There’s a certain rhythm to a lever action that you just don’t get from a bolt or a semi-auto. It’s mechanical, deliberate, and connects you directly to the history of the firearm. The Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy in .22 Magnum isn’t just a rifle; it’s a piece of that history, built with modern precision and a level of finish that makes it stand out on the rack. As someone who spends more time looking at internals than exteriors, I appreciate that Henry builds these from the ground up in the USA, with a focus on smooth operation and reliable function. The large loop lever isn’t just for show—it’s a functional upgrade for gloved hands or a different shooting style, wrapped around a classic .22 WMR platform that’s equally at home on a plinking range or a small game hunt.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for the DIY enthusiast and tinkerer. The Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy Lever .22 Mag is a classically styled lever-action rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Its standout feature is the large loop lever combined with a polished brass receiver and American walnut stock. This rifle is in stock and ready to ship today for $522.89.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What You’re Getting with the Henry Golden Boy .22 Mag
This isn’t a replica or a nostalgia piece built to a price point. The Henry Golden Boy is a serious rimfire rifle. The action is machined steel, and the fit between the brass receiver, the steel barrel, and the walnut stock is tight—no rattles or gaps. The .22 WMR chambering gives you a significant step up in power over standard .22 LR, making it a viable option for varmints and predators at longer ranges. The 20.5-inch barrel provides a good sight radius and balances the rifle nicely. From a gunsmith’s perspective, the simplicity of the toggle-link action Henry uses is robust and easy to maintain, which is a major plus for owners who like to understand and care for their own gear.
Key Features & Build Quality
The polished brass receiver is the visual centerpiece, and it’s done right. It’s not a thin plating; it has a substantial feel and a deep luster that develops a patina over time. The American walnut stock is cut with a classic crescent buttplate and a sleek forearm. The wood-to-metal fit is where you see the quality—the inletting is crisp, and there are no unsightly gaps filled with epoxy. The large loop lever is a solid piece of steel, smoothly integrated into the action. It cycles without binding and provides ample room for winter gloves, a feature I know several law enforcement instructors appreciate for their off-duty training.
The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight are period-correct and functional. They’re easy to pick up and allow for precise windage and elevation adjustments. The tubular magazine holds 12 rounds of .22 WMR and loads smoothly through the port in the magazine tube under the barrel. The entire package feels substantial in hand, not toy-like. The weight, around 6.75 pounds, soaks up recoil (not that .22 Mag has much) and promotes steady offhand shooting.
Pros and Cons: A Straight-Shooting Assessment
Pros:
- ✅ Superior Fit and Finish: The brass and walnut construction is executed with a high level of craftsmanship. The metal polish and wood finish are excellent out of the box.
- ✅ Large Loop Lever is Functional: It’s not just an aesthetic gimmick. It provides real utility for shooters with large hands or those wearing gloves in colder climates.
- ✅ Smooth, Reliable Action: Henry’s lever action is known for its buttery-smooth cycle. The .22 Magnum version maintains that reputation with a solid, positive feel.
- ✅ Versatile .22 WMR Chambering: Offers more reach and power than .22 LR, making the rifle suitable for small game hunting and pest control beyond typical rimfire ranges.
- ✅ American-Made Quality: Built in Bayonne, New Jersey, with U.S.-sourced steel and walnut. You’re supporting domestic manufacturing and getting a rifle with proven durability.
Cons:
- ❌ Premium Price for a Rimfire: This is a premium-priced .22 rifle. If your sole need is a basic plinker, a standard Henry or other model will cost less. See our Lever Action Rifles for other options.
- ❌ Weight: At nearly 7 pounds, it’s heavier than many synthetic-stocked .22s. This is a trade-off for the solid feel and stability, but it’s noticeable during long carry sessions.
- ❌ Ammunition Cost: .22 WMR is more expensive than .22 LR. Factor in the cost of practice ammunition when considering this rifle.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy the Henry Golden Boy .22 Mag if: You value craftsmanship and classic aesthetics in a functional firearm. You’re a hunter looking for a respectful, quiet rimfire option for small game. You’re a collector or enthusiast who appreciates the heritage of lever actions. You want a high-quality, American-made rifle that can be passed down. You enjoy the mechanical satisfaction of a smooth lever action on the range.
Consider another option if: Your budget is strictly under $400 for a .22 rifle. You plan on carrying the rifle for miles and need the absolute lightest weight possible. You shoot thousands of rounds a month and need the cheapest possible ammunition cost (.22 LR is better for that). You require a optics-ready platform with a drilled and tapped receiver (this model uses traditional sights). For those needs, check our Rifles category for modern tactical or synthetic-stocked alternatives.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle |
| Material (Receiver) | Polished Brass |
| Material (Barrel) | Blued Steel |
| Material (Stock) | American Walnut |
| Manufacturing | Machined Steel Components |
| Finish | Polished Brass, Blued Steel, Satin Walnut Oil Finish |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, High-Quality Fit & Finish |
| Compatibility | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) |
| Installation/Usage | Manual Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Load |
| Weight | Approx. 6.75 lbs |
| Dimensions (Barrel Length) | 20.5 inches |
| Dimensions (Overall Length) | 38 inches |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | H004ML |
How It Stacks Up: Henry vs. The Competition
| Feature | Henry Golden Boy .22 Mag (This Rifle) | Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR (Budget Lever) | Marlin 1894 .357 Mag (Centerfire Alternative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Finish | Brass receiver, blued steel, walnut stock. Premium fit & finish. | Alloy receiver, blued barrel, hardwood stock. Functional finish. | Blued steel receiver and barrel, walnut stock. Good traditional finish. |
| Quality & Craftsmanship | Excellent. Tight wood-to-metal fit, smooth action, high polish. | Good for price. May have minor tool marks, action break-in required. | Very Good. Ruger-era Marlins have strong reputations for improved QC. |
| Compatibility & Caliber | .22 WMR. High-velocity rimfire. | .22 LR only. Standard velocity rimfire. | .357 Mag/.38 Spl. Versatile centerfire pistol caliber. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships same-day from Boise, ID. | Often on backorder, variable lead times. | High demand, limited availability, longer lead times. |
| Lifespan & Durability | Built for generations. Robust steel action, quality materials. | Durable for casual use. Alloy receiver is lighter but less robust long-term. | Extremely durable. Designed for higher-pressure centerfire rounds. |
| Price Point | $522.89 (Premium Rimfire) | ~$280-330 (Budget Rimfire) | ~$950+ (Premium Centerfire) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the large loop lever easier to use?
For most shooters, yes, especially with gloves or larger hands. It provides more clearance and can facilitate a different, sometimes faster, cycling technique. The standard loop on other Henry models is perfectly functional, but the large loop is a notable ergonomic upgrade.
Can I mount a scope on this Henry Golden Boy?
This specific model (H004ML) is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount from the factory. It is designed for use with the included iron sights. Some aftermarket solutions exist that clamp to the barrel or replace the rear sight, but they are not endorsed by Henry. If optics are a must, consider a Henry model that comes pre-drilled.
What’s the difference between .22 LR and .22 Magnum (WMR)?
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) is a more powerful cartridge than .22 Long Rifle (LR). It uses a larger case and a heavier bullet, resulting in higher velocity, more energy, and better performance at longer ranges (100+ yards). Ammunition cost is higher for .22 WMR.
Is the brass receiver durable or just for looks?
It’s both. The brass receiver is solid and provides the structural integrity for the action. It is softer than steel and will scratch and develop a patina with use, which many owners feel adds character. It is a functional part of the rifle, not a decorative overlay.
How does the tubular magazine load?
You unscrew the knurled cap at the end of the magazine tube under the barrel. The inner spring and follower are removed, and you drop rounds in nose-first. Then you replace the follower and spring, and screw the cap back on. It’s a classic, simple design.
Where can I buy a Henry Golden Boy .22 Mag online?
You can purchase the Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy Lever .22 Mag directly from Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We are an authorized retailer, and the rifle ships from our warehouse in Boise, ID.
What is Henry’s warranty like?
Henry Repeating Arms offers a lifetime warranty on all their firearms to the original purchaser. It’s a no-nonsense warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Their customer service has a strong reputation in the industry for being helpful and straightforward.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the firearm, technical specifications from the manufacturer, and 11 years of industry experience focused on platform performance and end-user needs. We highlight functional pros, honest cons, and technical details to help DIY enthusiasts and tinkerers make an informed decision.
Last updated: March 2026
