The Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate (H012GMAW) is a .357 Magnum/.38 Special lever-action rifle with a 20-inch barrel, 10+1 capacity, and a 7 lb weight at 37.5 inches overall. The industrial hard chrome satin receiver finish and stained hardwood stock are built to handle varied weather conditions. The twist rate is 1:16. Sights are a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear with diamond insert and a brass bead front. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model Number: H012GMAW 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 10 Rounds (10+1) 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 37.5 inches 
• Weight: 7 lbs. 
• Stock Material: Stained Hardwood 
• Receiver Finish: Industrial Hard Chrome Satin 
• Trigger Type: Standard 
• Sights: 
  • Rear Sight: Fully Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn with Diamond Insert 
  • Front Sight: Brass Bead 
     

Detailed Features 

 
The side gate loading system lets the shooter top off the magazine without removing the rifle from the shoulder, which is a practical advantage in hunting and competitive scenarios. The stained hardwood stock is durable without sacrificing the traditional look. At 20 inches the barrel provides good velocity for the .357 Magnum cartridge and handles well in the field. The 1:16 twist rate is suited to the bullet weights common in .357 Magnum and .38 Special. The transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge. 
 

Target Audience 

Hunters and range shooters who want a .357/.38 lever-action that can take weather abuse. Shooters who want the side gate convenience over traditional tube loading. Anyone who appreciates the dual-caliber flexibility of .357 Magnum and .38 Special in a single platform. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Hunting large game: .357 Magnum is effective on deer at close range. 
2. Sport shooting: side gate and smooth action support competitive lever-action events. 
3. Home defense: 10+1 capacity and manageable dimensions for indoor use.

The Henry Big Boy All-Weather .357 Mag gets positive overall feedback, with some nuanced takes on specific features.

Build quality is the consistent strength. Most users specifically call out the hard chrome receiver finish as both durable and good-looking, and the stained hardwood stock holds up to regular use without the weather sensitivity of an unfinished wood stock. Shooting experience draws good marks: the .357 Magnum is manageable for most users and the lever action is smooth. The dual caliber capability with .38 Special is frequently appreciated as a practical cost-saving option for practice.

The side gate feature divides opinion more than on other Henry models. Some shooters find it a significant practical upgrade for reloading; others prefer the traditional tube-loading method and see the gate as an unnecessary change. Most who use it regularly seem to come around to appreciating the convenience.

Accuracy feedback is positive across the board. The 20-inch barrel and adjustable sights work well for hunting and range work. Price comparisons come up occasionally, with some users placing it above similar caliber options from other manufacturers. Henry's customer service gets consistently favorable mentions in user discussions.