The Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine Side Gate is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special with a 16.5-inch barrel and large loop lever. It holds 7 rounds plus 1 in the chamber, weighs 6.6 lbs, and measures 34 inches overall. The blued steel finish pairs with an American walnut stock that has a rubber buttpad. A drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Big Boy Steel Carbine Side Gate 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action Type: Lever Action (Large Loop) 
• Capacity: 7+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 16.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 34 inches 
• Weight: 6.6 lbs 
• Finish: Blued Steel with American Walnut Stock 
• Front Sight: Brass Bead 
• Rear Sight: Fully Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn with Diamond Insert 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The oversized loop is the defining feature of this carbine. It makes cycling straightforward with gloves or for shooters with larger hands, and allows faster follow-up shots than a standard-sized lever. The walnut stock feels solid and the rubber buttpad reduces recoil impact with .357 Magnum loads. The fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight lets you dial in elevation and windage. The transfer bar safety prevents the firing pin from striking unless the trigger is fully pressed. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope rings if you prefer magnified optics over iron sights. The side gate allows topping off the tubular magazine without removing rounds, which standard Henry loading ports don't permit.

Owners of the Henry Big Boy .357 Mag Classic Carbine with large loop are consistently positive about the build quality and aesthetics. The wood finish and blued metalwork draw frequent compliments from people who want a traditional-looking lever gun.

The large loop lever is a consistent positive, especially from owners who shoot in cold weather with gloves, or who just find the larger lever more comfortable to operate quickly.

Accuracy and smooth action get good marks. The .357/.38 caliber versatility is practical: owners can run cheap .38 Special for training and .357 Magnum for hunting or defense.

Critical feedback is limited. Some mention the 6.6 lb weight as more than they expected for a carbine-length rifle. A few note the 16.5-inch barrel limits effective range compared to a full-length rifle, though most consider it appropriate for the intended uses.