Henry X Model .357 and .44 Magnum: Classic Meets Modern

Today, we're reviewing the Henry Big Boy X Models; both the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum versions. The X Model is Henry's take on a classic lever action with some more modern features. We're looking at what we think Henry did right, what could use some improvement, and how the X Model compares to some of the other "modernized" lever actions on the market.
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[@shannonflynn8896]

One of the best things Henry has ever done is add the loading gate while keeping the ability to tube reload. If they just had one the side gate wins but both is better than anyone else right now.

[@sherlockbonez]

Able to unload without chewing up the brass would be a plus.

[@benvernick]

Doesn’t the Marlin 1884 lever action have both tube load and side load? I might be mistaken, but was pretty sure. Also available in same ammo and more. I really like Henry’s and Marlins. Both very cool and classic rifles. I had no idea Henry made a shotgun, gonna check that out right now!

[@panorama4526]

I don‘t think Marlins have a tube. My 1894 in 44 has not, but I‘m not sure about the Black.

[@karlscross]

I love having options

[@urwholefamilydied]

completely agreed... the side gate can be a little fiddly, although probably faster overall. I like that I can take a second and tube load it or unload it.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Gonna be honest, the all wood and shiny brass would be my show off at the range/Cowboy action. This version would be in my Wilderness kit.

[@b.o.b3461]

Thanks for being honest bro

[@Wearyman]

Yep. This is the gun you keep in your truck or strapped to your ATV or in your saddle holster or on a sling when hunting. Heck, maybe even as an HD rifle in lieu of an AR if you want something lighter (Although I think I'd go for the Ruger PC Carbine over this if given the choice for HD use.)

[@traceywalker2887]

And in California it makes a super "Plan B", AR!!!

[@copperlemon1]

@@traceywalker2887 Yeah, seems like a pretty great option for those who need to deal with bans on semiautos, detachable mags, etc.

[@bigben9379]

I just wish it were about 6 to 6 1/2 pounds this thing would be very tempting . At 7 pounds its in 45-70 territory.

[@longshot7590]

I bought one in 38/357 the minute they came out while the prices were sane. So glad I did - I have 5 modern lever actions and this one has become my favorite. The synthetic stock fore end was a brilliant addition. When I shoot it suppressed with 38 specials and just pause before I cycle the lever it's damn Hollywood movie quiet - the most amazing thing you have never heard! Love this thing. When I pair my suppressed Big Boy X with my S&W M327 (snubbie) 8 shot revolver in .357, everyone turns their head to do a double take! And I am carrying ammo that fits in both! Henry knocked it out of the park on this one - Go Henry

[@Turbotuberx3]

Picked up a 38/357 Henry X. Quickly found it's way to the top of my favorite guns to shoot. Ultimate plinker loaded with 38 specials...now if only I could find ammo that isn't priced for the apocalypse.

[@BaltazarMartinez727]

Howd you find one?? been looking online cant get these anywhere :(

[@Turbotuberx3]

@@BaltazarMartinez727 pure luck. Long story is that I had been looking for a mossberg 930 spx for about 5 months and I saw this at the local store. Bird in hand...I bought it! Never did find the mossberg :(

[@geraldlowe2652]

Call Henry,and request it.thats what I did,and had it in hand in 2wks.

[@DimaProk]

If only I had Henry to dispose of all these 38 specials that I made too many.

[@1diggers1]

Just looks funny. Funny how much traction Henry is getting by (finally) putting a Loading gate on a lever action 150+ years after its invention.

[@LuckyGunner]

Seems like a lot of people are having this reaction. It's not that Henry did anything revolutionary from a technology standpoint. It has a lot more to do with their position in the lever action marketplace. There are not many companies making lever actions right now. There's Marlin, Henry, Winchester (today made by Miroku in Japan), and a host of Italian, South American, and other imported guns that essentially are copies of the Winchesters and Marlins. Mossberg makes a couple that are kind of "meh" and then there are some oddballs like the Browning BLR rolled out in limited numbers. A lot of the imports are either very expensive, or cheap and sub-par quality. For reliable, mid-priced lever actions that the average guy can find at his local gun shop, it's basically down to Marlin and Henry. Marlin's quality has been so up and down the last couple of decades that lots of shooters have lost faith. So, many have turned to Henry, but... no side loading gate has kept a lot of us begrudgingly stuck as Marlin customers, despite all their flaws. Henry offering a side gate has the same effect on the lever action market as if a company with a trusted name (say, S&W or Sig) started making lever actions for the first time. They're getting the attention of a ton of people who have not seriously considered buying a Henry before. Not because I couldn't get a lever action with a side gate before, but because now I can get a solid-top, side gate lever action in any common caliber for a reasonable price from a company that isn't Marlin.

[@1diggers1]

@@LuckyGunner Fair enough, there are definitely other marketing issues in world of lever actions, and yes, I too wouldn't of bought a Henry prior to the loading gate and I might now. (Just not this butt ugly version. ;-). ) It just seems to me this addition simply fixed a problem with their product and its sales. This is good but also the loading gate really should of always been there, so its a kinda obvious addition if they want to be a real contender in the lever gun market. ( I am aware of how the original lever Henry was made and the lack of loading gate is probably a nod to that iconic rifle, BUT this company isn't the original.) I am glad they did this, as you've said, it opens up some better options. I'm just not wowed by it as some seem to be. BTW, I think a tactical pump rifle would be way more practical/ functional IF they really must tacticool these type of guns. My 2 cents.

[@paulwhite9242]

@@LuckyGunner I'm hoping Ruger fixes Marlin so so badly. It'd also be nice to see them in other big calibers...but tbh I probably wouldn't buy a .500 S&W lever. 45-70's a lot cheaper to buy

[@keithlevanway6871]

@@LuckyGunner I own a Rossi 92. It is a copy of the Winchester 1892. It might be a little rougher than a Uberti or Winchester. As far as quality Rossi makes a good solid rifle. It is better than the Remlins that had such poor QC a few years ago. (I think Marlins got a lot better in the last few years, I just got a newer one but haven't been to the range yet). Don't dismiss Rossi. The quality is good and the design is excellent at a good price.

[@balazsbuza5610]

Was about to say it myself, and I'm glad that Chris pointed out that although yes, it is funny, but it's still an important change for the average shooter looking for a lever action on the market.

[@jeffmoore7691]

Own the 45 colt version. Absolutely a pleasure to shoot. Very accurate out to a 100 yards with stock sight. Action is excellent. Quality gun. Worth every penny.

[@loyp4328]

I, myself, am a be-lever

[@raymondheath7668]

My two favorite fun guns is a Marlin 1894 and a Rossi Mares Leg in .44mag

[@thethinkinggriesbach7600]

@@raymondheath7668 I have a question because of I’m in the predicament of only buying one, and I’m stuck between a Rossi or the .357 x model.

[@raymondheath7668]

@@thethinkinggriesbach7600 I love both! Marlin for Hog hunting and mares leg for fun

[@jayseestruth5715]

I see what you did there haha

[@Airplanetyson]

@@raymondheath7668 lol he didn’t ask you that he said the rossi or the Henry

[@jeremiahpaul02]

Been looking all over for the 357 caliber, everywhere online is out of stock. Finally found one today at a sporting good store for around 950$ now just have to convince the wife it's a necessity. 🤞

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

I’ve been very pleased that you seem to love lever actions, revolvers, and most importantly hammer fired berettas as much as I do. Breath of fresh air in this community. Thank you.

[@stephensmith5856]

I can't tell you how nice it is to watch your videos. No nonsense, practical, fair information from a clearly competent presenter. Thank you.

[@craigr.h.laurent240]

Absolutely perfect! Lucky Gunner's reviews are always clear, comprehensive, and intelligent. Everything is well thought out and presented without repetition or hesitation.

[@steakwilliams4448]

Wild Wild Dill is about to get a massive amount of orders...

[@michaelgrundhauser326]

I picked one up from him a few months ago. Great quality. Only downside is they are outside the US. Shipping took a while.

[@unklemike5012]

I get my Leather from NCCustom Leather or Spirit of the Bear Design. Those guys make these ammo wraps for a great price and their quality is beyond good. It's all in the edge work, and they know how to make a clean edge, plus options on leather types, solid stitching, and great themed artwork from Spirit of the Bear especially.

[@JR-gp2zk]

Oh yeah

[@RenegadeY]

Big boys with side gates is honestly the best news i’ve heard all year

[@gooondie]

These new lever actions look like wayyy too much fun. Thanks for the quality content as always, Mr. Baker

[@craigr.h.laurent240]

Lucky Gunner always provides clear, comprehensive, and intelligent reviews. I am glad that finally a side loading gate is now available for revolver cartridges. In a defense situation, that loading gate is essential. Thank you! All of Henry's guns are made in the U.S.A. which is another plus.

[@scubaguy007]

I’m sending this video to Santa and crossing my fingers. 😉

[@07negative56]

I’m sitting next to Santa & was told I have enough guns. Santa’s in the dog house.

[@mattwalters6834]

@@07negative56 shame on him

[@DimaProk]

Superb review! Everything I wanted to know was addressed! I am impressed, even length of pull which nobody ever talks about!

[@markofmckinney941]

Great review as always... I haven’t been interested in this style of gun, but this review has me intrigued. Thank you!

[@raptorbadger3131]

So less than two days ago, I ordered ammo from your website and it came today which was incredible. Your customer service is incredible.

[@johnvallandigham5467]

Excellent! Great information teriffic presentation. Thanks.

[@ghengiskhan69]

Thanks for explaining the safety feature. Other people mentioned it in other videos but they didn't explain it well to understand how it works.

[@searchBLOC941]

I love how you have different content. Always bringing us something new and little different than the standard new handgun models. Your Combat Master Model 66 videos really opened my eyes to revolvers for CCW, and now I'm contemplating getting back into lever guns. Love the videos and how thorough and unbiased you are buddy, thank you. ❤

[@Deadtileyedie]

I carry a sw model 60 target 3 inch 357 mag. Love wheel guns. For most situations a wheel gun is plenty! I also keep a few speed loaders.. I usually keep the hst 38 spl +p load in the cylinder and a reload of the classic 38 fbi load and a reload of 125 gr 357 gold dots.

[@richardescareno2433]

Love the X-model. Very practical lever action with the side gate. Well done.

[@nightwines]

Extremely informative and well thought out video. Thanks.

[@tomstepanowicz6191]

Excellent review Chris, thanks.

[@saigudbai]

I have a Marlin 1894 SBL and now a Henry X 44 mag. I'm surprised how much I like using the tube loader at the range. I love that it has the side loader too, but the tube loader is just so easy when practicing. Much easier if you have to unload quickly too. Great and accurate little carbine.

[@TiberiousGib]

Great review as always! Super detailed!

[@scotthammond7983]

Great review. I have one of these on order and this was a great video on how to setup the sights.

[@marklovelace297]

Nice setups - enjoyed your reviews and suggestions!

[@jjgriffin3275]

Glad to see what groupings with different ammo! I have been curios what others are getting for group sizes. Henry rifles a glass smooth and shoot great. if you have not shot a Henry i suggest everyone give them a try! My favorite by far is the Color Case Hardened!

[@zangatsubankai]

Henry is really the only option I'm looking at for Lever-Action until Ruger gets control of Marlin and starts pumping out new guns. Good to hear that they're about as effective as could be expected.

[@brentphillips262]

Marlin must be in really bad shape if Ruger is a step up or can actually improve things. WOW. Ruger makes some ok stuff but also stuff that doesn't even work out if the box. Didn't realize Marlin was doing that bad.

[@holmiumh]

@@brentphillips262 You sound like you used to work for Remington.

[@TheCowboyfromhell87]

@@brentphillips262 You have to pay to play. Just because you owned some cheap Rugers, doesn't mean they don't have some premium stuff. Ruger has some very nice rifles, but they aren't cheap plastic fantastics.

[@jamesvitale3455]

Great Review; clear and concise!

[@Iowaclass65]

I have been semi-patiently waiting for my X in .357 since June! Such a smooth action and great feature list. C'mon Henry, get me the rifle I paid for!

[@g.tigerman_adv800gomez]

Great review Chris! My two local gun shops have had every model in stock except .357/.38 special. I've wanted to get my hands on one since they were first announced. I love lever guns and already have two .357 cal revolvers (2 and 4 inch) and this would be a great compliment for them. Ammo is not a problem because I've been hoarding it for some time now. Oh well... we'll see if/when I can finally get my hands on one. For now... all I can do is drool over KZbin reviews from you lucky SOB's that can get them!

[@Ds_Drums]

Oh yes, I will be looking at those. Thanks for posting!

[@KaoV1983]

Super nice looking gun. Glad they went with the side loading port.

[@Stevarooni]

Good, thorough review as always. Thanks for the warning about ammo sensitivity.

[@50shadesofcerakote]

i saw one of these at the one sportsman store 30min away from the other day for $730... this is honestly a win, its everything i looked for in a lever gun. minus coming with a top rail out of the box. i will definitely be getting one in the future as long as the country isnt ablaze by then.

[@ataqureshi477]

Best detailed review, nicely done

[@bretthines1020]

I love your lever-action videos! I have a Henry Big Boy .357 and find loading via the tube is much quicker the more a guy gets used to it. However, it’s pretty much a Daytime gun. Henry’s are great. Great channel!

[@dmack346]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@RickyJr46]

Very comprehensive, well done Mr. Baker.

[@GrantJackson70USD]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@inyourdefense0]

Excellent review. I love my Henry X357. I run an inexpensive red dot optic.

[@MsBeerisgood]

Thanks for another great review.

[@kinnerstreet]

Excellent reviews. 100% concision. Well done.

[@Deadtileyedie]

Man I love this Channel! Revolver series and lever gun! 2 of my favorites. I just got a browning BLR in 6.5 Creedmoor not long ago and absolutely LOVE IT! I would definitely like one of these in 44 mag to go with my BLR and marlin 336 in 35 Remington! Great video once again! Unfortunately I haven't been getting your notifications..

[@roberthahn3710]

Love that Henry has added the side gate. Although I have yet to see one in person. I only find the original tube loaders in my area.

[@Washoejim]

Good and useful review.

[@phillipslocum4158]

Had been looking all year here in TN for the 357. No luck. Went on a business trip in Ohio last month. Found one (their last one) in the Field&Stream next to the hotel. When it arrived at my local dealer he wanted to know where I found it because he had other customers that had been waiting all year. I have enjoyed every shot out of it.

[@therealfilthyanimal]

Great review!!! Thank you

[@patrickibrahim971]

I hope someone from Henry reads this- I literally bought my x because it finally has a gate. Good decision.

[@anthonyglaser929]

thanks for an excellent review.

[@jaibianchi1975]

Great video. We own both of these carbines. Fantastic rifles. Worth The Delay.

[@Cajundaddydave]

Lever guns are just plain practical and fun to shoot. Thanks for the review on these, now if we could just find the ammo...

[@adamb2619]

I think these sideloaders are what Henry has always wanted to make. I look forward to purchasing their updated all-weather 45-70

[@cdalton3169]

I absolutely love my Henry Big Box X .45 Colt. Amazing gun!

[@oliverdotcom2928]

I picked up the .357 version the other day. Super excited to go shoot it.

[@andrewallason4530]

You, and Henry, have hit the nail on the head. Great wilderness, farm, everyday rifle. I have to agree with you on the length of pull. I have a 47 year old Marlin I bought a year ago here in Tasmania. It was an old guy’s safe queen, in immaculate condition, but being 5’6”, the LoP is way to much for ease of shouldering and working the lever. I didn’t want to deface such a beautiful old girl with a massacred stock. Solution, buy a replacement stock and ‘massage’ it to fit me perfectly, keeping the old stock for it’s historical value.

[@gscop1683]

Nice review ! I Love my 3 traditional Henry’s but can’t wait to get the X model ! I am sane height as you and Agree with your length of pull suggestion !

[@johnpiper82]

Excellent review! Henry is a Quality Company.

[@arawtgabi]

Just got my Big Boy X 357. Loving it!

[@Greeves421a]

as usual very informative ....great vid

[@AMX86]

Got a henry big boy in 44mag. Love it but the polymer/allweather version will be coming home with me ..when I can find one.

[@danielmaybee68]

that middle sized lever looks nice...not a fan of the big ones

[@2011Kestrel]

Very informative, thank you.

[@KevinCGleason]

Thanks Chris, now if they were only in stock somewhere! Been looking for one since the summer.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Excellent. Harvested a boat load of deer with 44 magnum. Planning to get one of these in 44 in the near future.

[@82lowe36id]

great review and great looking rifle. May look into the 357 model.

[@mariner3485]

I love my Marlins, but these new Henry's with the side loading gate are probably going to follow me home if and when i see them in my LGS! I'm hoping to see a Lucky Gunner review of the .410 Henry.

[@aa-yt7wo]

Shame the .410 only chambers 2.5" and not 3".

[@benjaminrodman3129]

I i8 The

[@DadBodDrumming]

I have the non X version Henry Big Boy in .357 and I absolutely love it!

[@tacpreppers4906]

Great vid!

[@witmoreluke]

You can see the shadow of the bullet in flight in the flashlight beam at 11:35. That's REALLY cool.

[@Satchel456]

I was looking at the Henry catalog today and wondering why they didn't offer more side-loading models; I'm glad to hear they're addressing that. I really don't like having to put your hand near the barrel to remove the rod, and I've seen more than a few people accidentally send it down range when they lost their grip on it while trying to put it in after reloading.

[@scotteger6271]

A lot of people don’t know how to properly load firearms. With the mag tube loading, you’re supposed to have the hammer down/action closed on an empty chamber. You’re then supposed to invert the rifle and point the muzzle down range, which puts the loading slot in an optimal position. If you’re trying to put the +1 in the rifle then it’s potentially more dangerous, but as was said the Henry’s have a transfer bar safety so even with 1 in the chamber if the hammer is down it won’t fire. I’ve never felt the need to top off my 30-30 mag tube though…it holds 5 in the tube from the start and it’s more than enough for deer hunting.

[@rgillis9338]

Chris, you are truly one of the best reviewers on youtube

[@user-nt2nq6pi7n]

Been looking everywhere online and around my LGSs for a Henry X Model in .357 but they are all sold out and if I'm lucky on backorder. After this video, I doubt it's gonna be any easier for me to get my hands on one haha Great review man, can't wait to be able to purchase one - let alone find reasonably priced ammo!

[@heartbreakr3191]

I bought the 44 mag back in July, best tractor gun I've had so far

[@steveezard8859]

I don't know a ton about guns, but am looking for a lever action, this is what I think I like the best so far, but question... they say these are pistol caliber rifles, to keep my ammo stock easier, I have some .45 cal pistols, do any of these Henry bigboy x models fire a .45 pistol caliber???

[@traceywalker2887]

Same story. Had my .44 X Henry for a few months now. Only change was to go with Ranger Point Precision cloverleaf sights. Agree with your assessment. Accurate and hits like a locomotive. Love mine!

[@ElmCreekSmith]

@@steveezard8859 Rossi makes a .45 Colt version of their PCC lever gun.

[@andrewmorke]

I thought lever guns require rimmed cartridges to work.

[@apuzyr]

Excellent suggestion regarding a shorter length of pull.

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

I just bought a Rossi R92 Octagonal 20" SS Barrel chambered in .357 because I could lay hands on it. I had been wanting a Henry in that chambering for a few years but the lack of loading gate always kept me away. I now have my eye on a Henry Small Game Rifle in 22WMR if I can find one.

[@48coolone]

Bought a Marlin 1894 357 mag and love it! Very difficult to find a Henry but someday will own one maybe in 44......Great vids Lucky, thank you!

[@j_valentin13]

I’m running a Modlite PLH-V2 on my Henry X, it’s great. I’d recommend looking at Mason Leather for a cartridge cuff, he makes damn good work.

[@traceywalker2887]

Noted the Ranger Point Precision peep sights. Same setup on my .44 X. great for my older eyes.

[@TheCosmokramer1]

Yessss I’ve been religiously watching X model video ever since I paid for mine in July. It FINALLY just arrived.

[@theyrenotdollsOK]

That's the first time I've seen a tube feed + sidegate combo, neat.

[@pbr-streetgang]

Slick looking guns. Thanks for the vid sir.👍🏼👍🏼

[@RU2AIM]

Dam'n good review! I'm impressed with how comprehensive you were, having brought out points I doubt I would've even considered. - I've never really liked Lever Action - but talked myself into one of these in my favorite pistol caliber (.357) and am beginning to fall in love with it - now that I've run ammo through it that's not *"Fiocchi-WEAK"!* I've had good luck obliterating clay pigeons at ~200m with the stock sighting system and just might have to try out that red dot & maybe a green LASER too. (Flashlight is a *must* for home defense.) Next time I take it to the range I'm gonna start out by yelling, *_"Get Some!"_* 😎

[@houghton.era.outdoors]

Very awesome review!!!!!!!!

[@stephenwinchester6668]

Your .44 set up looks awesome! Great video

[@apuzyr]

A dark walnut stock is definitely needed.

[@natesmith4050]

Good review

[@marksmith732]

I still love my Big Boy Henry in 44 mag. Loading is fast and simple with the speed loader tubes. Not as fast as a AR but for a speed loader invented in the late 1800s it works great. The new ones are just a plastic tube with a cap. Pull the plunger, and remove cap from tube and dump in rounds. Replace plunger.

[@tomhambright3439]

Yep they made the 30-30, I got one in Oct 2021. Very nice!

[@user-gd7fx4jf5c]

When they hit the Australian shores they don’t last long in the gun shop’s, they look like a fun gun I’d love to add to my arsenal .

[@seethebutter]

I was so excited to see you had a new video. Thanks, this is another great one! I need about three christmases to afford all these new "must haves" LOL

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Great video

[@olhemi1]

Thanks, as always. very well done 😁👍☕

[@212driller]

I'd love to see a Mares leg version of this. Since we don't have SBR laws in Canada I could add on a full stock and it would be the perfect handy rifle!

[@johnnash7481]

Well done!

[@None2Lose]

Very much looking forward to getting this in .357.

[@danoneill2846]

@17:06 my Ruger 10/22 has 13.3 " for scale , fits me very well . Good video Many Thanks !!!!

[@leadfoot323]

Really want one of these but I'm hesitant to get one until Lucky Gunner has .44 magnum back in stock.