Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol: A Modern Frontier Sidearm

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol represents a deliberate return to the big-bore, high-capability handgun concept that defined the American frontier. Chambered in potent rifle cartridges, this pistol bridges the gap between historical lever-action performance and modern manufacturing precision. Designed for shooters who require substantial energy on target from a compact platform, the Bear’s Leg is built around the legendary Henry action, scaled and configured for one-handed use. This is not a reproduction; it is a purpose-built firearm for serious marksmen who value robust construction and terminal ballistics.

Overview

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is a lever-action pistol manufactured by Henry Repeating Arms, a company known for its commitment to American steel and traditional craftsmanship. Unlike typical revolvers or semi-automatic pistols, this firearm utilizes a full-length tubular magazine and a lever mechanism, allowing for rapid follow-up shots with minimal disruption to sight alignment. The pistol is available in four distinct calibers: .357 Magnum/.38 Spl, .44 Magnum/.44 Spl, .30-30 Win., and .45-70 Gov't. Each caliber choice offers a unique balance of velocity, energy, and recoil, catering to specific hunting or defensive applications. The overall design prioritizes reliability and mechanical simplicity, with a solid steel receiver and a genuine American walnut stock.

Features & Specs

The Henry Bear's Leg Pistol is defined by its adherence to performance specifications rather than aesthetic flourishes. Below are the core attributes that distinguish this firearm in the lever-action pistol category.

• Caliber versatility: Offered in .357 Magnum/.38 Spl, .44 Magnum/.44 Spl, .30-30 Win., and .45-70 Gov't, allowing shooters to match the cartridge to the intended use, from light-recoiling target shooting to heavy-hitting brush defense.
• Lever-action mechanism: Provides a fast, manual cycling action that is inherently reliable and easy to maintain, with a smooth throw that allows for rapid follow-up shots without losing the sight picture.
• Solid steel receiver and 12-inch barrel: Constructed from polished steel, the receiver houses a robust action, while the barrel length is optimized for balance and ballistic efficiency, particularly with .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum loads.

Additional specifications include a blued steel finish for corrosion resistance, a straight-grip American walnut stock with a satin finish, and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sights paired with a brass bead front sight. The rifle-style sights provide a clear sight picture typical of lever guns, making the pistol intuitive for shooters familiar with Henry rifles. The overall length is approximately 23 inches, with an unloaded weight of roughly 4.5 pounds, depending on caliber.

Who It's For

The Henry Bear's Leg Pistol is intended for the experienced shooter who values cartridge performance over magazine capacity or concealability. It is an ideal choice for hunters operating in dense cover who require a compact firearm capable of taking medium to large game with the same ammunition as their primary rifle. It also appeals to collectors and enthusiasts of lever-action mechanics who seek a historically inspired design with modern manufacturing tolerances. This pistol is not recommended for novice shooters due to the substantial recoil generated by the .44 Magnum, .30-30, and .45-70 Gov't calibers. For those seeking a manageable entry point, the .357 Magnum/.38 Spl variant offers a more forgiving shooting experience while retaining the action's inherent reliability. The Bear's Leg is a tool for the discerning marksman who prioritizes ballistic capability and mechanical longevity.

Shipping & FFL

This Henry Bear's Leg Pistol will be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder of your choice. Upon purchase, we will require the name and contact information of the receiving FFL dealer. Please confirm with your chosen dealer that they are willing to accept transfers from our company prior to completing your order. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all firearm purchases. We ship to all states where the firearm is legal for sale and transfer. It is the buyer's full responsibility to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the ownership and transfer of this pistol. All sales are final once the item has been shipped. We do not ship to P.O. boxes; a physical street address is required for the FFL location. Standard shipping rates apply, with insurance included.