The Henry Big Boy Side Gate (model H006GM) is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special with a polished hardened brass receiver, American walnut stock, and a 20-inch octagon barrel. Capacity is 10 rounds fed through a side gate that lets you reload without removing the magazine tube plug. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: H006GM (Big Boy Side Gate) 
• Type: Lever Action Rifle 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Capacity: 10 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20" 
• Overall Length: 38.5" 
• Weight: 8.68 lbs 
• Receiver Finish: Polished Hardened Brass 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
• Sights: 
• Front: Brass Bead 
• Rear: Fully Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn with Diamond Insert 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
• Best Uses: Target Shooting / Hunting / Collecting 
   

Detailed Features 

The 20-inch octagon barrel is finished in blued steel. The polished hardened brass receiver is factory-fitted to the walnut stock. The side gate loads without clearing the chamber or removing any component from the rifle. The fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with diamond insert and brass bead front give a clear sight picture at hunting distances. Twist rate is 1:16. The transfer bar safety system prevents accidental discharge. 
 
Dual caliber compatibility lets you train on cheaper .38 Special and switch to .357 Magnum for hunting or field use without changing platforms. 
 

Target Audience 

Hunters who want a .357 Magnum lever gun for medium game. Cowboy action shooters who run the 20-inch configuration. Collectors who want the classic brass-and-walnut octagon-barrel look at the full rifle length. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

At 38.5 inches overall this is primarily a field and range rifle rather than a tight-quarters option. The side gate speeds up topping off in the field. Dual caliber compatibility gives flexibility in training and field loads.

The Henry Big Boy Side Gate .357 Mag in brass and walnut gets consistent positive feedback across lever-action rifle communities.

Owners lead with the look: the brass receiver and walnut stock combination at this length gets called out as one of the better-looking production lever guns available. Henry's fit and finish reputation is reinforced in most reviews. Lever action smoothness is mentioned repeatedly. The .357 Magnum caliber draws favor for its versatility - useful from small game to deer-sized targets depending on load selection. The side gate loading feature is viewed as a genuine usability improvement over traditional end-cap tube loading, with reviewers noting shorter reload times.

The honest negatives are weight and occasional sight adjustment needs. At 8.68 lbs it is heavier than some competing lever guns, which becomes relevant for longer carry periods in the field. A minority of reviewers mention needing to fine-tune the rear sight for a precise zero out of the box. Neither criticism dominates overall discussion, which runs strongly positive.