For Tennessee shooters who appreciate the quiet satisfaction of a well-placed .22 LR round at a Middle Tennessee range or the thrill of a squirrel hunt in the Cherokee National Forest, the Henry Lever Action Octagon Barrel .22 LR offers a return to fundamentals. This rifle, built by Henry Repeating Arms and offered through the Weston Shooters Club, combines a classic lever-action platform with the precision of a 20-inch octagonal barrel. It is a practical, reliable tool for target practice, small-game hunting, and introducing new shooters to the sport.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Henry Lever Action Octagon Barrel .22 LR is a rimfire lever-action rifle designed for shooters who value tradition and functionality. It is not a tactical firearm—it is a straightforward, manually operated rifle that rewards patience and skill. This model is ideal for target shooters who enjoy slow, deliberate fire at paper targets or steel gongs, as well as small-game hunters pursuing rabbits, squirrels, or varmints. While not intended for home defense due to its rimfire cartridge and manual action, it serves admirably as a training tool for new shooters learning marksmanship fundamentals. Collectors will also appreciate the classic lines and the octagonal barrel, a nod to 19th-century rifle design. For Tennessee residents, it is a solid choice for plinking on private land or at public ranges like the Stones River Range or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) shooting facilities.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
- Action: Lever-action, side ejection
- Barrel Length: 20 inches, octagonal profile
- Capacity: 15 rounds (tubular magazine)
- Overall Length: Approximately 38.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 6.5 pounds (unloaded)
- Finish: Blued steel barrel and receiver with a straight-grip American walnut stock
- Sights: Brass bead front sight, adjustable rear sight (semi-buckhorn style)
- Safety: Transfer bar safety (hammer must be fully cocked to fire)
- Stock: American walnut, straight-grip with a satin finish
- Receiver Material: Steel, blued
- Groove Twist: 1:16-inch right-hand twist (standard for .22 LR)
Feature Deep-Dive
The octagonal barrel is the defining feature of this Henry model. Unlike standard round barrels, the octagonal profile adds rigidity and mass, which can help dampen barrel harmonics and improve accuracy potential over a sustained string of fire. The flat sides also provide a larger surface area for heat dissipation, which is useful during extended range sessions. For Tennessee shooters who enjoy shooting steel targets at 50 to 100 yards, this barrel design contributes to consistent shot placement with standard-velocity ammunition.
The lever-action mechanism on this rifle is smooth and reliable, a hallmark of Henry’s manufacturing. The side ejection keeps spent casings clear of the shooter’s line of sight, and the action cycles easily with a modest pull of the lever. The 15-round tubular magazine allows for extended shooting without frequent reloading, and loading is straightforward: simply insert .22 LR cartridges one by one into the tube at the muzzle end. This capacity is generous for a rimfire lever gun, giving you ample rounds for a plinking session or a day of small-game hunting without constant interruption.
The American walnut stock is a practical choice for Tennessee’s variable climate. The satin finish resists moisture better than high-gloss alternatives, and the straight-grip design provides a natural hand position for offhand shooting. The stock is fitted with a solid rubber buttpad that reduces felt recoil—though .22 LR recoil is minimal, the pad adds a layer of comfort for younger or smaller shooters. The checkering on the forend and grip is subtle but functional, providing a secure hold even with damp hands during a humid Tennessee summer.
Sighting equipment on this rifle is simple and effective. The brass bead front sight is easy to acquire in varied lighting, from bright midday sun to the low light of a wooded hollow. The adjustable rear sight allows for windage and elevation adjustments, letting you zero the rifle for your preferred ammunition. For shooters who prefer optics, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount (sold separately), though the iron sights are more than adequate for the rifle’s intended uses at typical rimfire distances.
The transfer bar safety system is a modern addition that enhances safe handling. When the hammer is at rest, the transfer bar is disengaged, meaning the rifle cannot fire even if the hammer is struck accidentally. To fire, the hammer must be manually cocked to full cock, which aligns the transfer bar with the firing pin. This system is reliable and intuitive, making the rifle suitable for shooters of all experience levels. It also means the rifle can be safely carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber, a common practice among lever-action enthusiasts.
Henry Repeating Arms builds this rifle in the United States, and the fit and finish reflect consistent quality control. The blued finish is even and durable, resisting rust with reasonable care—a wipe-down with a silicone cloth after a rainy Tennessee range day is sufficient. The wood-to-metal fit is tight, with no gaps or rough edges. This is a rifle that will hold up to regular use, from casual plinking to hunting trips in the Volunteer State’s diverse terrain, from the Mississippi River bottoms to the Appalachian highlands.
Ideal Use Cases
- Target and Range Shooting: The 20-inch octagonal barrel and 15-round capacity make this rifle a solid choice for recreational target shooting at distances up to 100 yards. It excels at slow-fire accuracy drills and can be used for informal competitions like rimfire silhouette or lever-action matches.
- Small-Game Hunting: The .22 LR cartridge is effective on squirrels, rabbits, and similar game. The lever action allows for quick follow-up shots, and the rifle’s light weight (6.5 pounds) makes it easy to carry through the woods. It is legal for small-game hunting in Tennessee under TWRA regulations.
- Training and Instruction: New shooters benefit from the manual action, which forces them to focus on proper trigger control and follow-through. The low recoil and mild report make it an ideal teaching tool for youth or adults new to firearms.
- Collecting: The octagonal barrel and classic styling appeal to collectors who appreciate traditional American firearms. This model is a representative example of Henry’s lever-action line and holds its value well with proper care.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This rifle is designed for .22 Long Rifle cartridges only. It reliably cycles standard-velocity, high-velocity, and subsonic ammunition. Avoid using .22 Short or .22 Long, as they may not feed reliably from the tubular magazine. For best accuracy, test several brands to find what your rifle prefers.
- Holsters: Not applicable for this rifle. It is a long gun and is typically transported in a soft or hard case.
- Magazines: The rifle uses an integral tubular magazine. No aftermarket magazines are required or available. Spare tubes are not sold separately.
- Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts (e.g., Weaver or Picatinny bases). A sling swivel stud is installed on the forend; a rear stud is not included but can be added. Aftermarket sights, such as a tang-mounted peep sight, are compatible with minor modifications.
- Cleaning: Standard .22 LR cleaning kits and rods work with the 20-inch barrel. Use a bore guide to protect the chamber.
FAQ
1. How does shipping to Tennessee work?
We ship to all Tennessee addresses via UPS or FedEx. Your order will be shipped to the FFL dealer you select during checkout. We require a signed copy of the dealer’s FFL license on file before shipment. Typical transit time is 2–5 business days within Tennessee.
2. What is the FFL transfer process for this rifle?
After you place your order, we will contact your chosen FFL dealer to confirm their license and arrange shipment. You must complete a federal Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check at the dealer’s location before taking possession. Transfer fees vary by dealer; please confirm with them beforehand.
3. What ammunition is recommended for this rifle?
We recommend standard-velocity or high-velocity .22 LR ammunition from reputable manufacturers such as CCI, Federal, Remington, or Winchester. Subsonic ammunition also functions reliably. Avoid using .22 Short or .22 Long, as these may cause feeding issues. For best accuracy, test a few boxes to identify your rifle’s preferred load.
4. What warranty does Henry provide for this rifle?
Henry Repeating Arms offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. If an issue arises, you can contact Henry directly for repair or replacement. We also accept returns within 30 days of delivery for defects; see our return policy for details.
5. What is your return policy for this rifle?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery if the rifle is unused, unfired, and in its original packaging. A restocking fee of 15% applies. For defective firearms, we will handle repairs or replacement under warranty. All returns require an RMA number; contact our customer service team to initiate the process.
Closing CTA
This Henry Lever Action Octagon Barrel .22 LR is available now at tn-guns.com. We ship to Tennessee FFL dealers statewide, from Memphis to Mountain City. If you are a licensed dealer, we can also arrange direct shipment to your business. Add this rifle to your cart and complete checkout—we will handle the FFL coordination. For questions, call our Tennessee-based team or use the live chat on our site.





Reviews
There are no reviews yet.