The Henry Big Boy Side Gate is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special with an American walnut stock and blued steel receiver. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms 
• Model: Big Boy Side Gate 
• Type: Lever Action Rifle 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 37.5 inches 
• Weight: 7 lbs. 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
• Receiver Material/Finish: Steel / Blued 
• Sights: 
  • Front: Brass Bead 
  • Rear: Fully Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn with Diamond Insert 
     

Detailed Features 

1. Lever Action Mechanism: The traditional lever action cycles rounds consistently and allows for rapid follow-up shots once the technique is dialed in. 
    
2. Side Gate Loading: Cartridges load through the side gate while the magazine tube remains loaded. This is a meaningful practical upgrade over the original Henry tube-only loading, particularly for hunting where a quick top-off matters. 
    
3. Adjustable Sights: The brass bead front and fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear work well across the range of distances this caliber is typically used. 
    
4. American Walnut Stock: The walnut stock gives a traditional look and provides a solid, comfortable feel in hand. It contributes meaningfully to the 7-lb weight, which in turn helps manage recoil from .357 Magnum loads. 
    
5. Transfer Bar Safety: The transfer bar prevents the hammer from reaching the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed, a reliable passive safety design. 
    

Target Audience 

The .357 Magnum / .38 Special dual chambering is practical for shooters who want to run cheaper .38 Special loads for practice and .357 Magnum for hunting or serious use. At 10+1 rounds the capacity is good for a lever-action rifle. Hunters, recreational shooters, and those who want a traditional rifle that pairs with a .357 revolver will find this well-suited. 
 

The Big Boy Side Gate in .357 Magnum draws consistently favorable feedback. The walnut stock and blued finish get repeated praise for their appearance, and users who appreciate traditional lever-action aesthetics describe it as one of the better-looking rifles in the category.

Smooth cycling and overall reliability are the most common performance positives. Owners report that the rifle runs both .357 Magnum and .38 Special without issues, and the dual-caliber capability is cited frequently as a practical advantage. The side gate loading feature is specifically mentioned in most reviews, with users contrasting it favorably against the original Henry loading method.

Accuracy at typical lever-rifle ranges is well-regarded. The semi-buckhorn sights and brass bead front give enough precision for hunting and casual target work without needing an immediate optic upgrade.

The most common criticisms are weight (7 lbs is noticeable on long hunts) and trigger feel. Some experienced shooters suggest the trigger could be lighter or crisper, and a few mention wanting factory sights with a little more precision for longer-range target work. Neither complaint is severe, and overall owner satisfaction is high. The rifle is frequently recommended to others looking for a quality .357 lever action.