The Henry Repeating Arms Big Boy Carbine Side Gate (Model H012GCR) is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt with a 16.5-inch barrel, 7-round tube magazine, and American walnut stock. At 6.59 lbs and 34 inches overall, it's one of the more compact Big Boy configurations Henry makes. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model Number: H012GCR 
• Action Type: Lever Action Large Loop 
• Caliber: .45 Colt 
• Capacity: 7 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 16.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 34 inches 
• Weight: 6.59 lbs 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
• Finish: Blued Steel 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
   

Detailed Features 

The blued round steel barrel is fitted with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and a brass bead front sight, giving you a classic sight picture that works at typical lever-action distances. The solid rubber recoil pad manages .45 Colt recoil during extended sessions. 
 
The lever action cycles rounds smoothly, and the large loop lever accommodates gloved hands in cold weather. The side gate loading system lets you top off the magazine without removing the rifle from your shoulder -- a practical advantage when time matters. 
 

Target Audience 

Works for both newer shooters developing lever-action technique and experienced hunters or sport shooters who want a shorter, lighter .45 Colt rifle. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

In dense brush or woods, the 16.5-inch barrel makes the rifle easier to maneuver than a full-length lever gun. At a competition, the smooth action and accurate sighting system support consistent performance. The .45 Colt caliber is versatile enough for informal target shooting as well as hunting.

The Henry Big Boy Carbine in .45 Colt draws consistently positive feedback with a few specific points of discussion.

Craftsmanship gets the most praise. The wood finish and metalwork are described as high quality, with the walnut and blued steel combination appealing especially to shooters who prefer traditional aesthetics. The .45 Colt caliber is appreciated for its versatility across target shooting and hunting applications, and accuracy at various distances is noted favorably.

The 16.5-inch barrel makes this one of the more maneuverable lever-action rifles in the lineup. Most users find the weight manageable and the carbine easy to carry in field conditions, which particularly benefits shooters who have difficulty with heavier firearms.

The side gate loading system draws consistent positive comments. Loading through the side gate while keeping the rifle shouldered is faster and more practical than tube-loading methods, and many owners specifically chose this model for that feature.

Recoil is described as manageable, making it accessible to a range of experience levels. Some owners have added optics or other accessories, which the design accommodates without difficulty. Occasional critiques mention preferences for different calibers, and a few find the weight slightly high for extended carry -- neither concern dominates the overall sentiment.