There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from a single-shot rifle that modern platforms just can’t replicate. It’s the mechanical clarity, the deliberate pace, and the fundamental marksmanship it demands. When you’re working with a cartridge as versatile and widely available as .223 Rem / 5.56, that focus becomes even more rewarding. The Henry Repeating Arms Single Shot Rifle in Walnut chambered in .223 Rem / 5.56 with a 22″ barrel is a return to that core shooting experience, built with the heft and finish that Henry is known for. It’s a rifle that forces you to make every round count, and in doing so, often makes you a better shooter.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms, optics, and gunsmithing tools for the DIY enthusiast. The Henry Repeating Arms Single Shot Rifle Walnut .223 Rem / 5.56 22″ Barrel is a break-action, single-shot rifle built on a solid steel frame with American walnut furniture. Its dual-chambering for .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO offers exceptional ammunition flexibility for training, hunting, or target shooting. This rifle is in stock and ready to ship today for $422.99.
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 This Henry Single Shot
This isn’t a plinking toy or a budget trainer, though it can excel at both. This is a serious, solid-feeling firearm. The action locks up tight with a positive, audible click, and the manual, rebounding hammer adds a layer of traditional safety. The 22″ barrel provides a solid sight radius for the included fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front sights, and it’s drilled and tapped from the factory for scope mounts if you want to add optics. The dual chambering is a major practical advantage; you can run cheaper 5.56 NATO for high-volume practice and .223 Rem for more precise hunting or target loads without needing a different firearm.
Key Features & Build Quality
The heart of this rifle is its break-action design. The lever is robust and requires a deliberate push to open, signaling the quality of the internal lockup. From an armorer’s perspective, the simplicity is beautiful. There are no complex gas systems or magazines to maintain. Disassembly for a thorough cleaning is straightforward, allowing you to inspect every component—a boon for tinkerers and those who like to know exactly how their tools work.
The American walnut stock is where Henry’s craftsmanship shines. It’s not a laminate or a stained mystery wood; it’s a properly finished walnut with a classic cut checkering on the wrist and forend. The finish is a durable, satin lacquer that protects the wood without looking plasticky. The metal-to-wood fit is excellent, with no noticeable gaps—a detail that separates this from cheaper import single-shots.
The barrel is button-rifled and capped with a recessed target crown, protecting the crucial muzzle from damage. The ability to safely handle both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO pressures gives you access to the entire spectrum of available ammunition, from lightweight varmint loads to heavier, barrier-blind 5.56 rounds. This flexibility is something I always point out to customers building a versatile, do-it-all rifle collection.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
After handling this platform and similar ones, here’s the breakdown:
- ✅ Superior Build Quality: The solid steel receiver and genuine American walnut stock offer a heft and durability far beyond budget single-shots.
- ✅ Ammunition Versatility: Chambered for both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO, maximizing your options for cost-effective practice and precise hunting.
- ✅ Excellent Sights & Ready for Optics: The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight is usable out of the box, and the factory-drilled receiver simplifies adding a scope.
- ✅ Simple & Safe Operation: The break-action design and manual rebounding hammer provide clear, mechanical safety for new shooters and a classic feel for enthusiasts.
- ✅ Henry’s Customer Service: Henry Repeating Arms has a reputation for standing behind their products, which adds significant long-term value.
No firearm is perfect for every situation, and this Henry has trade-offs inherent to its design:
- ❌ Single-Shot Limitation: It’s one round at a time. For dynamic shooting sports or high-volume pest control, a bolt-action or semi-auto platform would be more suitable. Check our rifle category for repeaters if that’s your need.
- ❌ Heavier Trigger Pull: As with many break-actions, the trigger is functional but tends to be on the heavier side (typically 5-7 lbs) and isn’t easily adjustable for a precision match-grade pull.
- ❌ Not a Takedown Design: It does not break down compactly for storage or transport like some dedicated backpacking rifles.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy this Henry Single Shot Rifle if: You’re a hunter who values shot discipline and wants a lightweight, reliable rifle for varmints or medium game. You’re a firearms instructor looking for a supremely safe and simple training tool for new shooters. You’re a recreational shooter who enjoys the challenge and focus of single-shot marksmanship. You’re a handloader who wants to test loads one at a time without the complication of a magazine. You appreciate traditional firearm craftsmanship and want a heirloom-quality piece that’s also a practical shooter.
Consider a different firearm if: You need rapid follow-up shots for hunting or competition—look at our bolt-action rifles. Your primary use is home defense—a shotgun or modern sporting rifle is a more appropriate tool. You demand a sub-MOA, match-grade trigger straight from the box. You need an ultra-compact, takedown rifle for backpacking.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Single Shot Break-Action Rifle |
| Material (Receiver/Barrel) | Solid Steel |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Manufacturing Process | Button-Rifled Barrel, Machined Steel Receiver |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Satin Lacquer Walnut |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Heat-Treated Steel |
| Compatibility | .223 Remington & 5.56x45mm NATO Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Break-Action, Manual Hammer |
| Weight (Approx.) | 6.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxH) | 38″ Overall Length |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | H015-223 (Reference) |
How It Stacks Up: Henry vs. The Competition
| Feature | Henry Repeating Arms Single Shot (Walnut) | Budget Import Single Shot (e.g., Hatfield) | Premium Single Shot (e.g., Browning BLR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Solid Steel, American Walnut | Thinner Steel, Beechwood or Synthetic | High-Grade Steel, Select Walnut |
| Quality / Fit & Finish | Excellent metal-to-wood fit, durable finish | Functional, often with visible gaps | Exceptional, hand-fitted craftsmanship |
| Compatibility | .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO | Typically .223 only | Often proprietary or limited calibers |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships today from Boise | Variable, often drop-shipped | Long lead times, special order |
| Lifespan / Durability | Built for generations of use | Adequate for occasional use | Heirloom-grade durability |
| Price Point | $422.99 (Our Price) | $60 – $150 | $1,000+ |
This comparison shows the Henry occupies a crucial middle ground: it offers nearly all the tangible quality and durability of the premium brands for the shooter, while being vastly superior in materials and construction to the budget options. You’re paying for the firearm, not just the function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this rifle really safe for both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition?
Yes. Henry specifically chambers and tests this rifle to safely fire both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges. The 5.56 NATO cartridge typically operates at higher pressures, and a firearm must be designed for it. This Henry is. Always consult your manual, but you have the full spectrum of available ammunition at your disposal.
What is the trigger pull weight like?
Expect a trigger pull in the 5 to 7-pound range. It’s a clean break, but it’s not a target trigger. It’s designed for reliability and safety in a hunting and field environment. For those interested in precision trigger work, a qualified gunsmith may be able to perform an adjustment, but it’s not a simple DIY job on this action.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped from the factory for a standard scope base. You will need to purchase a base (we recommend a one-piece base for stability) and rings appropriate for your optic. The iron sights remain usable with low-mounted rings.
Is this a good rifle for a first-time gun owner?
It can be an excellent choice. The single-shot operation and manual hammer force a methodical, safe process. It’s simple to learn, easy to clean, and very forgiving to maintain. The .223/5.56 chambering also means ammunition is affordable and readily available for practice.
What kind of accuracy can I expect?
With quality ammunition and from a solid rest, 1.5 to 2.5 MOA (Minute of Angle) is a reasonable expectation with the iron sights. With a mounted scope and careful ammunition selection, many shooters see groups tighten to 1 MOA or slightly better. It’s a hunting-accurate rifle, not a dedicated benchrest gun.
How does the break-action mechanism work?
To load, push the lever on the tang (top rear) downward. This unlocks the action, allowing the barrel to pivot downward, exposing the chamber. Insert a cartridge directly into the chamber. Close the barrel firmly until it clicks locked. Manually cock the external hammer to fire. After firing, open the action; the extractor will lift the empty case for easy removal.
Where can I buy a Henry Single Shot Rifle online?
You can purchase the Henry Repeating Arms Single Shot Rifle Walnut .223 Rem / 5.56 22″ Barrel securely online right here at Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We are an authorized retailer, and your purchase ships directly from our inventory in Boise, ID.
Ready to Order? Here’s What You Get from Us
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
At $422.99, this Henry Single Shot represents a significant value for a U.S.-made firearm with this level of material quality and brand reputation. It’s a rifle that teaches fundamentals, performs reliably in the field, and is built to last.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the firearm platform, technical specifications from the manufacturer, and over a decade of industry experience selling and supporting similar products. The goal is to provide the detailed, practical information a knowledgeable buyer needs. Pricing and availability are current as of the date listed.
Last updated: March 2026
