The Henry Big Boy Mare's Leg Side Gate is a lever-action pistol chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special with a 12.9-inch barrel and 25-inch overall length. It holds 5+1 rounds, weighs 5.8 lbs, and has a 1:16-inch twist rate. The receiver has a polished hardened brass finish and the stock is American walnut. 
 
Key Specifications 

• Brand: Henry 
• Model Name: Big Boy Mare's Leg Side Gate 
• Caliber: .357 MAG / .38 Special 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 5+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 12.9 inches 
• Overall Length: 25 inches 
• Weight: 5.8 lbs. 
• Twist Rate: 1:16 inches 
• Receiver Finish: Polished Hardened Brass 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
   
  Detailed Features 
  The octagon barrel profile improves rigidity and gives the Mare's Leg its distinctive look. A brass bead front sight with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear delivers workable accuracy at pistol distances. The transfer bar safety prevents unintended discharge. The polished brass receiver finish is durable and visually distinctive in a way that wood-and-metal combinations seldom achieve. The American walnut stock keeps the weight down and handles comfortably for extended sessions. 
   
  Target Audience 
  Suited to enthusiasts who value traditional lever-action design and want something that handles differently from a standard handgun. Collectors drawn to Old West aesthetics will find it appealing. Shooters who want a .357/.38 platform in a compact lever-action format get a functionally distinctive option. 
   
  Usage Scenarios 
• Home defense: the .357 Magnum caliber and fast lever action work for close-range defensive use. 
• Sport shooting: accurate enough for casual competitions and range sessions. 
• Historical reenactment and collecting: the design's connection to Old West iconography makes it a natural fit.

The Henry Big Boy Mare's Leg draws collectors and lever-action fans who appreciate its unconventional format.

The design draws consistent admiration. Most users describe the combination of cowboy-pistol aesthetics with lever-action function as genuinely appealing, and the compact dimensions get called out as a practical advantage. Henry's build quality sets a consistent baseline: materials, finishing, and overall construction are frequently cited as reliable and well-executed.

Performance reports are generally positive. The action cycles smoothly, and the ability to shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special gives useful flexibility for different shooting situations. Accuracy is adequate for the range and light hunting at reasonable distances.

The handling discussion is more mixed. The unconventional shape takes adjustment for some shooters, particularly around aim and follow-through, and a few users find it takes time to get comfortable compared to a conventional handgun. The 5+1 capacity is the most common practical limitation noted, particularly for those comparing it to standard pistols. Price opinions vary, with some seeing the premium as fair for the uniqueness and quality, and others finding comparable calibers available for less in a more conventional format.

The nostalgic connection to Western film and culture adds a layer of enjoyment that many owners mention explicitly.