A Tactical Lever Action: Henry Big Boy X Model Review

History of Henry Rifles

In the world of firearms development, there exists an elite group of individuals whose contributions become synonymous within the field. One such luminary is Benjamin Tyler Henry, the visionary behind the iconic Henry Rifle.

In 1860, Mr. Henry conceived a game-changing invention: the first practical, lever-action repeating rifle. This groundbreaking firearm granted a lone marksman the firepower equivalent to a dozen musket-wielding comrades. As the flames of the Civil War engulfed America, the Henry Rifle found its way into the hands of Union soldiers by 1862, rapidly gaining popularity among both the military and civilians. Notably, early sales thrived in states like Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. Fueled by its revolutionary design and rapid rate of fire, the Henry, armed with its reliable .44 caliber rimfire metallic cartridge, delivered a potent combination of speed and accuracy.

Tales of its battlefield prowess, like Major William Ludlow’s account of the Battle of Allatoona Pass, were numerous, testifying to its extraordinary firepower. The Henry Rifle’s legendary status endured, and it played a pivotal role in the frontier days of the American West, ultimately becoming one of the most revered and sought-after rifles in the annals of firearms history.

Today, Henry Repeating Arms continues the legacy of craftsmanship, smooth lever action, and reliability that Benjamin Tyler Henry envisioned. Their lever-action rifles pay homage to a rich history while embracing modern quality and innovation. This history sets the stage for our in-depth review of the Henry Big Boy X Model. A firearm that exemplifies the enduring spirit of Henry Repeating Arms.

Unboxing the Henry Big Boy X Model .44 Magnum

Before we dive right into the Henry Big Boy X Model, let me take you through the unboxing experience. The lever-action rifle arrives in a cardboard box adorned with the unmistakable Henry branding. It’s a simple yet classic presentation.

Upon opening the box, you’ll find the rifle itself, protected by plastic wrapping. The packaging is minimalistic but effective, fulfilling its primary duty of safeguarding the firearm during transit. Alongside the rifle, you’ll discover a few essentials: an instructions manual to acquaint you with the firearm’s operation, a Henry tag that adds a touch of authenticity, and an ammo inspection tag.

While there might not be an abundance of items inside the box, the packaging is secure and definitely does its job well in ensuring that the Henry Big Boy X Model arrives in pristine condition, ready for your inspection and admiration. Now, let’s move on to the exciting part – getting to know the rifle itself.

Overview and Features

Henry Big Boy X Model .44 Magnum Specifications and Features

Specification	Detail
Barrel Length	17.4″
Barrel Type	Round Blued Steel
Rate of Twist	1:20
Overall Length	36.3″
Weight	7.3 lbs.
Receiver Finish	Blued Steel
Rear Sight	Fully Adj. Fiber Optic
Front Sight	Fiber Optic
Scopeability	Drilled and Tapped
Scope Mount Type	BB-RSM
Stock Material	Black Synthetic
Buttplate/Pad	Black Solid Rubber Recoil Pad
Length of Pull	14″
Safety	Transfer Bar
Best Uses	Target/Hunting/Large Game
Embellishments/Extras	Swivel Studs, Large Loop Lever, M-Lok, Picatinny Rail, 5/8×24 Threaded Barrel, Fiber Optic Sights

Overview:

The Henry Big Boy X Model is a versatile lever-action rifle with impressive specifications and factory features. It sports a 17.4-inch round blued steel barrel with a 1:20 twist rate, optimizing accuracy for the .44 Magnum cartridge. With an overall length of 36.3 inches and a weight of 7.3 pounds, it strikes a balance between maneuverability and stability. The blued steel receiver finish adds durability and elegance to the rifle.

Factory features include fully adjustable fiber optic rear sights and a fiber optic front sight for quick and precise target acquisition. The rifle is drilled and tapped for scope mounting, accommodating various optics. Its black synthetic stock is durable and resistant to the elements, complemented by a black solid rubber recoil pad. The 14-inch length of pull ensures a comfortable fit for shooters of all sizes, and the transfer bar safety mechanism adds an extra layer of security. With swivel studs, a large loop lever, M-Lok compatibility, a Picatinny rail, a 5/8×24 threaded barrel, and fiber optic sights, the Big Boy X Model is ready for a wide range of shooting scenarios, making it a reliable choice for both target shooting and hunting, including large game.

Overall Appearance

The Henry Big Boy X Model breaks the mold of traditional lever-action rifles. It has a distinct, tactical appearance that immediately grabs your attention. The black synthetic furniture adds a modern touch, departing from the classic wooden stocks often seen on lever-actions. This bold black finish complements the rifle’s utilitarian design.

What truly stands out is the Picatinny rail & MLok slots on the front of the handguard. This feature enhances versatility and allows it to be tailored to your preference, allowing you to attach various accessories such as lights, lasers, or grips. It’s a practical addition that opens up numerous possibilities for tailoring your rifle to your preferences.

The threaded barrel not only adds functionality but also contributes to the rifle’s overall aesthetics, hinting at its adaptability for suppressors or muzzle brakes. And, of course, the pistol grip style stock seals the deal for me. It’s not just about looks, it offers a comfortable and ergonomic grip, making the rifle easy to handle during range sessions.

In summary, the Henry Big Boy X Model is a head-turner, blending classic charm with modern appeal. Its unique appearance and practical features make it a standout choice, not just as a firearm but as a work of art you’ll proudly showcase.

Threaded Barrel

The Henry Big Boy X Model boasts a 17.4-inch threaded barrel. The barrel has a 5/8×24 thread pitch and ready to accept a suppressor or other muzzle device. This threaded feature is not only functional but also forward-thinking, allowing for customization to suit your needs. Plus, a screw-on thread protector is included, ensuring that your muzzle threads stay protected and in top shape.

In my experience I haven’t felt the immediate need to attach anything to the barrel just yet. However, I can’t help but think about the possibilities. In an upcoming build breakdown featuring this rifle, I’m seriously considering testing out a muzzle brake to see how it might further elevate the rifle’s already impressive performance. But only time will tell what I decide. Hit the comment below with some suggestions!

Sights/Optics

Mounted on the barrel of the Henry Big Boy X Model are highly visible fiber optic sights with a fully adjustable rear sight, designed to aid in quick target acquisition. However, in my personal experience, right out of the box, I encountered a minor issue with the sights. The rear sight was very loose and required adjustment to get them properly aligned and secure. Once this was done, I could fully evaluate their performance.

During well lit range sessions, these fiber optic iron sights proved to be excellent, offering a bright and highly visible sight picture. However, it’s worth noting that in low light conditions, their visibility can be somewhat compromised.

If you prefer a scope, Henry has you covered with a drilled and tapped section on the top of the receiver for easy rail mounting, allowing you to equip a red dot or scope. In my case, I eventually mounted a prism scope from Swampfox Optics, a decision I’ll delve into further in our upcoming build breakdown. To see the details of this setup, you can click here for more information.

Handguard

The handguard of the Henry Big Boy X Model is a standout feature that blends comfort, functionality, and customization. Made from black synthetic material, it offers an ergonomic design that I personally find very comfortable, thanks to its smooth bottom and textured sides. This design enhances grip and control during both handling and firing, making it a joy to shoot.

What truly elevates the handguard is the inclusion of a Picatinny rail on the front section. This is an unconventional yet highly practical addition for a lever-action rifle, adding versatility and tactical capability. It opens up possibilities for attaching various accessories like lights, lasers, or grips, setting the Big Boy X Model apart from traditional lever actions. Additionally, Henry went the extra mile by incorporating M-Lok sections on both sides of the handguard, further expanding customization options. In my opinion, this handguard is a testament to Henry’s commitment to innovation and user experience.

But that’s not all – the handguard offers integrated mounting points for a sling, ensuring ease of carry and transport. With both the Picatinny rail and M-Lok accessory slots, the handguard provides ample space to mount the tools and accessories you need for your task at hand. In my assessment, Henry has truly hit the mark with this handguard, and my favorite aspect of this lever action. It’s a comfortable, versatile, and user-friendly component that adds significant value to the Big Boy X Model.

Grip

The pistol grip style grip on the Henry Big Boy X Model is a feature that I personally find exceptionally comfortable. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about functionality and how it feels in your hand. What makes it even better is the addition of textured sections on both sides of the grip, enhancing grip and stability, particularly when firing and maneuvering at the range.

In terms of size, I’d describe it as just right – a medium-sized grip that’s accommodating for various hand sizes. At 5’6″, my hands tend to be on the smaller side, but I’ve found the grip to be neither too big nor too small. It strikes a balance that makes it comfortable for me to hold and shoot. I feel comfortable saying this grip size should suit a wide range of shooters, catering to both those with smaller hands and those with larger ones, adding to the rifle’s overall versatility and appeal.

Trigger

When it comes to the trigger on the Henry Big Boy X Model, there are some noteworthy aspects to consider. First and foremost, when the hammer is cocked, you’ll notice that the trigger travel is exceptionally minimal. This design choice results in a trigger that offers a firm yet light pull.

Now, I think it’s time for our traditional trigger pull test. We used the Wheeler manual trigger pull scale to measure three consecutive trigger pulls and create an average. The results are quite impressive, with the three pulls registering at 3.6 pounds, 3.9 pounds, and 3.9 pounds, averaging out to a highly respectable 3.8 pounds.

In terms of feel, the trigger is generally great and provides a light pull, though it could benefit from a slightly crisper break in my opinion. However, this is a minor point, as the trigger still offers excellent performance. With this trigger, I have no doubt that accuracy won’t be an issue.

Lever Action

The lever action on the Henry Big Boy X Model provides a very firm and distinct seat when the lever is in its fully closed position. It gives you a reassuring feeling of solidity. However, when it comes to using the lever to cycle and cock the hammer, it feels rather average. There’s nothing particularly special about it, and there’s definitely room for improvement in terms of smoothness. One noticeable aspect is that you can’t be too gentle with the lever, or it won’t fully seat and lock into place. The detent is quite firm and can take a bit of force to seat it, which is a positive feature as it ensures that the lever will never accidentally fall out of its fully closed position.

As for the hammer, it’s designed with serrations on the top to aid in grip when manually cocking it. This is a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall usability of the firearm. In terms of feel, the hammer is exceptionally smooth, which I’m a big fan of. A smooth cocking hammer contributes to ease of use and can make a significant difference in the overall shooting experience. While the lever action could be a hair smoother, the hammer operation is a highlight, enhancing the rifle’s user-friendliness.

Stock

The stock of the Henry Big Boy X Model shares the same black synthetic material as the handguard, creating a tactical and modern look. In terms of length, I find it to be just right, providing a comfortable hold and balance for the rifle. Given my height of 5’6”, I don’t possess the longest arms, yet I have no trouble fully extending the lever while shouldering the rifle. This is a HUGE plus only enhancing the overall comfort and usability of the rifle.

However, when it comes to the recoil pad, there’s room for improvement. The black solid rubber recoil pad, while functional, is notably firm and hard. It certainly does its job, especially with the .44 Magnum cartridge. Still, for those considering larger calibers, an upgrade might be in order to enhance comfort during recoil.

Magazine

The Henry Big Boy X Model features a magazine system that combines convenience and practicality. Positioned directly underneath the barrel, this lever-action rifle utilizes a 7-round removable tube magazine. This design not only simplifies the unloading process but also contributes to the rifle’s overall efficiency.

What sets this magazine system apart is the addition of a side loading gate. This feature allows you to keep the magazine topped off with additional rounds without the need to remove the tube magazine or suppressor if one is attached. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the rifle’s user-friendliness and ensures that you’re always prepared for your next shot. This just shows how much thought Henry put into this rifle. Whether you’re at the range or out in the field, this magazine system offers a seamless experience.

Live Fire at the Range

First impressions after firing the Henry Big Boy X Model chambered in .44 Magnum are nothing short of fantastic. I’d go as far as saying that it’s currently one of my most enjoyable firearms at the moment. Despite the initial hiccup with the loose rear sight, once that issue was corrected and the rifle was properly sighted in, it proved to be remarkably accurate and consistent. After all, it’s still a Henry rifle.

Around the 300-400 round mark, I decided it was time for some cleaning and lubrication. To my surprise, I discovered that three screws on the receiver were loose and needed attention. It’s worth noting that this seems to be a common issue with the Henry X Model straight from the factory, indicating room for improvement in quality control. With the rear sight and these loose screws, it’s hard not to agree with those concerns. After tightening everything up and preparing for the next range day, we continued to test the rifle, firing both .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds.

While the firearm performed flawlessly with .44 Magnum, we did encounter an occasional issue with .44 Special rounds. Sometimes, if you don’t hold the rifle in a specific position while cycling, the shorter .44 Special rounds can get stuck/jam and require some maneuvering to feed into the chamber. Given this, I’ll be sticking with .44 Magnum rounds for this rifle.

Despite these minor hiccups, firing the Henry Big Boy X Model chambered in .44 Magnum is an absolute blast. It’s currently one of my favorite firearm, and I can’t wait to get back out on the range with it. In fact, we have plans for a full build using Ranger Point Precision furniture and more. If you’re interested in the complete build breakdown, you can click here. All in all, I give the fun factor of this firearm is a 8.9 out of 10, making it a true standout in my collection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Henry Big Boy X Model is a rifle that demands attention. It successfully marries the timeless appeal of a lever-action design with modern day features and aesthetics, creating a firearm that excels in both form and function.

While it had some minor issues, such as the loose sight and loose screws on the receiver. Once sorted out, the rifle shines, delivering a remarkable shooting experience that one would expect from a Henry firearm.

What sets the Big Boy X Model apart is its versatility. With features like a threaded barrel, Picatinny rail and M-Lok slots it offers a broad canvas for customization. Whether you’re using it for target shooting, hunting, or self defense, this rifle has a lot to offer.

One thing that cannot be overstated is the sheer fun factor of this firearm. It quickly became a favorite among my firearms due to its unique blend of tactical and traditional lever-actions. The result is an exciting and enjoyable firearm that’s hard to put down.

The Henry X Model deserves high praise, and I highly recommend it to both firearm enthusiasts and beginners alike. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience shooting a lever-action rifle. The Big Boy X Model is an excellent choice that offers a truly unique and rewarding shooting experience.