Henry Lever Shotguns

Henry Repeating Arms builds the only lever-action shotguns in current production chambered in .410 bore — combining the classic lever-action manual of arms with the lightest-recoiling shotshell gauge for upland bird hunting, snake defense, pest control, and introducing young or recoil-sensitive shooters to shotgun shooting. Available as the full-length Side Gate Lever Action .410 and the compact Henry Axe .410 (a non-NFA “firearm” with a bird’s head grip).

Read our full Henry .410 Lever-Action Buying Guide ↓

Henry Side Gate Lever Action .410

The Side Gate .410 is a full-length lever-action shotgun with a 20-inch barrel, walnut furniture, and Henry’s side loading gate for individual shell loading alongside the traditional front tube loading. It chambers 2½-inch .410 bore shells and holds 5 rounds in the tubular magazine. At roughly 7 lbs, it’s a comfortable, pointable shotgun for walking up quail, doves, and rabbits in brush where a lightweight, fast-handling gun matters more than maximum payload.

Henry Axe .410

The Henry Axe is a lever-action .410 with a 15.14-inch barrel and a bird’s head grip instead of a traditional stock, classified as a “firearm” (not a shotgun, not a pistol) under federal law because it was manufactured from the factory with a short barrel and no stock — the same legal framework as a Mare’s Leg. It’s compact enough to carry in a truck, ATV, or boat as a snake gun and pest-control tool. No NFA registration required.

.410 Lever-Action for Youth and New Shooters

The .410’s minimal recoil combined with the lever-action’s controlled cycling speed make the Henry .410 an excellent first shotgun for young shooters. Each shot requires a deliberate lever cycle, teaching safe gun handling fundamentals at a pace that builds confidence without the startling recoil of a 12 or 20 gauge. The 20-inch Side Gate model is the right choice for youth hunting; the Axe is too compact for a proper cheek weld and is better suited to adults.

.410 Lever-Action for Cowboy Action Shooting

SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) competition includes shotgun stages, and the Henry .410 lever-action is a legal and increasingly popular option for cowboy-action shooters who want lever-action shotgun handling instead of a double barrel or pump. The lever-action’s tubular magazine holds 5 rounds vs. 2 in a double barrel, providing a capacity advantage on longer shotgun stages.

Henry .410 vs. Henry .45-70 and Pistol-Caliber Lever Guns

Henry’s lever-action lineup includes rifles in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .45-70 — all firing single projectiles. The .410 is the only Henry lever-action that fires shotshells, spreading multiple pellets for moving targets (birds, snakes) and close-range pest control where a single projectile would miss. It’s a fundamentally different tool for a different job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Henry Axe .410 an NFA item?
No — it’s classified as a “firearm” (not a shotgun) because it was manufactured with a short barrel and bird’s head grip from the factory. Standard 4473 transfer, no tax stamp.

Can I shoot 3-inch .410 shells in the Henry .410?
No — Henry .410 lever-actions are chambered for 2½-inch .410 bore shells only.

How many shells does the Henry .410 hold?
5 rounds of 2½-inch .410 bore in the tubular magazine.

Is the Henry .410 good for bird hunting?
Yes — for quail, doves, and small upland birds inside 25 yards, the .410 lever-action is effective and sporting. Not recommended for waterfowl or turkey.

Henry .410 vs. single-shot .410?
The lever-action holds 5 rounds and cycles quickly vs. 1 round in a single-shot. The single-shot is lighter and simpler. For hunting, the lever-action’s capacity is a meaningful advantage on flushes.