The Henry Big Boy Side Gate in .30-30 WIN is a lever-action rifle with a 20-inch octagon-profile barrel, polished brass receiver, and American walnut stock. The side gate allows loading from the right side of the receiver in addition to the traditional tube magazine loading. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .30-30 WIN 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 5+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 39 inches 
• Weight: 8.3 lbs 
• Twist Rate: 1:12 
• Receiver Finish: Brass 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
   

Features 

The octagon barrel adds mass that helps stability and gives the rifle its traditional look alongside the brass receiver. Sights are an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front, both well-suited to typical lever-action shooting distances. 
 
The transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed. The large lever loop provides easier operation for shooters wearing gloves. 
 

Use Cases 

The .30-30 Win cartridge is a proven deer cartridge in wooded or brushy terrain where shots rarely exceed 150 yards. The side gate loading system speeds up topping off without fully unloading the magazine first, which is useful in a hunting context. At 8.3 lbs it's on the heavier end for a lever action, but the weight helps tame felt recoil.

The Henry Big Boy Brass .30-30 with the large lever loop gets consistently positive reviews, with a few practical notes from owners.

Craftsmanship is the most common talking point. The brass receiver and walnut stock combination gets attention at the range, and owners take pride in the visual appeal. The brass components are noted for their fit and finish quality.

The lever action cycles smoothly, and the large loop is specifically called out as an improvement for gloved or large-handed shooters. That detail matters in cold weather hunting.

Accuracy with .30-30 satisfies most users at typical deer hunting distances. The semi-buckhorn sights work well enough that most owners don't immediately reach for a scope, though the top-drilled receiver accommodates one.

Weight comes up as the main practical concern. At 8.3 lbs the Big Boy is heavier than some competing .30-30 lever guns. Most find it manageable for a day's hunt; those doing significant hiking on rough ground feel it more.

Balance during extended carry draws mixed comments. A minority find it tiring to carry at balance, though most describe it as comfortable enough.

The brass Big Boy is a beautiful rifle, but my first experience with its action was mixed. I loaded five Federal rounds and the first one would not eject, leaving the rifle jammed. Clearing that problem gave me an unexpected lesson in taking it apart and reassembling it. I then switched to Hornady ammunition, which cycled correctly. The rifle's appearance is excellent, though the sharp contrast between those two loads makes ammunition choice an important consideration for my example.