While we are fond of the brass tradition begun by B.T. Henry’s 1860 rifle, we do understand that today’s hunter may prefer something a shade lighter on the mountain, and the Big Boy Steel Side Gate carries on the same brush gun appeal of the brass-framed Big Boys in its overall configuration, but with upgraded features for the modern hunter, while weighing in 1.68lbs. less than its cousin.

These Side Gate models come in .357 Mag/.38 Special, .44 Mag/.44 Special, and .45 Colt, with either a standard 20” round barrel and regular lever, or a compact 16.5” round barrel and a large-loop lever for gloved cold-weather use and extra style points. Both models feature fine checkering on the genuine American walnut fore-end and straight-wrist stock, range-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front sights, an automatic in-hammer transfer bar safety, and our best-of-both-worlds side loading gate and removable tube magazine configuration. Rifles hold ten rounds in the tube, and carbines hold seven.

Together with a trusty revolver in the same caliber, these rifles and carbines make the most of Cowboy Logistics, reducing the weight of the ammunition required on the trail. They fit saddle scabbards snugly, with the milder report of pistol-caliber cartridges being easier on the horse ears. The carbine makes as handy a trail partner in dense woodland undergrowth as it does in off-road vehicles and trucks.

Traditional in appearance, pistol-caliber Big Boys are drilled and tapped for optic mounts for rapid target acquisition with red dots and longer reach with magnified scopes. Long barrels produce a substantial velocity increase with Magnum pistol cartridges, approaching the conventional rifle levels while offering greater tube magazine capacity and shorter lever throws thanks to shorter cases. Smooth, dependable actions and inherent accuracy of Henry barrels add up to enjoyable handling and effective performance on game and paper targets alike.

A perfect choice for straight-walled cartridge hunting laws in Ohio, Indiana, Southern Michigan, and those pending in other areas; with its subdued no-spook-em dark finish and easy-to-maneuver dimensions, we’ve got that brand new deer rifle you’ve been looking for right here.