Henry Mini Bolt Compact Matte Stainless Bolt Action Rifle – 22 Long Rifle – 16.25in

Whether you’re introducing a young shooter to the fundamentals of marksmanship on a family farm outside Nashville, or teaching safe firearm handling at a range in Knoxville, the Henry Mini Bolt Compact Matte Stainless Bolt Action Rifle in .22 Long Rifle is a purpose-built tool for the job. Tennessee’s diverse landscape—from the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau to the dense woods of the Smokies—offers countless opportunities for plinking and small game hunting, and this lightweight, compact rifle is designed to make those experiences both safe and enjoyable. With a 16.25-inch barrel and a matte stainless finish that stands up to humidity and rain, this rifle is a practical choice for Tennesseans who value reliability without unnecessary weight.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Henry Mini Bolt Compact is a single-shot, bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is specifically designed for youth shooters, smaller-framed adults, and anyone who wants a simple, no-frills training rifle for teaching marksmanship fundamentals. This is not a tactical firearm or a home defense tool—it is a dedicated plinking and small game rifle that prioritizes safety, accuracy, and ease of use. It appeals to parents looking for a first rifle for their children, scout leaders teaching firearm safety, and experienced shooters who appreciate the discipline of single-shot shooting for precision practice. Collectors may also value the stainless steel construction, which offers corrosion resistance and a clean, timeless appearance.

Key Spec Breakdown

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR). Accepts standard, high-velocity, and subsonic loads.
• Action: Bolt-action, single-shot (no magazine).
• Barrel Length: 16.25 inches. A compact length ideal for small shooters and maneuverability in brush or vehicles.
• Overall Length: Approximately 31 inches (compact size).
• Weight: Roughly 4.5 pounds. Light enough for young shooters to carry and hold steady without fatigue.
• Finish: Matte stainless steel on barrel and receiver. Resists rust and wear in humid Tennessee conditions.
• Stock: Black synthetic stock with a compact length of pull (approximately 12.5 inches) designed for smaller frames.
• Sights: Adjustable rear sight and hooded front sight for precise aiming. Receiver is grooved for scope mounting (optional).
• Safety: Manual thumb safety located on the receiver, easy to engage and disengage.
• Capacity: Single-shot. Each round is loaded manually into the chamber.

Feature Deep-Dive

The Henry Mini Bolt Compact’s stainless steel construction is a standout feature for Tennessee shooters who often face humid conditions, whether storing the rifle in a gun safe or carrying it during a damp morning hunt. The matte finish reduces glare, which is helpful when teaching a youngster to aim in bright sunlight at an outdoor range. Unlike blued steel, stainless steel requires less frequent oiling to prevent rust, making it a low-maintenance option for families who want a rifle that stays reliable with basic care.

The single-shot action is intentionally designed to promote safe handling and deliberate shooting. For a new shooter, this means no risk of a follow-up round chambering automatically, which encourages focus on each shot’s fundamentals—breathing, trigger control, and follow-through. The bolt cycles smoothly with a 60-degree lift, and the manual safety is positioned where a young shooter’s thumb naturally rests. This design reduces the chance of accidental discharge during loading or unloading, a key consideration for parents teaching responsible gun ownership.

The compact stock with a shortened length of pull (12.5 inches) is engineered for smaller shooters. Many youth rifles are simply adult rifles with shorter barrels, but Henry adjusted the stock dimensions to fit a child’s frame, allowing them to hold the rifle correctly without stretching or leaning. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, resisting dings and scratches from rough handling. It also features a soft rubber buttpad to absorb mild recoil, which is negligible with .22 LR but still provides a comfortable shoulder contact point.

The adjustable rear sight and hooded front sight offer clear sight alignment for target acquisition. The rear sight can be drifted for windage and adjusted for elevation, allowing the shooter to zero the rifle for their preferred ammunition. The hooded front sight protects the blade from damage and helps define the sight picture in bright conditions. For those who prefer optics, the receiver is grooved to accept standard .22 scope rings, enabling easy mounting of a compact scope for greater precision at longer distances.

The 16.25-inch barrel is a practical length for a youth-focused rifle. It keeps the overall weight low and the balance point near the shooter’s hands, which helps a young person hold the rifle steady while standing or kneeling. While a longer barrel might offer a slight velocity increase, the difference at typical .22 LR engagement distances (25 to 75 yards) is minimal. This barrel length also makes the rifle easier to pack in a vehicle or carry through brush when pursuing small game like squirrels or rabbits.

Henry’s reputation for customer service and warranty support adds value to this purchase. The Mini Bolt is built in the United States and backed by a one-year warranty against defects. While it is a budget-friendly entry-level rifle, the fit and finish are consistent with Henry’s standards, meaning the bolt locks up tightly, the trigger breaks cleanly, and the stock is free of sharp edges or rough mold lines. This level of quality control reduces the likelihood of malfunctions that could frustrate a new shooter.

Ideal Use Cases

• Youth Training and Marksmanship: The primary use case. Perfect for teaching kids aged 8 to 14 the basics of safe firearm handling, sight alignment, and trigger discipline in a controlled setting.
• Plinking and Recreational Shooting: Lightweight and easy to carry for a day at the range or in the backyard. The single-shot action encourages ammunition conservation and focus.
• Small Game Hunting: Suitable for squirrels, rabbits, and other small game at distances under 50 yards. The .22 LR round is humane with proper shot placement.
• Scout or Club Programs: Many youth shooting programs require single-shot rifles for safety. The Mini Bolt fits this requirement without modification.
• Backup Training Rifle: Experienced shooters can use it for offhand practice or to refine their shooting fundamentals without the distraction of a semi-automatic action.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This rifle is designed for .22 Long Rifle cartridges only. It will not safely chamber .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum (WMR). Standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic loads function reliably. Avoid using .22 LR shotshells, as they may not cycle properly in a bolt action.
• Holsters: Not applicable. This is a long gun, not a handgun. No holster is required or recommended.
• Magazines: No magazine is used. The rifle is single-shot, meaning each round is loaded directly into the chamber. Spare parts are limited to replacement bolts or extractors, which can be sourced through Henry or authorized dealers.
• Accessories: The receiver is grooved for standard .22 rimfire scope rings (3/8-inch dovetail). Compatible scopes include compact 2-7x or 4x models. A sling can be added using aftermarket swivel studs, but the stock does not come pre-drilled. Extra cleaning kits and bore snakes are recommended for stainless steel barrels.
• Cleaning: Use standard .22 caliber cleaning rods and patches. Stainless steel barrels benefit from non-chlorinated solvents to avoid pitting.

FAQ Section

1. Can this rifle be shipped directly to my home in Tennessee?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms shipped to individuals be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. In Tennessee, you must select a local FFL holder (such as a gun shop or pawn shop) to receive the rifle. We will ship the Henry Mini Bolt to your chosen FFL after you provide their contact information during checkout. You will then complete a background check and pay any transfer fees at the FFL’s location.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for Tennessee buyers?
After you place your order, we will request the name and address of your chosen Tennessee FFL dealer. We verify their license with the ATF and ship the rifle directly to them. Once the rifle arrives, you will visit the dealer, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and complete a ATF Form 4473. A background check via the Tennessee Instant Check System (TICS) will be performed. Upon approval, you take possession of the rifle. Transfer fees vary by dealer, typically ranging from $20 to $50.

3. What ammunition is recommended for this rifle?
This rifle is designed for .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition only. We recommend using standard-velocity or high-velocity lead round nose or copper-plated rounds from reputable manufacturers such as CCI, Federal, or Winchester. Avoid using .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum cartridges, as they are not compatible and could cause unsafe pressure conditions. Subsonic ammunition works well for quiet shooting but may require a different zero due to velocity differences.

4. What warranty does Henry offer on this rifle?
Henry Repeating Arms provides a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. The warranty covers the original owner and is non-transferable. If you experience a defect, you must contact Henry’s customer service for a return authorization. This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper cleaning, or use of incorrect ammunition. We recommend keeping your sales receipt as proof of purchase.

5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our facility. If the rifle arrives damaged or with a manufacturing defect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Henry to facilitate a warranty repair or replacement. If you change your mind before the rifle ships, you may cancel the order for a full refund. After shipment, all sales are final. We encourage you to review the specifications carefully before purchasing.

Closing CTA

This Henry Mini Bolt Compact Rifle ships directly to your chosen Tennessee FFL dealer from our licensed inventory. We stock this model for Tennessee families who value a straightforward, reliable .22 LR rifle for teaching the next generation of shooters. Order online, select your preferred FFL during checkout, and we’ll handle the rest. If you have questions about FFL locations in your county or ammunition recommendations, contact our team—we’re happy to help you get started safely.