Mare's Leg

The Mare’s Leg is a lever-action handgun with a shortened barrel (typically 12–13 inches) and a cut-down stock, manufactured from the factory as a pistol or “firearm” — not a sawed-off rifle. Made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1958 TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive, the Mare’s Leg is produced today by Henry, Chiappa, and GForce across every major lever-action caliber. Impact Guns carries the full Mare’s Leg lineup — 18 models across .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .22 LR, .22 WMR, and 12 gauge.

Read our full Mare’s Leg Buying Guide ↓

How the Mare’s Leg Is Legal Without NFA Paperwork

A Mare’s Leg was never manufactured as a rifle — it left the factory with a short barrel and abbreviated stock. Because it was never a rifle, shortening the barrel doesn’t create a short-barreled rifle (SBR). Under federal law, most Mare’s Legs are classified as “firearms” (not pistols, not rifles, not shotguns) and transfer on a standard 4473 with no NFA paperwork, no tax stamp, and no special waiting period beyond your state’s standard requirements.

Henry Mare’s Leg

Henry Repeating Arms produces the widest Mare’s Leg lineup, available in .22 LR, .22 WMR, .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, and .45 Colt. All feature Henry’s signature walnut furniture and brass or blued receiver. The newer Side Gate models add a loading gate on the right side of the receiver for individual round loading (in addition to the traditional Henry tube-loading from the front), and the Large Loop lever accommodates gloved hands. The .357 Magnum Side Gate with Large Loop is the most popular configuration.

Chiappa Mare’s Leg

Chiappa Firearms produces 1892-pattern Mare’s Legs in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt with case-colored receivers and walnut stocks. Chiappa also makes a unique 1887 Mare’s Leg in 12 gauge — a lever-action shotgun pistol based on the Winchester 1887 platform, and one of the most distinctive firearms in any category.

GForce Mare’s Leg

GForce Arms offers a Mare’s Leg in .357 Magnum with a 12-inch threaded barrel, Turkish walnut furniture, and a black receiver — a newer entry to the market at a competitive price point.

Best Caliber for a Mare’s Leg

.357 Magnum is the most versatile choice — it fires both .357 Magnum and less-expensive .38 Special ammunition, pairs naturally with .357 Magnum lever-action rifles and revolvers for a one-caliber setup, and produces manageable recoil from the Mare’s Leg’s lightweight platform. .44 Magnum hits harder but kicks considerably more from a compact gun. .45 Colt is the most historically appropriate for cowboy-action use. .22 LR is the pure fun/plinking option with almost zero recoil and the cheapest ammunition.

What Is a Mare’s Leg Good For?

Recreational shooting, cowboy-action shooting side matches, camp and trail gun duty, truck gun, collecting, and the simple appeal of lever-cycling a compact lever-action one-handed. The Mare’s Leg is not a precision instrument — with a 12-inch barrel and rudimentary sights, practical accuracy is roughly 50–75 yards depending on caliber and the shooter. What it is, reliably, is the most fun gun at any range session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Mare’s Leg an SBR?
No — it was manufactured from the factory as a handgun/firearm, not cut down from a rifle. It transfers on a standard 4473 with no NFA paperwork.

Can I conceal carry a Mare’s Leg?
Its legal classification as a “firearm” rather than a pistol makes concealed carry laws ambiguous in many states. Check your state’s specific regulations.

What caliber Mare’s Leg should I get?
.357 Magnum for versatility (shoots .38 Special too), .44 Magnum for power, .45 Colt for cowboy authenticity, .22 LR for cheap plinking.

Henry vs. Chiappa Mare’s Leg?
Henry for fit, finish, and the widest caliber selection. Chiappa for the 12 gauge option and generally lower pricing. Both are well-made.

Does the Henry Mare’s Leg have a side loading gate?
The newer Henry Side Gate Mare’s Legs do. Earlier models load only from the front of the magazine tube.