Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .357 Mag/.38 Spl 16.5″

The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .357 Mag/.38 Spl 16.5″ is a traditional lever-action rifle built for reliable shooting in the field or at the range. This carbine combines a blued steel barrel with American walnut furniture and a large-loop lever, making it a solid choice for target practice and hunting. It feeds both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds through a side-loading gate and removable tubular magazine, with a drilled-and-tapped receiver for adding optics.

Manufacturer	Henry Repeating Arms
Model	Big Boy Steel Carbine
Material	Blued steel barrel and receiver, American walnut stock with checkering
Compatibility	.357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition
Finish	Blued steel
Weight	6.8 lbs per manufacturer specs
Condition	New

Key Features

• 16.5″ Round Blued Steel Barrel — Shorter barrel length makes this carbine easy to handle in tight spaces, like brush or a tree stand, while still delivering accurate shots out to 100 yards.
• Side-Loading Gate with Removable Tubular Magazine — You can top off the magazine without unloading the rifle, and the detachable tube makes clearing the gun fast and safe. This is a real advantage for hunters who need to reload quickly.
• Large-Loop Lever — The oversized lever works well with gloved hands, so you can cycle rounds smoothly in cold weather or when wearing hunting gloves.
• Drilled-and-Tapped Receiver — Mount a red dot or scout scope easily without a gunsmith, giving you the option to upgrade your sighting system for low-light conditions or aging eyes.
• American Walnut Stock with Checkering — The checkered fore-end and grip provide a secure hold, even when your hands are sweaty or wet, and the walnut looks classic on any gun rack.

Who It’s For

This carbine suits target shooters who enjoy plinking with .38 Special for low-recoil practice, as well as hunters who want a reliable .357 Magnum lever gun for deer or hogs. It also appeals to new gun owners looking for a simple, durable rifle that’s easy to maintain and fun to shoot. The large loop and side gate make it a good fit for shooters with limited hand strength or those who wear gloves.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Shoots both .357 and .38 Special for versatile ammo use; side-loading gate lets you top off without unloading; large loop works with gloves; drilled-and-tapped for optics; American walnut stock looks great.
• Cons: The blued finish requires regular oiling to prevent rust in humid conditions, especially if you carry it in a sweaty scabbard. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the receiver is not stainless, so you’ll need to wipe it down after use.

Comparison: Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine vs. Competitors

Feature	Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .357 Mag	Marlin 1894C .357 Mag	Rossi R92 .357 Mag
Barrel Length	16.5″	16.25″	16.5″
Capacity	10 rounds (depending on load)	9 rounds	8 rounds
Weight	6.8 lbs	6.5 lbs	5.9 lbs
Stock Material	American walnut with checkering	Black walnut with checkering	Hardwood
Loading System	Side gate + removable tube	Side gate only	Side gate only
Receiver Drilled/Tapped	Yes	Yes	No
Price	$962.98	$1,099.00	$599.99

The Henry stands out with its removable tubular magazine, which makes unloading safer than the Marlin or Rossi. The Marlin is lighter but costs more, while the Rossi is cheaper but lacks a drilled-and-tapped receiver and uses a hardwood stock instead of walnut. For the money, this Henry gives you the best mix of features for hunting and target shooting.

FAQ

What is the barrel length of the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine .357 Mag/.38 Spl 16.5″?

The barrel measures 16.5 inches, which is a carbine length that balances portability with accuracy. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the rifling is 1:16 twist rate.

Can this rifle shoot .38 Special ammunition?

Yes, it feeds and fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds reliably. The .38 Special produces less recoil, making it ideal for practice or small-game hunting.

Does the receiver come drilled and tapped for optics?

Yes, the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for mounting a scope or red dot sight. You can add a rail or direct-mount optics without any gunsmith work.

Is the tubular magazine removable?

Yes, the magazine tube can be removed for cleaning or unloading. This is a unique feature among lever-action carbines, making it easier to empty the gun than models with a fixed tube.

What is the weight of this carbine?

It weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded, according to manufacturer specs. That’s light enough to carry all day during a hunt but heavy enough to soak up recoil from .357 Magnum loads.

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Last updated: April 2026

According to NSSF data, lever-action rifles account for about 8% of the U.S. rifle market, with Henry Repeating Arms holding the largest share in that segment. This carbine is a top seller among .357 lever guns.

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