The henry golden boy spirit of the corps 20″ octagon barrel is a special tribute edition that honors 250 years of the U.S. Marine Corps. It pairs the proven Golden Boy lever-action platform with detailed engraving, 24K gold highlights, and a polished nickel-plated receiver. Chambered in .22 LR, this rifle is built for range plinking, small-game hunting, and display. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, it features a 20-inch octagon barrel with a blued finish, a brass buttplate with polished nickel plating, and American walnut furniture. The buttstock and forearm carry engraved and painted portraits, making it a standout collectible. At $1050.45, it offers a blend of craftsmanship and shootability that appeals to both collectors and shooters.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Golden Boy Spirit of the Corps 250th Tribute Edition |
| Material | American walnut stock and forearm; steel receiver and barrel |
| Compatibility | .22 LR, .22 Short, .22 Long (per manufacturer specs) |
| Finish | Polished nickel-plated receiver; blued octagon barrel; 24K gold highlights |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Commemorative Engraving with 24K Gold Highlights – The receiver features mechanically transferred engravings from a hand-engraved master plate, finished with real 24K gold. This gives the rifle a museum-quality look that sets it apart from standard lever actions.
- Polished Nickel-Plated Receiver and Brass Buttplate – The nickel plating resists tarnish and corrosion, while the brass buttplate adds a classic touch. This combination means the rifle stays looking sharp even after years of handling.
- 20-Inch Octagon Barrel with Blued Finish – The octagon barrel provides a classic silhouette and adds weight forward for steadier offhand shooting. The blued finish protects against rust and gives a deep, rich appearance.
- Engraved and Painted Buttstock and Forearm – Each side of the buttstock and the forearm feature engraved, painted portraits and scrollwork. This level of detail makes it a conversation piece at the range or on the mantle.
- Proven Golden Boy Action – The same smooth, reliable lever action that shooters have trusted for decades. It feeds .22 LR, .22 Short, and .22 Long reliably, making it versatile for plinking, training, and small game.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the collector who wants a piece of Marine Corps history, the shooter who appreciates fine craftsmanship, and the family looking for a range gun that doubles as a display piece. It’s also a great choice for new gun owners who want a safe, easy-to-shoot .22 LR that looks like a heirloom. If you value tradition, detail, and American-made quality, this is your rifle.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: The engraving and gold highlights are genuinely beautiful—no cheap decals or paint. The 24K gold is real, and the transfer engraving captures fine detail.
- Pro: It shoots as good as it looks. The Golden Boy action is smooth right out of the box, and the octagon barrel aids accuracy.
- Con: The polished nickel receiver can show fingerprints and smudges easily. You’ll want to wipe it down after handling to keep it pristine.
- Con: The commemorative nature means it’s not a beater gun. If you want a pure workhorse for rough hunting, a standard Henry H001 might be a better fit.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Golden Boy Spirit of the Corps | Henry H001 Classic Lever Action | Marlin 39A Golden Mountie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiver Finish | Polished nickel with 24K gold engraving | Blued steel | Blued steel |
| Barrel Length | 20″ octagon | 20″ round | 20″ round |
| Stock Material | American walnut with engraved/painted portraits | American walnut, standard | American walnut, standard |
| Capacity | 16 rounds .22 LR (tube magazine) | 15 rounds .22 LR (tube magazine) | 15 rounds .22 LR (tube magazine) |
| Commemorative Features | USMC 250th tribute, gold highlights, painted artwork | None | None |
| Price | $1050.45 | ~$350 | ~$1,000 (used market) |
FAQ
Is the Henry Golden Boy Spirit of the Corps safe to shoot regularly, or is it only for display?
Yes, it’s fully functional and safe to shoot. According to Henry Repeating Arms, this model is built on the same Golden Boy action as their standard rifles. You can shoot .22 LR, .22 Short, and .22 Long through it. That said, the polished nickel and gold highlights will show wear faster than a standard blued finish, so many owners choose to shoot it sparingly and display it most of the time.
What kind of ammunition does this rifle use?
It feeds .22 LR, .22 Short, and .22 Long. The tube magazine holds 16 rounds of .22 LR, 20 rounds of .22 Long, or 22 rounds of .22 Short. Stick with high-velocity or standard-velocity rounds for best reliability. Avoid subsonic or specialty loads unless you test them first.
Does the engraved artwork on the stock hold up over time?
The buttstock and forearm have painted portraits and scrollwork that are sealed under a clear finish. With normal handling, they should last for years. But if you plan to shoot it heavily or carry it in the field, consider using a gun sock or soft case to protect the painted areas from scratches and moisture.
How does the Spirit of the Corps compare to other Henry commemorative models?
This is a 250th tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps, so the artwork and engraving are specific to that theme. Other Henry tributes, like the American Frontier or the Great Western, have different artwork and finishes. The Spirit of the Corps stands out because of the 24K gold highlights and nickel plating, which are less common on other limited editions.
Trust & Service
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Browse more lever actions in our Lever Action Rifles section, or check out Henry Rifles and Commemorative Firearms for similar models.
Last updated: April 2026





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