The Henry Big Boy Mare's Leg in .357 Magnum is a lever-action pistol modeled after the sawed-down Winchester carried in the 1950s TV western "Wanted: Dead or Alive." It's legally classified as a pistol in most jurisdictions because of its short barrel and lack of a shoulder stock. Henry builds it with their Big Boy action and hardware: polished brass receiver, blued barrel, and American walnut furniture. 
 

Key Specifications 

• UPC: 619835060150 
• Caliber: .357 MAG 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 5 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 12.9 inches 
• Weight: 5.8 lbs. 
• Finish: Polished Brass Receiver with Blued Barrel 
   
  The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight give a longer sight radius than most pistols, which helps at distance. The 12.9-inch barrel is short enough to handle like a pistol while still extracting reasonable velocity from the .357 cartridge. It also chambers .38 Special. 
   
  Henry's fit and finish on this platform is consistently above average. The polished brass and blued steel combination looks good and holds up. This is primarily a range and collection piece; the 5-round capacity and lever-action manual of arms make it a less practical defensive tool than a revolver or semi-auto.

Buyers of the Henry Big Boy Mare's Leg tend to know exactly what they're getting, which keeps the sentiment fairly positive.

The Henry build quality is the consistent praise point. Fit and finish are described as genuinely good. The brass receiver is polished well, and the blued barrel shows care in manufacture. Owners who've handled other Henry products find this one consistent with the brand's standards.

The shooting experience gets favorable comments. The lever-action cycle is smooth, the .357 Magnum round is satisfying to shoot, and the longer sight radius compared to a conventional handgun does produce better accuracy for most shooters. Recoil from .357 Magnum in a 5.8 lb. package is manageable; some owners note it's more noticeable than a full-size revolver.

The practical vs. novelty debate comes up in nearly every discussion. Most buyers land on the side of recreational use and collecting. The 5-round capacity and lever-action operation mean most users aren't seriously considering it for defensive carry. This isn't a criticism of the gun; it's just an accurate read of what it is.

Price relative to a conventional .357 revolver is occasionally flagged as a consideration. Most buyers who've done the research accept it; those who expected utility-revolver pricing express some sticker shock.

It's a known collector interest piece, and its unusual classification and visual appeal make it a range conversation starter.