The Henry Big Boy Side Gate in .45 Colt is a lever-action rifle with a 20" blued barrel, American walnut stock, and the side gate loading system that Henry added to let shooters top off rounds without removing the rifle from their shoulder. The large-loop lever and classic furniture keep the traditional aesthetic intact. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model Number: H012GCL 
• Action Type: Lever Action Large Loop 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Capacity: 10 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 37.5 inches 
• Weight: 7 lbs. 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
• Receiver Finish: Blued Steel 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
• Rear Sight: Fully Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn 
• Front Sight: Brass Bead 
   
  The .45 Colt cartridge has mild recoil in a rifle-weight platform like this one, making it comfortable over long sessions. The 10-round tube magazine loads quickly via the side gate compared to traditional tube-fed designs. The transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is deliberately pressed. At 7 lbs. and 37.5" overall it balances well for both hunting and range use.

The Henry Big Boy in .45 Colt gets strong marks from owners on craftsmanship, smooth lever action, and fit and finish. The walnut stock and blued steel are consistently praised as well-executed for the price. Accuracy is a recurring theme - owners report tight groupings and appreciate the versatility of the .45 Colt cartridge for both target work and hunting.

The side gate loading draws favorable comparisons to traditional tube-fed designs, particularly for shooters who want to keep the rifle shouldered while reloading.

On the critical side, the 7 lb. weight is occasionally mentioned as tiring during long carry days in the field. A few shooters note the recoil is slightly more noticeable than expected given the caliber, though most describe it as manageable. Overall reception is strongly positive.