Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol

If you’ve been shopping for a historically inspired sidearm that still pulls its weight in the field, the Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is worth a hard look. This isn’t a reproduction that sits in a display case. It’s a working pistol chambered in serious calibers, built by Henry Repeating Arms with the same attention to fit and finish you expect from their rifles. Whether you’re after a trail companion for the Florida scrub or a conversation piece at the range, this lever-action pistol brings something different to the table. Let’s walk through what makes it tick.

Overview

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol bridges a gap between 19th-century design and modern reliability. It’s a lever-action pistol that handles like a short carbine but fits in a holster. The profile is compact enough to carry on an ATV or saddle, but the long barrel—relative to a typical revolver—gives you a sight radius that helps with practical accuracy. It’s a natural fit for anyone who enjoys the Henry action but wants something handier than a full-length rifle. Caliber options range from .357 Magnum up to .45-70 Government, so you can match the gun to the game or the purpose.

Features and Specs

• Action: Lever-action with a smooth, short-throw lever that cycles quickly. The loading gate on the side of the receiver allows for easy single-round topping off without breaking your grip.
• Barrel and Sights: A 12-inch octagon barrel with a brass bead front sight and a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. The barrel profile keeps weight manageable while helping with heat dissipation during extended shooting.
• Stock and Grip: American walnut fore-end and a pistol grip with a checkered pattern for a secure hold. The buttstock is absent by design—this is a true pistol, not a cut-down rifle.

Available calibers include .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .30-30 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. Each model is built on a brass receiver with a blued steel barrel. The overall length is just over 22 inches, and unloaded weight sits around six pounds depending on the caliber. That’s heavier than a standard semiauto pistol, but the balance is forward, which helps with recoil control on the larger rounds.

Who It’s For

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is for the shooter who wants something distinct. It’s not a concealed-carry piece, but it makes sense for open carry in the field, truck gun duty, or as a camp sidearm where you might need to deal with hogs or snakes. The .45-70 version is a thumper for big game at close range. The .357 model is pleasant to shoot and doubles as a companion to a Henry rifle in the same caliber. This pistol also appeals to collectors who appreciate the historical lineage of the “Buntline” style pistol but want a shooter that doesn’t require hand-fitting.

If you’re in Florida, consider the .44 Magnum or .45-70 for the heavier cover you might encounter in the Panhandle or the Everglades. The .30-30 option is a niche choice but gives you a rifle cartridge in a handgun platform, which can be handy for hunters who want one ammo type for both rifle and sidearm.

Shipping and FFL

This Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol ships directly to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. For Florida customers, we can ship to any licensed dealer in the state, including those in Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and all other cities. You will need to arrange the transfer with your chosen FFL before we dispatch the order. We will not ship to a residential address. All federal, state, and local laws apply, and it is your responsibility to ensure you are legally eligible to purchase this firearm. Standard shipping rates apply, and we typically process orders within one to two business days.