The Henry Repeating Arms Axe Shotgun is a lever-action .410 bore shotgun with a 15.14-inch barrel. It weighs 5.75 lbs and holds 5 rounds in the tube plus one in the chamber. The receiver and barrel are blued steel, and a fiber optic front sight aids target acquisition. The screw-in Invector choke system lets you swap choke tubes to adjust shot pattern for different applications. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms 
• Model: Lever Action Axe Shotgun 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Caliber/Gauge: .410 Bore 
• Barrel Length: 15.14 inches 
• Capacity: 5 rounds (plus one in the chamber) 
• Weight: 5.75 lbs. 
• Finish: Black & Blued Steel 
• Sights: Fiber Optic Front Sight 
   

Detailed Features 

The lever action cycles smoothly, which is one of the more satisfying things about shooting the Axe. At 15.14 inches, the barrel is compact enough to handle in dense brush or tight spaces, though the short length does mean you give up some range compared to a full-size shotgun barrel. The transfer bar safety mechanism prevents discharge unless the trigger is actively pulled, which is a practical feature for transport and storage. 
 
The Invector choke system is a genuine advantage: tighter chokes for small game where you want a dense pattern, wider spreads for closer work. The .410 bore keeps recoil mild, which makes the platform approachable for new shooters or anyone sensitive to recoil. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Small game hunting — rabbit, squirrel — where .410 limits meat damage and the light weight makes all-day carry easy. 
• Clay target shooting at the range where the compact, quick-handling design is a natural fit. 
• Home defense where the compact size helps with maneuvering indoors and the recoil stays manageable.

The Henry Axe attracts strong interest from people who want a compact, lightweight shotgun that does more than one job. The .410 gauge gets credit for its low recoil, which makes the gun accessible to new shooters and younger shooters. The lever action mechanism draws consistent praise for its smooth cycling and the tactile appeal of working the lever.

Build quality generally rates well — the materials feel solid and the fit is consistent with Henry's reputation. Some owners note that the 5-round capacity feels limiting for certain defensive scenarios, and experienced shooters occasionally comment that .410 lacks stopping power compared to 12 or 20 gauge options. Range performance is rated good at close-to-moderate distances; at longer ranges opinions split, which is expected for the caliber and barrel length. Price opinions vary, with most owners feeling the cost is fair for what they get.