Henry Side Gate Lever
The Henry Side Gate Lever is the answer to the most-requested feature in Henry's history — a traditional side loading gate that lets you top off the magazine without removing the tube from the magazine follower. All of Henry's legendary craftsmanship and quality, now with the loading convenience that cowboy action shooters and hunters have wanted for decades.
Read our full Henry Side Gate Lever Buying Guide ↓
The Side Gate — Why It Matters
Traditional Henry lever-action rifles load through the front of the tube magazine — you unscrew the magazine cap, remove the inner tube, load rounds through the front, then reassemble. This system is reliable and elegant but slower than loading through a side gate. Henry resisted adding a side gate for years to maintain their distinctive loading system. When they finally introduced it, they did it without compromising the tube magazine — the Side Gate models have both a traditional front-loading tube AND a side gate, giving you the fastest loading option for each situation.
Side Gate Configurations
Steel Side Gate — The standard Side Gate Lever in Henry's blue/walnut finish. Available in the most popular lever-action calibers. The classic Henry aesthetic with the added convenience of side gate loading.
All-Weather Side Gate — Chrome-lined barrel, synthetic stock, and weather-resistant hardware for hunters in harsh conditions who want side gate loading convenience with maximum durability.
Side Gate Magnum Express — The Side Gate platform in powerful hunting calibers including .357 Magnum, .44 Remington Magnum, and .45 Colt — appropriate for deer and similar game at lever-action hunting distances.
Side Gate Carbine — Shorter barrel configuration for compact carry and hunting in dense brush.
Henry Build Quality
The Side Gate Lever maintains the same Henry quality standards that make them the benchmark American lever-action manufacturer — American walnut stocks, brass or blued receivers, and the smooth lever action that Henry delivers consistently. Made in the USA at Henry's facilities in New Jersey and Wisconsin.
Side Gate vs. Standard Henry
The standard Henry lever-actions use front tube loading only. The Side Gate adds a port in the receiver for topping off without removing the tube. Both systems are available on Side Gate models. The Side Gate commands a slight price premium over equivalent non-gate models — worth it for hunters who want the fastest reloading option in the field.
FAQ
Does the Henry Side Gate still have the tube magazine?
Yes — Henry's Side Gate models include BOTH the traditional front-loading tube AND the side gate. You can use either loading method depending on your preference and situation.
What calibers does the Henry Side Gate come in?
.357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Remington Magnum, .45 Colt, .30-30 Win, .45-70 Govt, and others depending on configuration.
Where are Henry lever-action rifles made?
Henry Repeating Arms is based in Bayonne, New Jersey with manufacturing in Wisconsin. All Henry rifles are made in the USA.
Is the Henry Side Gate good for hunting?
Yes — in .30-30, .44 Rem Mag, or .45-70, the Side Gate Lever is a capable deer and hog hunting rifle at lever-action distances (under 200 yards). The side gate loading allows faster follow-up shots and field reloading.