The Henry Golden Boy Deluxe is a lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .17 HMR, built around an octagonal barrel and a brass receiver with an American walnut stock. It's a working small-game and varmint rifle that also happens to look like something worth keeping. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Goldenboy Deluxe 
• Caliber: 17 HMR 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 12+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches (Octagon) 
• Overall Length: 38.5 inches 
• Weight: 6.75 lbs 
• Safety: Hammer safety mechanism 
• Twist Rate: 1 in 9 inches 
• Grip Type: Standard 
• Sights: Brass Bead Front & Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear 
   

Detailed Features 

The lever action cycles quickly and smoothly, which suits the fast, low-recoil .17 HMR well. The cartridge is accurate at longer ranges compared to other rimfire rounds and holds a notably flat trajectory, so it's a practical choice for varmints out to 150 yards. 
 
The brass bead front sight pairs with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear. Both are user-serviceable in the field. The hammer safety is mechanical and straightforward. The 20-inch octagonal barrel is the defining visual element, and combined with the brass receiver and finely grained walnut stock, it gives the rifle a period-correct appearance that's genuinely handsome. 
 
At 6.75 lbs. and 38.5 inches overall, it balances well and isn't tiring to carry on a morning squirrel or rabbit hunt. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

The .17 HMR caliber is most useful on small game and varmints (squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, ground squirrels) where the flat trajectory and minimal pelt damage are real advantages. It's also a natural range rifle for anyone who enjoys lever-action shooting without the cost of centerfire ammunition. New shooters and younger hunters will find the recoil almost nonexistent and the manual of arms intuitive.

The Golden Boy Deluxe .17 HMR attracts a mix of traditional lever-action fans and practical small-game hunters, and feedback from both groups is generally positive.

The brass receiver and walnut stock get the most comments. Owners describe the finish quality as genuinely good for a production rifle, and many mention that it's a gun people notice and ask about at the range. The lever action is smooth out of the box.

Accuracy with .17 HMR draws consistent praise. Shooters report tight groups at 100 yards and confident hits on varmints further out, which matches what the cartridge is capable of with its flat trajectory. Recoil is minimal, and that gets mentioned specifically by buyers who shoot with kids or newer shooters.

On the downside, price comes up often. Some buyers feel Henry prices run higher than comparable rimfire leveractions and debate whether the craftsmanship justifies the difference. A few users also wish the rifle had more versatility for larger game, though that's really a cartridge question, not a rifle one. Parts and accessories availability is occasionally raised as something to check before buying.

Overall, the sentiment is favorable. Owners tend to feel good about the purchase and describe it as both a functional field rifle and one they're happy to own long-term.