The Henry Big Boy Side Gate is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt (LC), holding 10+1 rounds in a 20-inch octagon-profile barrel. It weighs 8.7 lbs. The receiver is polished brass, the barrel is blued steel, and the stock is American walnut. A brass bead front sight pairs with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. The side loading gate allows topping off the magazine without fully breaking your shooting position. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Big Boy Side Gate 
• Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 10 rounds +1 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches (Octagon Profile) 
• Weight: 8.7 lbs. 
• Finish: Polished Brass Receiver; Blued Barrel 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
   

Detailed Features 

The side gate loading port means you can add rounds to the magazine while the rifle is in a firing position — a meaningful advantage over tube-loading designs that require tilting the rifle. The 10+1 capacity is generous for a lever gun. The polished brass receiver and American walnut stock are finished to a high standard. The transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge without resting the hammer. 
 
The semi-buckhorn rear sight adjusts for elevation and windage, and the brass bead front sight is fast to acquire. The .45 Colt cartridge is a substantial round at typical lever-action distances. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Hunting deer and similar-sized game at close to moderate range, where .45 Colt energy is adequate and the 10+1 capacity is a buffer for follow-up shots. 
• Competitive lever-action events where the side gate reload is a speed advantage. 
• Collecting or display where the polished brass and walnut combination makes the rifle a visual centerpiece.

The Henry Big Boy in .45 Colt draws consistent admiration for its craftsmanship. The polished brass receiver and walnut stock combination is widely regarded as one of the more handsome lever-action pairings in current production, and owners mention the historical resonance of the format as part of the appeal. The lever action cycles smoothly, accuracy is rated well at practical .45 Colt distances, and Henry's customer service gets positive marks from most owners who have dealt with them.

Weight is the most common practical concern — 8.7 lbs is toward the heavier end for field carry, though it contributes to manageable recoil. Price generates split opinions: some consider it fair for the quality, others feel the cost is high compared to competitors. Aftermarket accessory options are more limited than for more popular platforms, which matters to buyers who plan modifications.