Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 44 Magnum 12.9in Polished Hardened Brass Lever Action Pistol – 5+1 Rounds

Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and tactical gear. The Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 44 Magnum 12.9in Polished Hardened Brass Lever Action Pistol is a modern take on a classic Hollywood short-stock rifle, chambered in a powerful .44 Magnum. Its unique side gate loading and polished brass receiver set it apart from standard lever guns. This piece is in stock and ready to ship today for $953.99, a significant saving from the regular $1059.99 price.

Who This Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Is For (And Who It’s Not)

Let’s be real—this isn’t your everyday carry piece. I think of it like a classic muscle car for the range. It’s for the shooter who appreciates craftsmanship, history, and a conversation piece that also packs a serious punch. It’s not the most practical tool, but it’s one of the most fun you can have with a firearm.

Buy it if: You’re a collector of unique firearms, a fan of Westerns and classic gun designs, someone who enjoys challenging and fun range days, or a hunter looking for a potent, short-range brush gun for dense woods. You value American manufacturing and premium materials.

Skip it if: You need a primary home defense weapon (look at our handguns or shotguns), you’re on a tight budget for a plinker, you’re a brand-new shooter looking for a first gun (the .44 Magnum recoil and lever action require some skill), or you need a lightweight backpacking firearm. This is a specialty piece.

What Makes This Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Stand Out

Having handled countless polymer-framed striker-fired pistols, picking up this Henry is like stepping into a different world. The weight, the cold feel of the brass, the smooth mechanical action—it’s all tangible quality. Here’s what you’re getting:

1. The “Mare’s Leg” Configuration: This isn’t a chopped rifle; it’s a purpose-built pistol based on the legendary 1892 Winchester shortened for screen use. The 12.9-inch barrel and absent shoulder stock give it that iconic, compact profile. It handles completely differently than a full-length rifle, more like a very large, powerful handgun.
2. Polished Hardened Brass Receiver: This is the showstopper. It’s not a cheap plating; it’s solid, hardened brass that’s been polished to a brilliant shine. It develops a unique patina over time, telling the story of your use. It adds significant weight, which is a huge benefit when managing the stout .44 Magnum recoil.
3. Side Gate Loading: This is a major functional upgrade over many traditional tube-loaded lever actions. You can load rounds directly into the side of the receiver, keeping the magazine tube topped off. It’s faster, more intuitive, and feels incredibly solid. It’s a feature borrowed from the original 1860 Henry rifle, brought back by popular demand.
4. .44 Magnum/.44 Special Chambering: This gives you incredible versatility. You can run milder, cheaper .44 Special rounds for comfortable plinking and introducing new shooters, then switch to full-power .44 Magnum for serious hunting or when you want to feel the gun’s full potential. It’s a proven, powerful cartridge.
5. American Walnut Furniture: The forearm and pistol grip are made from genuine American walnut. The fit and finish against the brass receiver is flawless. It provides a warm, secure grip that complements the cold metal perfectly.
6. Lever-Action Reliability: The Henry action is famously smooth and robust. It’s a simple, strong mechanism that has been proven for over a century. There’s a satisfying mechanical certainty to working the lever that you just don’t get with a semi-auto.

How It Stacks Up: Henry vs. The Competition

To understand the value here, let’s put it side-by-side with what else is out there. Think of it like comparing a custom 1911 to a budget polymer pistol—they both shoot, but the experience is worlds apart.

The Henry Mare’s Leg occupies a unique spot. It’s not the cheapest way into a lever gun, and it’s not the most practical hunting rifle. It’s a premium, fun, and historically cool firearm that is built to the highest standards. You’re paying for the experience as much as the tool.

Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 44 Magnum Specifications

The Honest Pros and Cons

After handling this piece, here’s my straight take, the kind I’d give a buddy at the range.

Pros:

• ✅ Unmatched Cool Factor & Craftsmanship: The polished brass and walnut are stunning. This is a head-turner and a piece of functional art.
• ✅ Recoil Management: The all-metal construction and substantial weight soak up .44 Magnum recoil surprisingly well, making it more shootable than you’d expect.
• ✅ Versatile Cartridge: The ability to shoot .44 Special and .44 Magnum is a huge plus for cost-effective practice and powerful application.
• ✅ Side Gate Loading: A genuinely useful feature that makes loading easier and keeps the magazine topped off.
• ✅ American-Made Reliability: Henry’s reputation for quality and customer service is top-tier. This is a buy-it-for-life firearm.

Cons:

• ❌ Niche Application: It’s not a practical everyday firearm. It’s heavy, has limited capacity, and requires two hands to operate effectively. For a primary defensive tool, see our handgun selection.
• ❌ Requires Practice: Running a lever action smoothly under pressure, especially one-handed, is a skill that takes dedicated practice. It’s not as intuitive as a semi-auto for a new shooter.
• ❌ Premium Price for a “Fun” Gun: You are paying for the unique configuration and materials. If your sole need is a deer rifle, a standard lever-action rifle may offer more practical value.

Your Questions, Answered

If the Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg Side Gate 44 Magnum speaks to you, don’t hesitate. Guns with this combination of history, craftsmanship, and pure fun don’t stay on the shelf long. It’s a guaranteed smile-maker at the range and a centerpiece for any collection.

Browse more: Lever Action Rifles | Full Shop