r/canadaguns • u/Key-Inspector-7004 • May 30 '26

Buy recommendations Henry Big Boy

Been looking to buy myself a lever action rifle finally. I see FOC has this henry big boy on sale for what seems like a decent price.

Anyone have experience shooting these? Or have any recommendations on what I should buy? Looking to spend no more than $1500.

Preferably id get something i can shoot with a .44 special or .38 special round but this price for the .45 colt seems like a good buy.

https://firearmsoutletcanada.com/henry-big-boy-steel-side-gate-45-colt-20-h012gcr-.html

Thanks!

19 Upvotes

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14

u/redjohn79 May 30 '26

If you're just going to the range and shoot at paper targets, get a 357/38 spl. Start reloading and youll save money in the long run.

I have a model x 357 and it's been pretty reliable. I've added a lot of things to it. Changed the firing pin to an RPP firing pin because that seemed to be what fails the most.

1

u/Key-Inspector-7004 May 30 '26

I think i will keep my eye out for a sale for one in that caliber.

Cheers

1

u/Alpha_Whiskey327 May 31 '26

Sent you a msg. I have a 357 X I'm going to list on CGN soon. Also have a Midwest industries handguard new in box I never got around to.

5

u/FroBro243 May 30 '26

I always push folks to the 357/38Spl just for cost efficiency of the ammo. I had a Big Boy for a few months, really solid rifle. My personal preference is more towards a 1892 or 1873 Winchester, but you lose out on a lot of the aftermarket parts.

2

u/tmwildwood-3617 May 30 '26

Really like the Henry Protector 38/357. Handy for keeping with you while doing chores around the property. Pretty enough but not so fancy that I'd cry if it got scratched. Really like the oval loop size. I really like the side gate and tube load capability. 38/357 is really versatile...especially if you reload...from light loads to decent thumpers.

Really...same for other models and others in 44 spl/mag. Next one that I'll get will be trad length, straight grip, standard loop. Probably in 44...

Nothing wrong eith 45LC...I'm just not into that round.

2

u/ProtoJazz May 30 '26

I like my 1854 in 45 colt, but that's partly because that's the largest round allowed at the indoor range. It's basically a handgun club, but they've branched out into anything handgun caliber.

2

u/Massive_Expression_2 May 30 '26

I like levers and 99% of my shooting them is at the range so I bought a Big Boy in .357/38spl. Ammo is affordable and accessible. Mine has functioned flawlessly. 158gr .357 gives a satisfying kick and the 38SPL is pure fun. I put a Skinner Express peep sight on mine. Love it.

2

u/xXxDarkSasuke1999xXx May 30 '26

.45 LC is great if you hand load. Henrys can safely take Ruger/TC loads that produce .44 magnum performance. If you're only shooting factory ammo, it gets expensive.

1

u/CurrentStructure7960 May 30 '26

Select Shooting supplies has a used .44mag big boy. I was looking at last week. It’s in real good shape. I’d pick it up but I’m looking for something in 30-30 for my next lever.

2

u/Key-Inspector-7004 May 30 '26

I was about to post asking about this as I saw it just now as well. Looks like a good deal

1

u/Slowjuke Jun 03 '26

Look into the citadel levtac 92 in 44 they also have it in 357 magnum/ 38 special

1

u/epnk420 Jun 04 '26

Anything Henry is a solid choice I’m not sure I’d go 45 colt tho I’d probably go 44 or 357 over that due to ammo availability

2

u/I-LOVE-HENRY-RIFLES May 30 '26

Hello. I have a couple of them. They are great rifles and shoot well. If ammo cost isnt a big thing for you then get the 44 magnum one. But if it is then stick to 357 magnum. And take off the buckhorns and slap on some peep sights. Mine are also leather wrapped to look nicer hehe. And if you can use almostprohibited.ca or some other website that aggregates prices to find a good price for one.