Henry Eagle Scout Centennial Tribute Edition Side Gate Rifle .44 Mag

Whether you’re tracking whitetail through the hardwood ridges of Middle Tennessee or punching paper at a local range like Stones River or Nashville Armory, the Henry Eagle Scout Centennial Tribute Edition Side Gate Rifle in .44 Magnum brings a blend of heritage and practical performance that suits the Volunteer State’s diverse shooting needs. This limited-edition lever action, with its polished hardened brass and Centennial Tribute styling, offers a reliable platform for hunters who appreciate a classic feel, as well as collectors seeking a piece of American firearm history. For Tennessee shooters who value both form and function, this rifle stands ready for the field, the range, or the display case.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Henry Eagle Scout Centennial Tribute Edition is a limited-production lever-action rifle chambered in .44 Magnum, designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout award. It’s built for target shooters who enjoy the smooth cycling of a lever gun, home defenders who want a reliable and manageable carbine, hunters pursuing medium game like deer or hogs in Tennessee’s woodlands, and collectors who seek a numbered, special-edition firearm with distinctive aesthetic touches. This rifle is not a tactical tool but a respectful nod to tradition, engineered for those who appreciate craftsmanship and a steady, proven action.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber: .44 Magnum (also accepts .44 Special for reduced recoil and plinking)
• Capacity: 7 rounds (1 in chamber, 6 in tubular magazine)
• Barrel Length: 20 inches, round profile with a blued finish
• Overall Length: 38.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.5 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Polished hardened brass receiver and buttplate; blued steel barrel, magazine tube, and lever
• Sights: Brass bead front sight with hood; semi-buckhorn rear sight, adjustable for elevation; receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounting
• Stock: American walnut with straight grip, satin finish, and a black rubber buttpad
• Action: Lever action with side gate loading (no need to remove the magazine tube)
• Safety: Transfer bar safety (hammer must be fully cocked to fire; half-cock position provides additional security)
• Special Features: Centennial Tribute medallion inlaid on the stock; serial number range dedicated to this edition; Eagle Scout emblem on the receiver

Feature Deep-Dive

The polished hardened brass receiver is the first detail that sets this Henry apart. Unlike standard brass that can tarnish or scratch easily, this hardened alloy is treated to resist wear while maintaining a warm, golden luster that deepens with handling. The receiver is engraved with the Eagle Scout emblem and Centennial Tribute markings, making each rifle a numbered collectible. For Tennessee shooters who spend time in humid conditions—whether along the Mississippi River bottoms or the eastern mountains—this brass finish offers corrosion resistance that blued steel alone cannot match, while still complementing the blued barrel and magazine tube for a balanced two-tone look.

The 20-inch barrel strikes a practical balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. In .44 Magnum, this length allows for complete powder burn, producing consistent velocities around 1,500 to 1,700 feet per second with standard hunting loads, depending on bullet weight. The round barrel profile keeps the rifle light enough for carrying through brush or on long walks to a deer stand, yet the weight distribution remains forward enough to steady offhand shots. Henry’s cold-forged rifling ensures tight tolerances, which translates to reliable accuracy at typical hunting ranges of 50 to 125 yards.

The side gate loading system is a modern upgrade that traditional lever-action fans will appreciate. Instead of removing the magazine tube to load, you simply push rounds through the gate on the right side of the receiver. This allows you to top off the magazine without unloading the rifle, which is convenient for hunters who may need a quick follow-up shot or for range sessions where you want to keep the action warm. The gate itself is spring-loaded and operates smoothly with .44 Magnum or .44 Special cartridges, and it does not interfere with the tubular magazine’s feed mechanism.

The American walnut stock is shaped with a straight grip and a schnabel forend, providing a classic silhouette that fits most hand sizes comfortably. The satin finish reduces glare in the field, and the black rubber buttpad absorbs some of the .44 Magnum’s recoil—which is noticeable but manageable, especially compared to lighter carbines. The stock also features a Centennial Tribute medallion inlaid near the grip cap, adding a subtle commemorative touch without compromising the wood’s natural grain. For Tennessee hunters who prefer iron sights, the brass bead front and semi-buckhorn rear are quick to acquire, though the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts if you need magnification for longer shots or low-light conditions.

Internally, Henry uses a transfer bar safety system that prevents the rifle from firing unless the hammer is fully cocked. This allows for a safe half-cock position for carrying, while the hammer itself is case-hardened for durability. The lever throw is smooth out of the box, with minimal slop, and the action cycles both .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds reliably. The magazine tube holds six rounds, plus one in the chamber, giving you seven shots total—adequate for most hunting scenarios or defensive situations without being overly bulky. For collectors, each rifle’s serial number falls within a dedicated range for this edition, and the packaging includes a certificate of authenticity.

Ideal Use Cases

For Tennessee deer hunters, the .44 Magnum offers sufficient stopping power at close to medium ranges, with energy levels comparable to many .30-30 loads when using 240-grain soft points. The 20-inch barrel makes it easy to handle in a box blind or tree stand, and the side gate allows for quick reloads without disturbing your position. On the range, this rifle is a pleasure to shoot with .44 Special loads, which reduce recoil and noise while still cycling reliably. Home defense is a secondary but valid use: the lever action is intuitive under stress, and the .44 Magnum’s terminal performance on target is well-documented, though the rifle’s length (38.5 inches) means it’s best suited for larger spaces rather than tight hallways. Collectors will find this edition holds its value due to the limited production run and the Eagle Scout association, making it a display piece that can also be shot without diminishing its appeal.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This rifle feeds .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds reliably. For hunting, use 240-grain jacketed soft points or hollow points. For target practice, .44 Special with lead or plated bullets is cost-effective and reduces wear.
• Holsters: Not applicable for a rifle of this length; however, scabbards for lever-action rifles with 20-inch barrels are widely available from brands like Hunter or Triple K.
• Magazines: The tubular magazine is fixed and non-detachable. No spare magazines are available or needed.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard Weaver-style scope bases (use Henry part H010). A sling swivel stud is installed on the forend; a rear stud is included but may require installation. Aftermarket lever wraps or buttstock ammo cuffs are compatible.
• Optics: Low-power scopes (1-4x or 2-7x) with a long eye relief work well for hunting. Red dot sights are also an option for faster target acquisition.

FAQ

1. How does shipping work for Tennessee customers?
We ship to all Tennessee addresses via common carrier. Once your order is placed, we will contact you to confirm your FFL dealer’s information. If you do not have a preferred FFL, we can recommend one near your location. Shipping is free to Tennessee addresses on this rifle.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for this rifle?
After you place the order, we will ship the rifle to the FFL dealer you designate. The dealer will contact you to complete the required background check (Tennessee does not require a permit for long gun purchases, but a NICS check is still performed). You will need to present a valid state-issued ID and pay any transfer fee your dealer charges (typically $20–$50). We do not charge additional fees beyond the purchase price and shipping.

3. Can I shoot .44 Special ammunition in this rifle?
Yes. The Henry Eagle Scout Centennial Edition is chambered for .44 Magnum, but it will safely and reliably cycle .44 Special rounds. .44 Special produces less recoil and noise, making it ideal for target practice or introducing new shooters to the lever action. Accuracy may vary slightly due to the slower twist rate optimized for .44 Magnum, but it remains functional.

4. What warranty does Henry provide on this limited-edition rifle?
Henry Repeating Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. If you experience an issue, contact Henry directly or reach out to us, and we can assist with warranty claim processing.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. If the rifle arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage in transit, we will replace it or arrange a repair through Henry’s warranty service. Please inspect the rifle upon delivery at your FFL before accepting the transfer. If you notice an issue, do not complete the transfer—contact us immediately. We cannot accept returns for buyer’s remorse or cosmetic preferences.

This Henry Eagle Scout Centennial Tribute Edition is available now for Tennessee residents. We ship directly to your chosen FFL dealer across the state—from Memphis to Knoxville, and everywhere in between. If you have questions about ordering, FFL transfer logistics, or compatibility with your intended use, contact our team. We are licensed FFL retailers and can help you get this lever action into your hands for your next hunt, range day, or collection addition.