Henry H010BG Big Boy .45-70 22″ Octagon Brass Side Gate

Henry H010BG Big Boy .45-70 22″ Octagon Brass Side Gate

The Henry H010BG Big Boy .45-70 22″ Octagon Brass Side Gate is a modern classic that brings old-school style and real stopping power together. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this lever gun features a 22-inch octagon blued steel barrel, polished brass receiver, and genuine American walnut stock. The side-loading gate lets you top off the tubular magazine without taking the rifle off your shoulder — handy when you’re in the stand or on the range. It’s drilled and tapped for optics, so you can add a red dot or scope without a gunsmith. This is a rifle that feels as good as it looks, and it shoots like a Henry should.

Manufacturer	Henry Repeating Arms
Model	H010BG Big Boy
Material	Polished brass receiver, blued steel octagon barrel, American walnut stock
Compatibility	.45-70 Government ammunition
Finish	Blued steel / polished brass
Weight	8.68 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Side Loading Gate — Why it matters: You can add rounds to the tubular magazine without removing the rifle from your shoulder, which keeps you on target and ready for follow-up shots in the field.
• 22″ Octagon Barrel — Why it matters: The extra weight and rigidity of the octagon barrel help dampen recoil and improve accuracy, especially with heavy .45-70 loads. Plus, it looks absolutely classic.
• Polished Brass Receiver — Why it matters: Brass doesn’t rust like steel, and it gives this rifle a warm, traditional look that stands out in any gun safe. It also makes cleaning easier after a day at the range.
• Drilled and Tapped Receiver — Why it matters: You can mount a scope or red dot directly to the receiver without sending it to a gunsmith. That means faster sight acquisition and better accuracy for shooters of any skill level.
• Large Loop Lever — Why it matters: Gloved hands in cold weather or thick mittens won’t slow you down. The big loop gives you plenty of room to work the action fast, whether you’re hunting or plinking.

Who It’s For

This Henry Big Boy is built for the shooter who wants a reliable, hard-hitting lever gun that’s as comfortable on the range as it is in the deer woods. It’s a great fit for new gun owners looking for a classic platform that’s easy to learn, and for experienced shooters who appreciate the craftsmanship of a real American-made rifle. If you reload .45-70, you’ll love how this gun handles everything from mild plinking loads to full-power hunting ammo. It’s also a solid choice for anyone who just wants a beautiful wall-hanger that shoots as good as it looks.

Pros / Cons

• Pros: Smooth action right out of the box, side gate makes loading easy, octagon barrel is accurate and looks fantastic, brass receiver is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, drilled/tapped for optics, large loop works with gloves.
• Cons: It’s a heavy rifle at nearly 9 pounds, which can be a workout if you’re hiking all day. The .45-70 round also kicks hard with heavy loads — not a problem if you’re used to it, but new shooters might want to start with lighter ammunition.

Comparison

Feature	Henry H010BG Big Boy	Marlin 1895 SBL	Winchester 1873 Short Rifle
Caliber	.45-70 Government	.45-70 Government	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Barrel Length	22″ octagon	19.125″ stainless	20″ round
Receiver Material	Polished brass	Stainless steel	Blued steel
Side Gate	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	8.68 lbs	7.5 lbs	7.5 lbs
Optics Ready	Drilled/tapped	Yes (scout mount)	No
MSRP	$1,049.45	~$1,350	~$1,200

FAQ

Is the .45-70 round too powerful for a beginner?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. The .45-70 Government is a big cartridge, but you can buy reduced-recoil loads from brands like Hornady or Remington that are much milder. Start with those and work your way up. The Henry’s weight also helps soak up recoil. That said, if you’re brand new to shooting, a .22 or .357 might be a gentler place to start.

Can I mount a scope on this Henry Big Boy?

Yes, absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, so you can add a rail and mount a scope or red dot without any gunsmith work. Henry also offers a factory scope mount kit if you want a clean, drop-in solution.

Does the side gate work with the magazine tube?

Yes, it does. The side gate lets you load individual rounds into the tubular magazine without removing the rifle from your shoulder. You can also unload through the gate. It’s a huge improvement over the older design that required you to take the tube out. According to Henry’s specs, the magazine holds 4 rounds of .45-70.

Is this rifle legal in all 50 states?

Generally, yes. It’s a lever-action rifle with a 22-inch barrel, so it meets federal and most state laws. However, some states like California, New York, or Massachusetts have specific magazine capacity or feature restrictions. Check your local laws before ordering. We ship nationwide, but we can’t guarantee compliance with every local ordinance.

How does the brass receiver hold up over time?

Brass is actually very durable and doesn’t rust like steel. It can develop a natural patina over the years, which many shooters love. If you prefer it shiny, a little brass polish brings it right back. Just avoid abrasive cleaners on the blued barrel. Per Henry’s maintenance guide, a light coat of oil on the brass keeps it looking new.

Trust & Delivery

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Last updated: April 2026

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