SIGforum
38/357 Lever gun

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/630601935/m/7250038915

March 08, 2026, 12:06 AM
LincolnSixEcho
38/357 Lever gun
Been wanting a 38/357 lever gun for a while and I think I like the Henry Big Boy X. Anyone have one and how do you like t? I used to want one with some nice wood, but after holding the synthetic stock version in the store, I kind of like that one more.
March 08, 2026, 01:02 PM
pedropcola
I have the Henry’s in 357 and 44. Not the Big Boy X. All of my center fire guns are the loading gate + tube feed. So I can’t speak to the stock of the X per se but the gun parts should be the same. I love them. Henry needed a side gate, once they did that I was sold.

If you like the X furniture and might suppress it it sounds like a solid win.

I also have the Brass version in 357. It is my least favorite because it is HEAVY. Octagon barrel doesn’t help.

Biggest change for me was new peeps on all of them.
March 08, 2026, 02:26 PM
LincolnSixEcho
quote:
Originally posted by pedropcola:
I have the Henry’s in 357 and 44. Not the Big Boy X. All of my center fire guns are the loading gate + tube feed. So I can’t speak to the stock of the X per se but the gun parts should be the same. I love them. Henry needed a side gate, once they did that I was sold.

If you like the X furniture and might suppress it it sounds like a solid win.

I also have the Brass version in 357. It is my least favorite because it is HEAVY. Octagon barrel doesn’t help.

Biggest change for me was new peeps on all of them.


I like the lightness of the X, can’t suppress here though who knows in future. I like the sighting system, but would prefer a rear peep instead of two color three fiber optic Partridge style.
March 08, 2026, 08:14 PM
sigarmsp226
I know the action on the Henry lever action rifles are super smooth as compared to the Marlin 38/357 before selling.
March 08, 2026, 08:44 PM
shoevb
Can you say FUN!!!!? My Henry Big Boy X in 38/357 synthetic stock with a suppressor is an absolute hoot to shoot. I've been using a Rugged Obsidian 9 and it is so much fun. I've only shot 38's through it and I can't reload fast enough. It is a little heavy with the Obsidian on it (at least to me) so I'm looking at lighter options that have come out.

The Henry has been flawless through about 400 rounds. My only nitpick is that the optional Henry pic rail is raised up a little and you really have to crank your head up a little higher for my optic. I'm going to get a flush fit rail to help alleviate this.
March 09, 2026, 01:15 AM
LincolnSixEcho
^^^^^ Good to know you guys like yours that’s what I like to hear as I have always heard positive things about Henry, though not anything about the newer synthetic models.
March 14, 2026, 05:28 PM
JonDaddy82
Have a Henry Model X in .38/.357, it's awesome. I got a sweet mount from Phoenix Weaponry for a Holosun pistol red dot and it's perfect:

https://www.phoenixweaponry.co...Dot-Mount-p402177576


IDPA ESP SS
March 15, 2026, 08:46 AM
patw
While I don't have a .357 Henry, my little Henry .22 plinker is a blast to shoot and has been holding up really well. Henry makes a decent rifle and I like the ability to load at the gate or at the tube, although some people don't care for it as it is not as "traditional" but is a welcome design for me.

I do have a Rossi,(pre-Taurus) and a S&W 1854 in 357. They are both actually pleasant to shoot with the Rossi being much lighter than the S&W, which is along the lines of the Henry X weight/size. It is not much heavier but it seems like a good bit more when you pick it up. The S&W is a tank of a gun and similar to the Henry X. Another thing about the Henry X, which you will appreciate, at least I do, is the larger loop compared to other guns. I added a leather wrap to my S&W to make it more comfortable to cycle and it gives a nicer appearance as well. If you have larger/meatier hands, the larger loop is a welcomed addition without being too large. After about 30-40 rounds with my Rossi, your hands will tell you to get a bigger loop. It is also not a smooth and has sharper edges compared to the higher end guns, which is another reason why to buy once,cry once.

If you do get a Henry X, let us know how she works for you as I have been eyeing a .44 Henry X model.
April 01, 2026, 10:39 AM
limblessbiff
I recently got a Marlin 1854 sbl in .357 and
I’m a Marlin guy now. It’s very smooth and built like a tank, comes with really nice sights too, I’ve read that Henry is putting more and more mim parts in their guns these days, I have a Henry .22 that’s been great but the feel of the marlin is what won me over
April 02, 2026, 12:46 PM
cee_Kamp
I don't have any personal experience with the Henry in .357 or the "X" Model, the gently used Henry rifle in .44 Mag that I bought last fall is very nice. Mine doesn't have the side loading gate.
For a hunting rifle not used for self defense, the "missing" side gate isn't a real problem.
It's a very nice rifle, but I did have to correct a few items after the purchase, which is common when buying something used.
It is heavy with the brass frame and octagonal barrel, but I consider that a plus for reduced recoil.
It cycles smoothly and is more accurate than my personal rifle abilities.
My original post about the rifle: https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...0601935/m/1000066715



NRA Benefactor Life Member
NRA Instructor
USPSA Chief Range Officer
April 03, 2026, 05:46 PM
josp
After reading this post, I ambled into my local shop which happened to have a Henry Big Boy brass frame 357 on the wall for a very decent price. Since I had some available funds, it came home.
It’s got the octagonal barrel and no side loading gate, but for hunting and playing around, I won’t miss it.
Shot 50 FMJ 38 Special loads and got it sighted in. I’ll need a peep sight (can’t put a dot on brass and walnut) so I’m looking for ones if anyone has a suggestion. I have a Skinner on my Dads 30-30 and I like it, but I’m still looking.

You guys are trouble…..
April 03, 2026, 06:58 PM
sourdough44
I have a newer version, Winchester 38/357 Lever. It’s light, handy & fun. I was doing some online shopping, they had it on a sale of sorts, still near $1k as I remember.

I like Henry, have a 45/70 from them.
April 08, 2026, 06:30 AM
Browndrake
I bought one of the new Marlin 1984 Trappers in .357. I think it may be my new favorite rifle. I really need to get a suppressor for it. I've seen videos of people shooting it suppressed with .38 special rounds and it is extremely quiet.

Given where I live and what I need and want a rifle for it could make a strong case for the classic internet question, "what would you choose if you could only have one rifle?"




Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

April 11, 2026, 04:01 PM
usncorpsman
I have a couple of Marlin 1894’s in 357. The one on top is a Remlin but every bit as nice as the JM Marlin below it. That red dot on top makes it easy to hit at 100yds.




April 12, 2026, 10:35 AM
Gustofer
quote:
Originally posted by josp:
I have a Skinner on my Dads 30-30 and I like it, but I’m still looking.
No need to look further IMO. I have them on my .44, 30-30, and 45LC. No complaints whatsoever.


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April 23, 2026, 07:02 PM
10X-Shooter
Henry’s new Bears Leg has my interest.
May 09, 2026, 02:17 PM
Marlin Fan
I have a Marlin in 38 Special for SASS tuned at the at the factory. Sweet but expensive. If money is not a problem, grab it.
May 09, 2026, 03:53 PM
Citadel
Anybody have a favored load for the .357 Marlin? Just picked one up. Have tons of 125 Remington and Federal in 125 but figure the longer barrel would appreciate a heavier bullet. thanks in advance.
May 09, 2026, 07:41 PM
hudr
I have a lot of Remington 158gr SJHP.
Both my Marlins seem to like it. As do my GP100 Rugers.
But those 125gr loads should work really well out of one also.