Henry Big Boy 44 Magnum - Cowboy Action or Hunting, A pretty good choice!

[@Johnnywestoz]

Great video review mate and nice shootin. I’ve had my 44 Henry for about 2 years now and man I love it. It feels great in the hands, it has a beautiful finish and very well made. fire off a few shots and you’ll be hooked. It’s a classic.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Henry makes some very nice firearms. Thanks for watching!

[@jnjstroud]

Bought this as my first gun. Everyone (man) around me: "that's a big gun for a lady" Me: "hold my glass of merlot" as I shoot my first deer with it.

[@CWfist]

@@jnjstroud hahahaha,,, awesome reply...

[@Tom-h3s4x]

That receiver is solid hardened brass (Big Boy). The Golden Boy has an alloy receiver/receiver cover with a proprietary "brasslight" finish.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks for the clarification, thanks for watching too!

[@not_a_samsquamsh6777]

I have a 44 Magnum color case hardened Big Boy with the full-length barrel and the side gate. It's definitely my "fun" gun to go to and it's wormed its way to a soft spot. I brought it with when my friends wanted to sight in their AR's. At worst they had to get within 20 feet to hit the sight in paper. I let them shoot and before we moved back, I took my shots, 5 rounds in a sub 1 inch group. But from that close and with irons, I wouldn't expect anything less from these guns. We moved back to 25 yards, then 50, then 110. By 50 I figured I was just shooting for fun since the bead was covering the entire target. But when I tried (from a rest) at 110 yards, my first shot with a front bead the size of the entire paper was 3 inches left of dead center on the paper. I wish my other shots were closer to that one and i'm by no means an experienced shooter, but I was still happy with an 8-inch group like that and impressed with the gun. Friends loved it too. Little more listening to the action and that first shot at 110 yards than shooting it though. They said the recoil was a bit much for them, but they joked that they had to shoot dozens of rounds in their $1800+ AR builds, and I was there with the cowboy gun shooting better than they were up close, and not much worse at range. Love my Henry!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

What's not to love about a lever action? Henry makes some really good ones too. I have a few ARs but they just don't really thrill me like a cowboy gun. Don't get me wrong, they have their place, they're just not as much "Fun" to me. Thanks for watching and enjoy that Henry!

[@jakehenry8916]

Awesome firearm, I also have a bigboy 44 mag with the brass receiver, I put a harness sling on it to not mark up the wood, also had to put on skinner peep sights, cuz the original sights were a problem for me, I just couldn't sight the rifle in ,it kept shooting way high, problem fixed now tho, luv my fancy rifle, best one I've had, shakyjake out.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Henry makes some very nice firearms. Thanks for watching.

[@Johnnywestoz]

Hi Jake, I’d love to know what sling you used. I’ve been looking at different options but as there isn’t any provisions for a bolt in one a harness sling might be the best option. 👍👍

[@jakehenry8916]

@@Johnnywestoz greetings, I put a brass stacker,RLO no drill harness sling on my Henry bigboy,

[@Johnnywestoz]

@@jakehenry8916 hey thanks for that mate, I’ll look them up.

[@richd5025]

Bought one a few months ago. But, haven't had time to get to the range. I also bought a companion pistol for it. The Ruger Super Blackhawk 44mag. I tried 44mag in the Blackhawk, but decided to stick with 44spl in it and 44mag for the Henry.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

44 mag has quite the kick to it! I think you made good choices. Thanks for watching!

[@tonysmith5465]

You should have got the super red hawk. Double action. SC Navy vet

[@Zona-dw9rp]

Good choice and I agree. Mag for long gun, special for hand gun and the option for both in each. Enjoy!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

How did I miss this one? Sorry. Great looking lever action!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I forgive ya!

[@megatrends]

Great gun, I'd love this in .44 Mag. I have a Henry Big Boy Carbine in Brass with the big hand loop in .357 / .38 Special and love it to death! Deadly at 100 yrds with iron sights! That octagonal barrel weight absorbs recoil and allows incredible accuracy.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They are very well made rifles! Thanks for watching!

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

Great shooting 👍 My good eye has trouble at 100yrds with irons anymore, awesome stuff. Gonna be hard to give that one back to your buddy I'm sure... 🤣 Very nice rifle, thanks for sharing it.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That's the one thing I hate about borrowing firearms, giving them back! I have an 1866, so it kind of eases the pain a little! Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@apriliaguy4life198]

Nice shooting! I’m in Ohio and just bought the 44 mag big boy steel with side gate in 20” barrel. I’m going to scope it and use it for deee hunting with hand loads. I’ve shot it open sights and it’s pretty accurate. I’m curious to see how it will shoot scoped at 100 yds.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

If I were a gambling man, I'd bet it'd shoot great with a scope. Henry rifles are very well made, they're priced that way too! Thanks for watching!

[@johnnycortez46]

Is it a good deer rifle?

[@rtaylor61]

Live the Henry rifles. Picking up my .30-30 with sideloader this week.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Nice! Enjoy and be safe! Thanks for watching!

[@turk5832]

I've had the 44 mag Henry for over 5 years. I've shot it maybe 5 times and decided it was too pretty to shoot. I have it displayed on my fireplace mantle!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They are beautiful, aren't they? The nice thing about your wall art, is that it will retain it's value. Thanks for watching!

[@turk5832]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview you bet, glad to be on board and look forward to watching more reviws!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@turk5832 I'm looking forward to making more!

[@MAG-li5jo]

I love my 357 version of the Henry Big Boy Classic.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They're great rifles. I have a Rossi 92 in .357. Such a fun caliber. Thanks for watching!

[@williammccaslin8527]

I know some guys that hunt with them here in fla, an they tote .44 mag pistols, so its all the same ammo, but most shots are under 100 yds anyway, so it works, thx for the vid.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Same here in Ohio. Thank you for watching!

[@jerseyred9554]

Great episode Richard. I own a Henry .223. I'm lovin' it

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks Rusty! Other than the U.S. Survival, I don't even own a Henry!.......yet! I've been looking hard at the Evil Roy version or one in .17 HMR. The .223 would be nice if we could use it to hunt deer here in Ohio. Thanks for watching!

[@jerseyred9554]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview didn't realize you were in Ohio Richard.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@jerseyred9554 not from here but other than winter, I like it.

[@blackie1of4]

There's something about hunting with open sights that's intriguing for me! I haven't done it since I first started hunting in 82.. through 90! Then I went with a scoped rifle. Yeah.. the scope rifle is hard to beat.. that's for sure! But I want to get back into open sights. Try my 30-30 with peep a sight or my 357 revolver.. and I have a big boy on layaway. Most deer I've shot have been inside 80 yards! My brothers harvest a handful a year.. all inside 100 yards! Their buck tags are always filled in archery! I was going to try that out.. but I'm honest with myself.. I can't even pull a crossbow back! Always had trouble with bows too!. I'm sure the accident I had at 15 didn't help! I took 7,200 volts of electricity! In my right hand and blew out my left hand! Leaving behind a path of destruction in my elbows shoulders and neck! So.. firearms is my thing!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Wow! Electricity doesn't play around. I love a scope, I don't mind shooting with open sights but you can see in a scope what you can't see with the naked eye.

[@blackie1of4]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview it was my SHOCKING EXPERIENCE.. that's for sure! Could've been worse.. I've read 85% of the people who get it in one hand and out the other die from a heart attack! You're absolutely right! That's why we tend to use a scoped rifle for hunting. But I'm willing to give it a shot! There's no guarantee when it comes to hunting. If I can hit 10 out of 10 at 75 yards I'll definitely carry it without a scope. If not.. I'll take a scoped rifle. At least that's my thoughts

[@jakehenry9162]

Greetings from southern ontario canada,I own a bigboy in 44 mag, when I first got it it shot way high, so I bought some skinner peep sights, seems to be just fine now, also put on a Taylors n company no drill sling, beauty of a rifle, using 240 grain American Eagle hollow point ammo, this little chubby rifle seems to really like that ammo, luv the vids folks, be safe out there. shakyjake out.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Henry makes some good stuff! Thanks for watching!

[@jakehenry9162]

Hey folk's, my rifle sling is from brass stacker not Taylors n company like previously stated, my bad, shakyjake out.

[@shanegibb997]

That's a nice rifle Richard & good shooting too , it would be a neat little rig with a scope or red dot on it .... great video 👍

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

For some reason, lever action rifles with scopes never look right, unless it's one of the ones that are brass and nearly as long as the barrel! It is a good shooting rifle though. Thanks for watching Shane!

[@bobvedder2451]

The tumbler shot may be due to not enough "snort" aka more powder.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Who knows, it wasn't because it didn't have enough straw.

[@CWfist]

Nice video... I am debating over a .357 vs .44 Mag or a .30-30, blue case or Brass... all I know is it will be a Henry. And BTW, You do not need to unshoulder the gun every time you cycle the action, it kind of defeats the purpose of being a repeater gun, think a semi AR15, you do not unshoulder between shots.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Do you have a pistol in any of those calibers? I use .38 special when I'm doing CAS both of my Vaqueros and my Rossi R92, it just helps keep it simpler. I don't "unshoulder" my Rossi when I'm going for speed, but then, I know just how to hold my hands to keep from smashing it between the lever and trigger. This Henry was a loaner. Thanks for watching!

[@ronnieskaggs8148]

Depending on how you will be using your new Henry for mostly target practice or plinking a 357 will do nicely and can be used with the right ammo for deer. The 30 30 is a 200 yard range gun and it's been said that more deer have been taken with 30 30's than any other rifle. The 44 magnum is a hundred yard gun good for deer or black bear with the right ammo. Federal makes Hammer Down ammo in 44 magnum that is a 270 grain soft point bullet that has a muzzle velocity of 1715 FPS. Which makes it just under a 45 70 ballistics. Also Hornady makes Leverevalution ammo in 240 grain that is also fast and accurate. So depending on how you will use it may determine what Henry you purchase.

[@CWfist]

@@ronnieskaggs8148 To tell the true, my dream caliber in a lever would be a 45-70, but my wallet cannot handle that, Your info about the 44M performing just under 45-70 ballistics is interesting and it tips the balance in that direction. The gun will be used for plinking, home defense (am in NY where I will never have a handgun ). you have solved part of the problem, Now,,, Color case finish or Brass receiver ? Thank you for your input, i do appreciate it

[@andrewwood6285]

⁠@@CWfistyeah I was looking at the 45 70 and when I saw that the ammo for that was $3 each I thought I would feel guilty shooting it so I opted for the 44 Mag.

[@mrj10101]

May have to get me one

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They are very nice! A little pricey, but nice. Thanks for watching!

[@sbhjackson5931]

I just put 25 rounds through my brand-new Henry Big boy 44 magnum and it was a pain in the *** to cycle. It had no problem ejecting the empties but constantly jamming when chambering a round. I had 240 gr Fiocchi semi jacketed HP. My question is do these have a break in period or do I need to send this back to Henry to fix. I have shot Marlins before and never had this problem. Thanks,

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Henry boasts one of the smoothest actions out there. There could be something going on, but I'd try another ammo first. Try something with a different shape bullet and see if it changes anything. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@WestCoastChicano]

I plan on getting the carbine version. I was waiting for the sideloader model but by the time it came out we were in the pandemic and I just didn't have the money for it. I'm hopeful that by Christmas I'll be able to get one. Gr8 vid as usual. 🔫 🇺🇸

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I believe the side loaders are a little more expensive but they're all good quality. Thanks for watching!

[@whspioneer89]

Do you have a video of your shooting shed? Would like to see more of it

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Yes, I have 3 videos during construction, maybe one day when it's complete, I'll do a "tour" video. Thanks for watching!

[@SolomonsOutdoorReviews]

Those Winchesters are one of my favorites

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I have an 1866 I'll be doing a review on in the future! Thanks for watching!

[@m2gjam139]

Hey Richard real good shooting at 50 and 100 yards. Buck horn sights I have two lever guns myself a Marlin 444 for many years and a Henry Big Boy in 357/38 special a year or more. I kind of regret not getting the .44 caliber but I got a deal on the 357 and it shoots two calibers . Although I think the 357 runs more smooth than the. 38 I did put Skinner sights on the Marlin. That is not a fun rifle to shoot. But it drops what you hit I've only shot deer and boar with it. The Henry is a pleasure. It's nice to watch people shoot the ranges are empty everyone is sitting on their ammo. Or maybe it's just cold. Another great video well done .... P.S. I commented yesterday but I wanted to edit something and erased it . I forgot what I wrote it was long. Lol......... One question if your in the field with that rifle must go have only four or five rounds in the tube? Or can you leave it full. Mine didn't come with a dowel like a shotgun. I see you hunt my days are over for the most part. I shoot target's and clay pigeons. I might try some crows like you suggested.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'll bet that 444 kicks like a mule! I have a Rossi R92 in .38/.357, I enjoy shooting it! I'm hoping I have enough ammo to keep making videos until the supply starts to come back, I understand why people are "sitting" on it. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching too!

[@m2gjam139]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Yes it kicks awful ! I would sell it but I've had it so long and have so much ammo for it. It's super reliable I have loads from 225 gr. Thru 300 gr. Mostly 265 there easy to find. I wouldn't get much for it because ammo is $4.00 a round. Do you reload? Maybe a sponsor or a patreon page I would send you 100 rounds but my luck I would get a knock at the door and leave in handcuffs. I know you need a licence to do that safe. 357 is $1.50 a round Most of my stuff I have for year's. With out hand loading I couldn't afford to shoot most of the rifles regularly I've had ammo for years too. My last buys are the black powder stuff from now on I get more arrows..

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@m2gjam139 I reload a few calibers but components are hard to find right now. Yeah, I have a patreon page but I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been posting on it regularly. I have one patron and I message him from time to time. I should probably do more on it but it's tough to do both, being a one man crew! I started to see a little ammo on the shelves for a bit but it's still getting snatched up as soon as they stock it. I'm just about to hit 10k subscribers and might do a t-shirt giveaway soon. It's also tough to do this while working full time too. Thanks for all the comments and for being a subscriber too!

[@m2gjam139]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Understood I'm 58 disabled and a widower. So I have time on my hands. I wish you well and like to see people do well. You will hit the mark I'm sure we'll talk.

[@reidjensen569]

Do you mind sharing what the holder is that you’re using at the seven minute mark to load your rifle?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It's called the Caldwell Hydrosled. I have a link in the description and I also did a separate video on it some time ago.

[@Squib1911]

Good video. I got my .44 Magnum/ .44 Special Big Boy Silver because the hunting laws in Michigan changed too. I love that gun, so does Don'tCallMeMrs.SquibLoad. I think I need to get her one so she quits claiming mine. I've taken five deer with it. I've used factory ammunition and my own handloads/ reloads. I started with the buckhorn sights, moved to a Skinner peep sight, and finally a Leupold optic. Mine has nicks and scratches from being out in the field and me loosing patience during disassembly/ reassembly. It takes some practice as you have to do it in a particular order with pieces set in a particular way in order to get everything lined up. Customer support from Henry is exceptional. Two Doctor Squatch commercials during the video. It is is good soap.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Ahh, Dr Squatch! Lol. I think I like the looks of the Silver Boy rifles better than the Golden Boy myself. Yeah, I watched Henry's videos a couple times and thought "They do it much better than me"! Thanks for watching Squib!

[@joshuagibson2520]

I lived in Dayton Oh for almost 4 decades. By the hills around you, I'd guess you're over in SE Ohio. Am I close?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Close, East Central Ohio. Not a lot of flat land here!

[@stevedouglas5443]

Looks like the receiver is nicely tarnished. The new ones are too shiny. Seems to be a shooter.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It does, doesn't it? It looks good that way if you ask me. I didn't ask the owner how old the rifle was but other than the brass, it looks brand new. Thanks for watching!

[@FrenchConnexion725]

That was a dangerous mistake loading while cocked

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Actually there was no danger at all, you cannot get a round in the chamber until the lever is worked. The rifle was actually carried up to the rifle range with the magazine tube empty and the action open. I closed the action when I set it in the rest but did not let the hammer down, but there still no rounds in the chamber.

[@FrenchConnexion725]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview I get that and I know about the transfer bar but still chamber empty and uncocked is standard practice before reloading any firearms.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I agree that it's standard practice but it was not dangerous. I will pay closer attention to things like this in the future, thanks for pointing it out and thanks for watching too.

[@roadlife8973]

Can’t wait to see that 10k bud keep up the good work 👍

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Getting closer!

[@kylegibbard]

Hammer down is definitely not a safety.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They have a transfer bar safety so there is no contact between the hammer and the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled to the rear. The old rifles were a different story, you could hit the back of the hammer and send one flying. Thanks for watching!

[@kylegibbard]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview I stand corrected, that’s a good thing to know! Thank you.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@kylegibbard Not a problem, there have been a lot of changes to modern versions of older firearms. I hope you subscribed and thanks again for watching!

[@danielhanson4326]

If that bullet tumbled out of that round then there's something wrong with the gun

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Possibly, but why only one? Could that one round have been damaged and I didn't notice when I loaded it? The other ones punched such a nice circle in the target. Thanks for watching!