Henry Big Boy with Gunfighter Grip 38 Special/357 Magnum Revolver

Description

The Henry Big Boy with Gunfighter Grip in .38 Special/.357 Magnum brings a classic American revolver platform into a modern, fast-handling package. For U.S. shooters who value a reliable sidearm for the range, home defense, or field use, this six-shot revolver offers a blend of historical craftsmanship and practical performance. Whether you’re a collector appreciating the lineage or a shooter looking for a dependable firearm, this model from a trusted U.S. manufacturer deserves a close look.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Henry Big Boy with Gunfighter Grip is a single-action revolver chambered for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. It is designed for shooters who want a smooth, accurate revolver for target practice, home defense, and small-game hunting. The addition of the “Gunfighter Grip” — a contoured, ergonomic grip style — improves handling for faster follow-up shots, making it suitable for both experienced shooters and those new to revolvers. Collectors will appreciate the Henry name and the revolver’s classic lines, while practical shooters will value its versatility across multiple use cases.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .38 Special / .357 Magnum (interchangeable)
• Capacity: 6-round cylinder
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches (inferred from the Big Boy revolver line)
• Overall Length: Approximately 10.5 inches
• Weight: Roughly 40 ounces (unloaded)
• Frame Material: Steel with a blued or case-hardened finish
• Grip: Gunfighter Grip (checkered walnut or polymer, depending on variant)
• Sights: Fixed front post and rear notch
• Action: Single-action with a transfer bar safety
• Finish: Blued steel (standard)

Feature Deep-Dive

The Henry Big Boy with Gunfighter Grip stands out for its balance of traditional design and shooter-focused ergonomics. The Gunfighter Grip is a key upgrade over standard grips, featuring a slightly longer profile and a palm swell that helps the revolver sit lower in the hand. This reduces muzzle flip during rapid firing and aids in recoil management, particularly with .357 Magnum loads. The grip’s texture provides a secure hold even in wet or gloved conditions, a practical detail for field use or home defense scenarios.

The revolver’s 5.5-inch barrel is a versatile length. It is long enough to achieve decent velocity from both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds, making it effective for target shooting at typical range distances. At the same time, it remains compact enough for easy handling in a home defense context, without the bulk of a longer barrel. The barrel is rifled to provide consistent accuracy, and the fixed sights are regulated for common ammunition types, meaning you can expect reliable point-of-aim at 15 to 25 yards.

Henry has built the Big Boy revolver on a solid steel frame, contributing to the firearm’s weight and durability. The weight helps absorb recoil, making extended range sessions more comfortable. The single-action trigger pull is crisp and predictable, typically breaking at around 4 to 5 pounds, which aids in precision shooting. The transfer bar safety is a welcome addition, allowing the revolver to be carried safely with all six chambers loaded, a feature not found on older single-action designs.

The finish on this model is a deep bluing that protects against rust and corrosion, with a polish that reflects the care put into manufacturing. The cylinder features flutes, which reduce weight slightly and give the revolver a distinctive look. The loading gate and ejector rod are smooth in operation, facilitating quick reloads at the range. Every component, from the trigger to the cylinder latch, is machined to tight tolerances, ensuring a predictable feel shot after shot.

For shooters who appreciate a revolver that can handle both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition, this Henry model offers flexibility. You can practice with lower-recoil .38 Special loads for training and then switch to .357 Magnum for defensive or hunting purposes without changing firearms. The cylinder is bored to accommodate the slightly longer .357 Magnum case, so both cartridges feed and eject reliably. This dual-caliber capability makes the Big Boy a cost-effective choice for shooters who want one firearm for multiple roles.

The Gunfighter Grip variant is specifically designed for shooters who prioritize handling and speed. The grip’s contour allows for a natural point of aim, and the trigger reach is comfortable for a range of hand sizes. Whether you are shooting one-handed or using a two-hand hold, the grip promotes a consistent grip angle. This attention to ergonomics, combined with the revolver’s inherent reliability, makes it a solid choice for those who want a dependable sidearm without unnecessary complexity.

Ideal Use Cases

• Range Shooting: The revolver’s accuracy and smooth trigger make it a pleasure to shoot at the range. The ability to use .38 Special for low-cost practice extends range time.
• Home Defense: With .357 Magnum loads, this revolver delivers effective stopping power. The 6-round capacity and simple single-action operation are straightforward under stress.
• Small-Game Hunting: For hunting small to medium game like rabbits or varmints, the .38 Special or .357 Magnum provides sufficient energy. The 5.5-inch barrel offers adequate velocity for ethical shots at moderate ranges.
• Collecting: Henry’s reputation for quality and the classic revolver design make this model a worthwhile addition to any collection, particularly for those who appreciate American-made firearms.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This revolver is compatible with all standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition from major U.S. manufacturers (e.g., Federal, Remington, Winchester, Hornady). It is not recommended for use with +P or +P+ loads unless specified by Henry; check your owner’s manual.
• Holsters: The 5.5-inch barrel and single-action frame fit many open-top holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army or Ruger Vaquero revolvers. Look for holsters with a thumb break or retention strap for secure carry. Brands like Simply Rugged, Galco, and DeSantis offer compatible options.
• Accessories: This revolver does not use detachable magazines. Speed loaders for single-action revolvers (like those from HKS or Safariland) are available for quicker reloads. Extra grip sets may be available from Henry or aftermarket suppliers, but the Gunfighter Grip is a specific design.
• Maintenance: Standard .38/.357 cleaning kits and bore brushes work with this barrel. Use a good quality gun oil and solvent to maintain the blued finish.

FAQ Section

Q: Can this revolver be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
A: No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed FFL dealer be shipped to another FFL dealer in your state. We will ship the Henry Big Boy to a licensed dealer near you, and you will complete the background check and transfer there. We offer free shipping to your chosen FFL within the continental U.S.

Q: What is the FFL transfer process?
A: After you place your order, we will need your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their license. We verify the license, ship the firearm, and the dealer contacts you when it arrives. You then visit the dealer, fill out the ATF Form 4473, pass the background check, and pay any applicable transfer fees. The entire process typically takes 3-7 business days from shipment.

Q: Is this revolver compatible with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition?
A: Yes. The cylinder is designed to safely fire both cartridges. You can use .38 Special for target practice or low-recoil training, and .357 Magnum for self-defense or hunting. Always ensure you are using the correct ammunition for your intended purpose, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Q: What warranty does Henry provide for this revolver?
A: Henry Repeating Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. If you encounter any issues, contact Henry’s customer service directly. We also stand behind every sale and can assist with warranty claims if needed.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms for change of mind. However, if your firearm arrives with a manufacturing defect or is damaged in transit, we will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve the issue. Please inspect your firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer. For accessory returns, contact us within 30 days for a refund or exchange.

Closing Call to Action

This Henry Big Boy with Gunfighter Grip in .38 Special/.357 Magnum is available now at csfirearms.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the United States, with free shipping on all firearm orders. Whether you are adding to a collection, setting up for home defense, or planning a range day, this revolver offers dependable performance from a brand you can trust. Order today, and we will handle the transfer process to get your new firearm to your local dealer quickly and securely.