If you’re looking for a lever gun that looks like it just stepped out of a Civil War reenactment but shoots modern .45 Colt, the Henry Original H011C is exactly that. This is the Henry Original H011C .45 Colt 24.5″ octagon lever rifle — a faithful reproduction of the 1860 Henry, built with a polished brass receiver, blued steel, and fancy American walnut that feels as good as it looks. It’s a full-size shooter, not a safe queen, and it’s ready to run at the range or in the field.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Original H011C |
| Material | Blued steel barrel, polished brass receiver, American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt (LC) centerfire ammunition |
| Finish | Blued barrel, polished brass receiver |
| Weight | Approximately 9.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Classic 1860 Henry Styling — Why it matters: You get that iconic brass-framed, octagon-barrel look that turns heads at the range and feels like holding a piece of history. It’s not just a replica; it’s built with modern tolerances so it cycles .45 Colt reliably.
- 24.5-Inch Octagon Barrel — Why it matters: That extra barrel length gives you a longer sight radius for better accuracy with the folding ladder rear and blade front sights, and it balances the rifle nicely for off-hand shooting.
- Polished Brass Receiver — Why it matters: Brass is naturally corrosion-resistant and looks better with age. Plus, it’s drilled and tapped for optical mounts, so you can run a scope or red dot if you want to modernize it a bit.
- Fancy American Walnut Stock — Why it matters: The wood is hand-selected with nice grain, and the finish is oiled, not plastic. It gives you a warm, natural grip that won’t slip in wet conditions.
- Folding Ladder Rear Sight — Why it matters: You get adjustable elevation out to longer ranges, and the blade front sight is easy to pick up. It’s period-correct but functional for hunting or plinking.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the shooter who wants a classic lever action that actually gets used. It’s for cowboy action shooters who want a period-correct gun that cycles fast, collectors who want a shooter-grade piece, and hunters who appreciate a rifle that’s both beautiful and functional. First-time lever buyers will love the manageable .45 Colt recoil and the smooth action out of the box.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Authentic 1860 Henry look with modern manufacturing — you get the soul of a classic with the reliability of a new gun.
- Pro: .45 Colt is easy to find, affordable to shoot, and works for both range fun and deer hunting.
- Con: The brass receiver can tarnish over time if you don’t wipe it down after handling — it’s part of the charm, but some shooters prefer a low-maintenance finish.
Comparison: Henry Original H011C vs. Competitors
| Feature | Henry Original H011C | Uberti 1860 Henry .45 Colt | Taylor’s & Co. 1860 Henry .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiver Material | Polished brass | Brass (case-hardened frame on some models) | Polished brass |
| Barrel Length | 24.5″ octagon | 24″ octagon | 24.25″ octagon |
| Stock | Fancy American walnut | Walnut (grade varies) | American walnut |
| Drilled/Tapped for Optics | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | ~9.5 lbs | ~9.3 lbs | ~9.4 lbs |
| Price | $2,485.75 | ~$1,800 (varies) | ~$2,100 (varies) |
The Henry Original H011C stands out because it’s drilled and tapped for optics right out of the box — something neither Uberti nor Taylor’s offers. That means you can mount a scout scope or red dot without sending it to a gunsmith. The fancy walnut stock also gives it a higher-grade look than the standard walnut on competitors.
FAQ
What kind of .45 Colt ammo does this Henry Original H011C shoot?
It shoots standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition. Stick with factory loads from brands like Winchester, Remington, or Federal. Avoid +P or heavy handloads unless you confirm with Henry’s support — the brass receiver can handle standard pressures fine, but it’s not a Ruger Blackhawk.
Is this rifle safe to use with modern smokeless powder loads?
Yes, absolutely. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the H011C is built for modern smokeless .45 Colt cartridges. You don’t need to shoot black powder or cowboy loads, though those work too. Just use standard-pressure ammunition.
Can I mount a scope on the Henry Original H011C?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for optical mounts. You’ll need a side-mount or scout-style mount that fits the Henry’s receiver profile. No gunsmithing required — just screw it on and zero it.
How does the action compare to a modern Marlin or Winchester?
The Henry Original H011C uses a toggle-link action like the original 1860, which is smoother and faster than a traditional lever action. It’s not as strong as a modern Winchester 94 for high-pressure loads, but for .45 Colt, it’s buttery smooth right out of the box.
Trust & Delivery
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Check out more lever-action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category, or browse Henry Rifles and Cowboy Action Shooting Gear.
Last updated: April 2026
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