The Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate Deluxe Engraved Edition in .45 Colt is a lever-action rifle that feels right at home in a Tennessee deer stand, on a range near Nashville, or displayed in a collection in Knoxville. Its polished hardened brass receiver and 20-inch barrel offer a reliable, accurate platform for shooters who appreciate craftsmanship and performance. Whether you’re tracking whitetail in the Cumberland Plateau or punching paper at a local club, this rifle delivers the dependable action and classic aesthetic that Tennessee shooters value.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate Deluxe Engraved Edition is a production-grade lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt, featuring a polished hardened brass receiver, a 20-inch round barrel, and a side gate loading system. This model is designed for target shooters who want a smooth, repeatable action for range days, hunters pursuing medium game like deer or hogs in Tennessee’s varied terrain, and collectors who appreciate engraved detailing and premium materials. It also serves as a reliable home defense option for those who prefer the manual of arms of a lever gun over a semi-automatic. The .45 Colt cartridge provides sufficient stopping power for defensive scenarios while maintaining manageable recoil for newer shooters.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: .45 Colt (Long Colt)
- Capacity: 10 rounds (1 in chamber, 9 in tubular magazine)
- Barrel Length: 20 inches
- Overall Length: 38.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 8.5 pounds (unloaded)
- Finish: Polished hardened brass receiver and buttplate; blued steel barrel and magazine tube
- Sights: Brass bead front sight, adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with white diamond insert
- Stock: American walnut with straight grip and checkering
- Action: Lever-action with side gate loading and tubular magazine
- Safety: Transfer bar safety mechanism
- Engraving: Scroll engraving on receiver and barrel bands
- Made in: United States (Bayonne, New Jersey)
Feature Deep-Dive
The polished hardened brass receiver is the standout feature of this Henry model. Unlike standard brass that can tarnish or wear quickly, the hardened brass used here undergoes a proprietary process that increases durability while retaining the warm, golden appearance that lever-action enthusiasts favor. This finish resists scratches and corrosion better than traditional brass, making it a practical choice for Tennessee’s humid summers and occasional rain. The engraving on the receiver and barrel bands adds visual depth without compromising function, with scrollwork that catches light without being garish.
The 20-inch barrel strikes a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. In .45 Colt, this length allows for complete powder burn, producing consistent velocities with standard-pressure loads. The barrel is rifled with a 1:38 twist rate, which stabilizes the wide variety of bullet weights available in .45 Colt, from 200-grain cast lead loads to 250-grain jacketed hollow points. The brass bead front sight and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight are easy to acquire in low-light conditions, such as early morning hunts in Tennessee’s wooded areas. The white diamond insert in the rear sight helps with quick alignment.
The side gate loading system is a significant upgrade over traditional tube-loading Henry rifles. It allows you to load individual cartridges without cycling the action or removing the magazine tube, which speeds up reloading at the range or in the field. The loading gate is smoothly contoured and requires a firm press to seat rounds, but it breaks in over use. The tubular magazine holds nine rounds, and with one in the chamber, you have a ten-round capacity—ample for hunting or defensive use without being cumbersome.
The American walnut stock is finished with a satin sheen that resists moisture and handling marks. The straight grip and checkering provide a secure hold, even with gloves or wet hands. The buttplate is also polished hardened brass, matching the receiver and adding a touch of heft that helps manage recoil. The length of pull is 14 inches, which fits most adult shooters, and the drop at comb and heel are designed for a natural cheek weld when using the open sights. The overall weight of 8.5 pounds reduces felt recoil from .45 Colt loads to a comfortable level, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
The action itself is smooth out of the box, with a lever throw that cycles without binding. Henry uses a transfer bar safety system, which prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is pulled, even if the hammer is dropped. This design is drop-safe and allows the rifle to be carried with a round in the chamber and the hammer down. The trigger pull is crisp, breaking at around 4.5 to 5 pounds, with minimal creep. For Tennessee shooters who prefer a manual safety, the half-cock notch on the hammer provides an additional layer of security during transport.
The engraving on this Deluxe Edition is done by laser, but the depth and detail are comparable to hand-engraving on higher-end models. The scroll pattern covers the receiver sides, top, and bottom, as well as the barrel bands. It does not interfere with the function of the action or sights. The brass also develops a natural patina over time if left unpolished, which many collectors find desirable. If you prefer to maintain the shine, a soft cloth and brass polish will restore the original finish without damaging the engraving.
Ideal Use Cases
Hunting: The .45 Colt cartridge, with proper loads, is effective on deer, hogs, and black bear at ranges up to 100 yards. The 20-inch barrel and open sights are suited for brushy timber and field edges common in Tennessee. The side gate allows topping off the magazine without unloading, which is useful when tracking game.
Target Shooting: The rifle’s weight and smooth action make it pleasant for extended range sessions. The adjustable rear sight allows fine-tuning for different distances. The .45 Colt is easy to reload, and many shooters enjoy casting their own bullets for this caliber.
Home Defense: While not a tactical carbine, the Henry Big Boy offers ten rounds of .45 Colt, which is a proven stopper. The lever action is intuitive under stress, and the rifle’s length is manageable for indoor use if you practice with it. The transfer bar safety adds peace of mind when stored loaded.
Collection: The polished hardened brass and engraving make this a display-worthy piece. It is a production model, but the materials and finish are consistent with higher-priced custom rifles. It holds value well and is a conversation starter at gun shows or club meetings.
Compatibility Notes
Ammunition: This rifle is designed for .45 Colt cartridges with a maximum overall length of 1.60 inches. It will feed standard-pressure loads, including 200-grain, 225-grain, and 250-grain bullets in both lead and jacketed configurations. Do not use .45 Colt +P or Ruger-only loads, as they exceed the pressure limits for this action. For reduced recoil practice, cowboy action loads (typically 180-200 grains at 700-800 fps) function reliably.
Holsters: This is a full-size rifle, not a handgun. No holster is applicable. For transport, a soft rifle case or scabbard is recommended.
Magazines: The rifle uses an internal tubular magazine. No aftermarket magazines are available, and spare tubes are not user-replaceable. The side gate is the only loading method.
Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount, but the open sights are designed to co-witness with a low-mounted optic. Henry offers a specific scope base (part H012) for this model. Sling swivel studs are installed on the forend and buttstock, accepting standard 1-inch sling swivels. Aftermarket lever wraps and buttstock cartridge holders are compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does shipping to a Tennessee address work?
A: We ship to all Tennessee addresses via FedEx or UPS, with signature required upon delivery. The rifle will be shipped to your chosen FFL dealer, or to our retail location in Nashville if you prefer in-store pickup. We do not ship to PO boxes for firearms. Shipping insurance is included in the price.
Q: What is the FFL transfer process for this rifle?
A: You must select a licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee to receive the rifle. Provide us with their FFL license number and contact information. We will ship the rifle to them after verifying their license. You then complete a Form 4473 at the dealer’s location and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, typically $20-$50. We can recommend FFLs in the Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis areas if needed.
Q: What .45 Colt ammunition is safe to use in this rifle?
A: Use only standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition from reputable manufacturers such as Winchester, Remington, Federal, or Hornady. Do not use +P, +P+, or magnum loads. The rifle is rated for pressures up to 14,000 psi (SAAMI spec). Reloads should follow published data for lever-action rifles. If you are unsure, contact Henry Repeating Arms for guidance on specific loads.
Q: Does this rifle come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Henry Repeating Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the rifle. Warranty service is handled directly through Henry. We also offer a 30-day return policy on unused, unfired firearms in original packaging. If you are not satisfied, contact us within 30 days of delivery for a return authorization.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: We accept returns on unfired, unused firearms within 30 days of delivery. The rifle must be in its original packaging with all paperwork and accessories. A 15% restocking fee applies. Firearms that have been fired, modified, or damaged cannot be returned. For warranty issues after 30 days, please contact Henry directly. We do not accept returns on ammunition or optics.
Closing Call to Action
This Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate Deluxe Engraved Edition in .45 Colt is available for purchase and can ship directly to your Tennessee FFL dealer or be picked up at our Nashville location. We are a licensed FFL retailer serving Tennessee shooters since 2012. Place your order online or call us to verify stock. We ship within one business day of receiving a valid FFL license.
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