Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 357 Magnum 12.9in Polished Hardened Brass Pistol – 5+1 Rounds is a modern take on a classic short-stocked lever-action, blending historical design with modern manufacturing. Its unique side gate loading and polished brass receiver set it apart from typical handguns. This piece is in stock and ready to ship today for $953.99.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who Is This Henry Mare’s Leg For?
Let’s be clear: this isn’t your everyday carry pistol. Think of it more like the specialized tool you bring out for a specific range day. It’s for the shooter who appreciates craftsmanship and history, maybe someone who grew up watching Westerns and wants a functional piece of that era. It’s also a fantastic conversation starter and a unique addition to a collection focused on American firearms heritage. I see it appealing to the experienced shooter looking for something different, or the collector who values the heft and finish of real brass and steel.
What Makes This Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Stand Out
- The Side Gate Loading. This is a huge deal for lever-action purists. While many modern lever guns use a tube magazine, this side gate lets you load and unload rounds directly into the magazine without fiddling with a tube spring. It’s faster, more traditional, and in my experience, feels more secure and reliable when you’re handling the firearm.
- Polished Hardened Brass Receiver. This isn’t a coating or plating; it’s solid, hardened brass. The polish catches the light on the range, giving it a distinctive look that blued or stainless steel can’t match. It requires a bit more care to keep fingerprint-free, but the payoff in appearance is worth it.
- 357 Magnum / 38 Special Versatility. This is where the fun begins for families. You can shoot milder, cheaper .38 Special rounds for plinking and introducing new shooters, then step up to full-power .357 Magnum for more serious practice. It’s like having two guns in one, which is a huge value for your ammo dollar.
- American Walnut Furniture. The forearm and the unique “Mare’s Leg” style buttstock are made from genuine American walnut. It has a warmth and grain that synthetic stocks lack, and it balances the weight of the brass receiver perfectly in your hand.
- Built Like a Tank. Henry’s reputation for quality is on full display here. The action is smooth out of the box, the fit between metal and wood is tight, and the overall feel is solid. This isn’t a novelty item; it’s a robust, well-made firearm.
How It Stacks Up: Henry vs. The Competition
| Feature | Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg (This One) | Generic Lever-Action Pistol (Budget Import) | Premium Custom Lever Gun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Hardened brass receiver, American walnut, steel barrel. | Often pot metal or cheap alloys, stained hardwood or plastic. | High-grade steel, exotic walnut or laminate, custom finishes. |
| Quality & Feel | Excellent factory fit and finish, smooth action. | Rough machining, loose tolerances, gritty action. | Hand-fitted, glass-smooth action, impeccable detail. |
| Compatibility | .357 Mag & .38 Spl. Side gate + tube load. | Caliber specific, tube load only. | Often custom caliber, may include side gate. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships same-day from Houston, TX. | Long lead times, ships direct from overseas. | Months-long waitlists, built to order. |
| Lifespan & Durability | Built for generations with proper care. | Prone to breakage, parts support is scarce. | Heirloom-grade durability. |
| Price Point | $953.99 (Excellent value for materials & heritage) | $60 – $80 (You get what you pay for) | $2,500+ (Investment-grade) |
This Henry sits in the sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest option, which is good because those are often unsafe junk. And it’s not a four-figure custom piece. It’s a premium, factory-made firearm from a legendary American company at a price that reflects its quality.
Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Specifications
| Product Type | Lever-Action Pistol (Mare’s Leg) |
|---|---|
| Material (Receiver) | Hardened Brass |
| Manufacturing | Henry Repeating Arms, USA |
| Finish | Polished Brass, Blued Steel Barrel |
| Hardness/Quality | Hardened for durability, High-Quality Fit & Finish |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum & .38 Special Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to Fire; Side Gate & Tube Loading |
| Weight | Approx. 5.5 lbs (Substantial, balanced feel) |
| Dimensions (Barrel) | 12.9-inch Round Blued Steel Barrel |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | H012MLC |
The Honest Breakdown: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Unmatched Character: The polished brass and walnut combination is stunning and unique on the range.
- ✅ Dual-Caliber Flexibility: Shooting .38 Special makes for affordable, low-recoil practice.
- ✅ Superior Loading System: The side gate is a functional upgrade over tube-load-only models.
- ✅ Henry Reliability: You’re buying from a company known for building rifles that last.
- ✅ Heirloom Potential: This is a firearm you can pass down, not a disposable tool.
Cons:
- ❌ Not a Practical Carry Gun: It’s large, heavy, and holster options are limited. This is a range/showpiece firearm. If you need a daily carry, see our Handguns for more conventional options.
- ❌ Brass Requires Maintenance: The polished receiver will show fingerprints and can tarnish. It needs regular wiping down with a soft cloth after handling.
- ❌ Niche Application: Its accuracy and handling are different from a rifle or a standard pistol. It requires practice to shoot well.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This
Buy it if: You’re a collector of unique American firearms. You value craftsmanship and materials over pure utility. You want a versatile, fun range gun that can shoot two calibers. You appreciate the history and mechanics of lever-action guns.
Skip it if: You are looking for a primary home defense or everyday carry pistol. You want the utmost in long-range precision. You prefer lightweight, polymer-framed firearms. Your budget is strictly for practical tools only. (For those needs, check out our Full Shop for more suitable options.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Henry Mare’s Leg considered a pistol or a rifle?
It is legally classified as a pistol due to its barrel length (under 16 inches) and the absence of a full shoulder stock. It is transferred through an FFL as a handgun.
Can I use a .357 Magnum holster for this?
Most likely not. The Mare’s Leg’s unique profile—with its lever and short stock—requires a specifically designed holster. Standard revolver or semi-auto holsters will not fit.
How is the accuracy with the short barrel?
It’s more than adequate for its intended purpose. At typical pistol ranges (25 yards and in), it’s plenty accurate for target shooting. The shorter barrel does reduce muzzle velocity compared to a rifle, but it’s still very effective with .357 Magnum.
Is the brass receiver strong enough?
Absolutely. Henry uses a hardened brass alloy that is more than capable of handling the pressures of .357 Magnum. It’s not decorative; it’s a functional, durable part of the firearm.
Can I mount an optic on it?
The receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics from the factory. Mounting one would require custom gunsmithing, which may detract from its classic appearance.
Where can I buy a Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg online?
You can purchase it right here from Frt 15 (frt-15.com). We have it in stock, ready for fast, secure shipping from our Houston, TX warehouse.
What’s the best way to clean the brass?
For routine cleaning, a soft, dry microfiber cloth is best to remove fingerprints. For tougher marks or tarnish, use a cloth and a small amount of brass cleaner made for firearms, but avoid abrasive polishes.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Houston, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
If the Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 357 Magnum is the unique piece you’ve been looking for, you can add it to your cart with confidence. It’s a firearm that offers more than just function—it’s an experience.
Browse more: Handguns | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the firearm and its mechanics. My perspective as an armorer focuses on build quality, practical use, and long-term value for the shooter. Last updated: March 2026
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This Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 357 Magnum 12.9in Polished Hardened Brass Pistol – 5+1 Rounds is ideal for shooters looking to buy guns online with confidence. Built with precision engineering and tested performance, it’s a top-tier choice whether you're looking for home defense, sport shooting, or a trusted everyday carry.
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