Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers Henry Big Boys any good?

I'm looking at a Henry Big Boy Color case-hardened, carbine loop with octagonal 16" barrel in 44mag. I've got an itch for a 44mag lever gun. The only Henry's I've shot are .22LR levers and they were more accurate than they should have been. The action was extremely smooth too. Aesthetics were a B- in terms of classic lever guns and workmanship, but for the price the .22s were great. $1100 is a lot more than what a .22 costs though.

Been a fan of the JM Marlins, and have a few, just not in 44mag. I want a 16" "trapper" length barrel, something Ruger doesn't offer, and probably won't for a while. I like that this Henry has some heft to it, as full power 44mags let you know, with authority I might add, that you just pulled the trigger.

It will be a Midwest deer rifle, and mountain camping gun, probably with a 1-8 or similar optic.

Thoughts on the Henry?

A friend of mine has a few Henry's. Pretty nice.

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I have the H012GL 20" large loop sidegate.
I'd get one of the newer models with the sidegate.
Nice rifle. I paid $899

DD, how accurate is yours? Can you get a 2" group at 100? That would be more than enough for me.

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I have a Skinner Alaskan peep on it, but if it was scoped I think it would do around 2" at 100.

That's perfect and good to know. Thank you DD. I'll scope it, easier to count antler points if needed.

.41 mag here and it is accurate.
I agree on the side gate model now.

Well made and smooth operating, but not sleek or light. To me their centerfires are just too clunky feeling, but others may like the looks and feel of the Henry. They did make a Marlin 1894 16.5" barrel 44 on a couple of runs, the 1894 Limited and 1894P, but both are hard to find and pricy. You can always buy a used 1894 44 and have it cut down.

I'd rather have a Rossi 92 in .44 Mag for less money . Not a fan of the Henry's , don't like the balance or looks either one. Before I'd pay $1100 for a Henry I'd save a little more and buy a Winchester 92.

I've got a love/hate relationship with my BBS 16.5" carbine (older pre-side gate model) in 327. It handles and shoulders slick, shoots very well, but it feeds like a complete dumpster fire. Getting through a magazine without a jam or hiccup is rare luck.

Got a Rossi 16” 45 in SS, fast and little, put a peep, if you want a scope buy the Henry, I have 30-30 and 45-70, they are good guns, I’m in my deer stand hunting with a JM 44 mag right now, wonderful gun, I like them all.

I had a Winchester model 94 Trapper & it was a sweet gun. Wish I had held on to it...