Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg .357 Mag/.38 Spl 12.9″ Barrel Walnut

Description

The Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg .357 Mag/.38 Spl 12.9″ Barrel Walnut is a compact lever-action pistol that blends classic Winchester-style aesthetics with modern manufacturing. Chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, this 12.9-inch octagon-barreled model features a polished brass receiver, American walnut stock, and a large loop lever for easy cycling. It’s built for range shooting, plinking, and collections, offering the handling of a rifle in a handgun format. According to Henry Repeating Arms specs, the tubular magazine holds 10 rounds of .38 Special or 9 rounds of .357 Magnum, making it a practical choice for target work and affordable plinking.

Manufacturer	Henry Repeating Arms
Model	Big Boy Mare’s Leg
Material	Brass receiver, steel barrel, American walnut stock
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special (dual-caliber)
Finish	Blued octagon barrel, polished brass receiver
Weight	7.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 12.9-inch Octagon Barrel — The longer barrel boosts velocity and accuracy for a handgun, making .38 Special loads feel like a .22 while keeping .357 recoil manageable. Expect tighter groups at 25 yards compared to shorter barrels.
• Polished Brass Receiver — Brass resists corrosion better than blued steel and adds a classic look that stands out in any safe. It also provides a smooth action surface for the lever.
• Large Loop Lever — The oversized lever accommodates gloved hands and speeds up cycling when you’re running drills. It’s a nod to the iconic rifle style, but functional for fast follow-ups.
• Side Loading Gate & Tubular Magazine — Reloads are straightforward: push rounds through the gate without removing the magazine. The tube holds 10 rounds of .38 Special, giving you more trigger time between refills.
• Adjustable Rear Sight & Bead Front — The rear sight lets you fine-tune elevation and windage, while the brass bead front catches light for quick acquisition. This setup is practical for both slow-fire accuracy and rapid target transitions.

Who It’s For

This Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg .357 Mag/.38 Spl 12.9″ Barrel Walnut is built for shooters who want a lever-action handgun for range fun, plinking, or collection display. It’s ideal for cowboy-action enthusiasts who appreciate the design, but also for anyone looking to shoot .38 Special cheaply—.38 rounds can be half the cost of .357 per box. The compact size makes it easy to transport, but the weight (7.2 lbs) soaks up recoil, so it’s comfortable for extended sessions. It’s not a practical carry gun due to the size and weight, but it excels as a range toy or conversation piece.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Dual-caliber flexibility—shoot cheap .38 Special for plinking or hot .357 Magnum for power.
• Pro: Classic brass-and-walnut aesthetics that hold value and look great in any collection.
• Pro: Large loop lever and smooth action make it easy to shoot fast, even for beginners.
• Con: The 12.9-inch barrel and 7.2-lb weight make it bulkier than most handguns—not ideal for concealed carry or hip holsters.
• Con: The tubular magazine is slow to fully load compared to detachable box magazines, and unloading requires cycling each round through the action.

Comparison

Feature	Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg .357/.38	Zev Technologies OZ9C	Ruger Super Redhawk .357
Action	Lever-action (manual)	Striker-fired semi-auto	Double-action revolver
Barrel Length	12.9 inches	4.5 inches	7.5 inches
Capacity	10 rounds .38 / 9 rounds .357	15+1 rounds	6 rounds
Weight	7.2 lbs	~1.8 lbs	~3.4 lbs
Best For	Range plinking, collection	Concealed carry, competition	Hunting, heavy loads

The Henry is heavier and longer than the Zev OZ9C, which is built for carry and speed. The Ruger Super Redhawk is more robust for hot .357 loads but holds fewer rounds. The Henry wins on nostalgia and ammo flexibility, but loses on portability and modern ergonomics.

FAQ

What is the barrel length of the Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg .357 Mag/.38 Spl?

The barrel is 12.9 inches long, octagon-shaped, and made of blued steel. This length balances velocity with the compact Mare’s Leg profile.

Is the Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg legal to own as a handgun?

Yes, it is classified as a handgun under federal law due to its barrel length and overall design. However, check your state and local laws—some states have restrictions on handgun barrel lengths or magazine capacities. It ships as a handgun with a 10-round magazine capacity.

Can I shoot .38 Special and .357 Magnum interchangeably?

Yes, the Henry Big Boy Mare’s Leg is chambered for both. You can safely shoot .38 Special for lower recoil and cost, or .357 Magnum for full power. Just note that .38 Special rounds may not cycle as reliably in some lever actions due to shorter case length, but Henry’s action handles them well with proper loading.

How do I load the tubular magazine?

Use the side loading gate on the receiver. Push rounds (bullet tip first) into the gate until the tube is full. To unload, cycle the lever and eject each round. The tube holds 10 rounds of .38 Special or 9 rounds of .357 Magnum.

Why Buy From Us

✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout

Browse more in our Handguns, Lever-Action, or Henry Firearms categories. Last updated: April 2026