Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate Polished Hardened Brass Lever Action Rifle – 45 (Long) Colt – 20in

Whether you’re walking the wooded ridges of the Cumberland Plateau or spending an afternoon at a local range outside Nashville, the Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate in .45 Colt brings a level of craftsmanship that feels right at home in Tennessee. This lever action rifle, with its polished hardened brass receiver and 20-inch barrel, is built for shooters who appreciate both form and function—a reliable companion for target work, deer hunting in the southern hollows, or simply enjoying the tradition of a well-made firearm. At tn-guns.com, we know Tennessee shooters value durability and heritage, and this Henry delivers on both fronts without unnecessary flash.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate is a lever action rifle chambered in .45 Colt (also known as .45 Long Colt), featuring a polished hardened brass receiver and a 20-inch round barrel. This model includes a side loading gate, which allows you to top off the magazine without opening the action—a practical upgrade for anyone who spends time at the range or in the field. It’s designed for target shooters who want a smooth, accurate platform for plinking or casual competitions, as well as hunters pursuing medium game like whitetail deer or feral hogs within typical Tennessee ranges. Collectors will also find appeal in the brass finish and classic lines, while home defense users may appreciate the .45 Colt’s stopping power in a manageable, traditional package. This rifle is not a tactical tool; it’s a straightforward lever action built for those who value reliability and American-made quality.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: .45 Colt (Long Colt) – a versatile cartridge suitable for target shooting and medium game hunting.
• Capacity: 10 rounds (tubular magazine, plus one in the chamber with side gate loading).
• Barrel Length: 20 inches – balances maneuverability with ballistic performance.
• Finish: Polished hardened brass receiver and buttplate; blued steel barrel and magazine tube.
• Overall Length: Approximately 38.5 inches.
• Weight: Roughly 8.6 pounds (unloaded) – solid but not cumbersome for field carry.
• Sights: Fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight, dovetailed for easy replacement.
• Stock: American walnut with a satin finish, straight grip design, and ventilated rubber recoil pad.
• Action: Lever action with a side loading gate and a brass receiver cut for a tang sight (optional).
• Safety: Transfer bar safety system (hammer must be fully cocked to fire; half-cock notch for safe carry).
• Made In: Rice Lake, Wisconsin (Henry Repeating Arms).

Feature Deep-Dive

The polished hardened brass receiver is the defining feature of this rifle, and it’s not just for looks. Henry uses a brass alloy that is harder than standard brass, which resists wear and maintains its finish over time. This is a noticeable difference if you plan to shoot regularly—the receiver holds up to the friction of the lever action without developing excessive looseness or galling. The polishing process gives it a warm, reflective surface that stands out on a gun rack or in the field, but the real benefit is durability. You can expect this receiver to look good for years, even with regular handling in Tennessee’s humidity, provided you wipe it down after use.

The side loading gate is a practical improvement over traditional tube-loading lever actions. Instead of removing the magazine tube follower to load rounds, you can drop in cartridges one at a time through the gate on the right side of the receiver. This means you can top off the magazine without unloading the rifle, which is useful during a range session or when you need a quick follow-up shot while hunting. The gate is spring-loaded and works smoothly with .45 Colt rounds, though it may feel stiff when new—it loosens up after a few dozen cycles. This feature also allows you to keep the magazine fully loaded while the chamber is empty, which is a standard safety practice for lever actions.

The 20-inch barrel provides a good balance of velocity and handling. In .45 Colt, a 20-inch barrel typically yields muzzle velocities around 900-1000 feet per second with standard factory loads, depending on bullet weight. That’s enough energy for deer-sized game at distances out to 100 yards, which covers most hunting scenarios in Tennessee’s wooded terrain. The barrel is rifled with a 1:16 twist rate, which stabilizes common bullet weights from 200 to 255 grains. The blued finish on the barrel and magazine tube is uniform and resistant to rust, but you should still apply a light coat of oil after cleaning, especially if you’re shooting in damp conditions.

The American walnut stock is fitted with a straight grip and a ventilated rubber recoil pad. The straight grip encourages a solid hand position for lever cycling, and the pad reduces felt recoil from heavier .45 Colt loads. The wood-to-metal fit is clean, with no gaps or rough edges, and the satin finish is smooth without being glossy. The stock has a slight comb rise, which aligns your eye naturally with the iron sights. For shooters who prefer a tang sight, the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted peep sight, giving you the flexibility to upgrade your sighting system without gunsmith work.

The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight are standard for lever actions and work well for quick target acquisition. The rear sight is drift-adjustable for windage and has a step-adjustable elevator for elevation, allowing you to zero for different distances. The brass bead front sight is bright enough to pick up in low light, such as early morning deer hunts. While these sights are functional, some shooters may choose to swap them for a fiber optic front or a peep sight for improved precision. The dovetail cuts on both sights make replacement straightforward with basic tools.

Ideal Use Cases

• Hunting: Suitable for whitetail deer, feral hogs, and black bear at ranges under 100 yards. The .45 Colt, with proper hunting loads, delivers sufficient energy for clean kills. The rifle’s weight and balance make it easy to carry through brush or from a tree stand.
• Target Shooting: A reliable choice for casual plinking or lever action competitions like cowboy action shooting. The side gate allows for quick reloads, and the iron sights are adequate for steel targets at moderate distances.
• Home Defense: The .45 Colt offers significant stopping power, and the 10-round capacity provides more than enough for most defensive scenarios. The lever action is intuitive to operate under stress, and the overall length is manageable in a home environment.
• Collecting: The polished brass receiver and walnut stock make this a display-worthy piece. Henry’s reputation for craftsmanship and the classic design appeal to collectors who focus on American-made lever actions.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This rifle is chambered for .45 Colt (SAAMI spec). It handles standard pressure loads (e.g., 200-255 grain lead or jacketed bullets) reliably. Do not use .45 Colt +P ammunition unless specifically approved by Henry—check your manual. Avoid .45 ACP or any other cartridge.
• Holsters: Not applicable for this rifle. For storage or transport, consider a soft case or scabbard designed for 38.5-inch lever actions.
• Magazines: The tubular magazine is fixed and non-detachable. No aftermarket magazines are available. Loading is done via the side gate or by removing the magazine tube plug (for initial loading).
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a tang sight (e.g., Lyman or Marble’s). You can add a sling swivel set (barrel band and stock stud) for a carry strap. Scope mounting is not recommended due to the receiver’s design; if you need optics, consider a scout-style mount, but that requires gunsmithing.
• Cleaning: Use standard .45 caliber cleaning tools and solvents. Brass receivers should be cleaned with non-abrasive polishes to avoid scratching the finish.

FAQ

1. Can this rifle be shipped to my address in Tennessee?
Yes. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across Tennessee for transfer. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. You must select a receiving FFL during checkout, and we will coordinate delivery to that dealer.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
After you place your order, you will provide the name and address of your chosen Tennessee FFL dealer. We verify their license and ship the rifle to them. You then visit the dealer to complete a background check (via the Tennessee Instant Check System, or NICS if the dealer uses that), pay any transfer fee set by the dealer, and take possession. The transfer fee is not included in our price.

3. What ammunition works best in this rifle?
Standard pressure .45 Colt ammunition from reputable brands like Winchester, Remington, Federal, or Hornady is recommended. For hunting, use soft-point or hollow-point loads with 200-250 grain bullets. Avoid reloads or cast bullets with excessive leading unless you are experienced. Always check that the cartridge overall length does not exceed 1.600 inches.

4. What warranty does Henry offer on this rifle?
Henry Repeating Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you have an issue, contact Henry directly with proof of purchase. We at tn-guns.com do not administer the warranty, but we will assist with warranty claim paperwork if needed.

5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms for change of mind. If the rifle arrives damaged or has a manufacturer defect, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Henry to arrange a replacement or repair. Unused accessories can be returned within 30 days in original packaging.

Closing CTA

This Henry Big Boy Brass Side Gate in .45 Colt is in stock at tn-guns.com and ready to ship to your Tennessee FFL dealer. Whether you’re heading to the range near Knoxville or tracking game in the Cherokee National Forest, this lever action rifle offers reliable performance and classic styling. Place your order today, and we’ll handle the shipping logistics to get it to your local dealer quickly.