has been waiting for a factory-made, modernized shorty ready for optics, lights, and suppressors right out of the box.
• The Prepared Citizen: An individual seeking a uniquely capable, compact firearm for home defense or serious scenarios, who values the reliability of a lever-action and the potency of its available chamberings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Henry Bear’s Leg considered a pistol or a short-barreled rifle (SBR)?

A: From the factory, the Henry Bear’s Leg is designed and transferred as a pistol on a Form 4473. It is built on an SBR-platform, meaning it is designed to be fired without a stock. If you intend to add a stock or a vertical foregrip, you would be creating an NFA-regulated Short-Barreled Rifle and must file a Form 1 with the ATF and receive approval before modification. We can advise on this process, but always consult an attorney for legal specifics.

Q: Why would I choose a .45-70 Government in such a short platform? Isn't the recoil going to be fierce?

A: It will be substantial, no doubt. That’s the point. The .45-70 Bear’s Leg is for the shooter who needs absolute maximum stopping power in the most compact package possible—think brush hunting or protection in bear country. The trade-off in recoil for that level of power in a firearm this size is intentional. For most users, the .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum models will offer a far more manageable and versatile experience, especially with the ability to shoot cheaper .38 Special or .44 Special rounds for practice.

Q: Can I really mount a red dot sight on the Henry Bear’s Leg?

A: Yes. Based on the announcement, the Henry Bear’s Leg includes a Picatinny rail section (often called a Pica tinny rail) integrated directly onto the receiver or barrel band. This allows you to mount a wide variety of micro red dots or optics designed for pistol rails. This modern feature completely transforms the quick-aim potential of the lever-action platform.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is announced for a 2026 release. We are taking pre-orders and deposits now to secure our initial allocation. Caliber availability may vary, so if you have your heart set on the .30-30 Winchester or the mighty .45-70 Government model, contact us directly to get on the list. This is one of the most innovative and practical lever-actions to come along in years, and we’re excited to get them into our customers’ hands. Stop by the shop, call, or visit our website to reserve your Henry Bear’s Leg today.