Henry Side Gate .45-70 Government
Model: H010G
Henry Side Gate .45-70 Government
Model: H010G
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Henry Side Gate .45-70 is a 7.1-lb lever rifle with an 18.43-inch barrel and 4-round tube capacity. It chambers the .45-70 Government — a cartridge that dates to 1873 and in modern lever guns can push 405-grain cast bullets well past 1,900 fps. At that energy level, it's considered adequate for brown bear defense by many Alaska guides and outfitters. The walnut pistol-grip stock and ventilated rubber recoil pad tell you this rifle was built knowing its owner will feel those loads.
Where the Henry surprises buyers is weight distribution. The 18.43-inch barrel keeps overall length to 37.5 inches, making it noticeably handier in dense brush than the Marlin 1895's 22-inch, 40.5-inch-overall package. The shorter barrel paired with heavy .45-70 loads also produces a sharper muzzle blast than longer-barreled alternatives. For range shooters putting through many rounds in a session, hearing protection is mandatory and the Marlin 1895 SBL's threaded barrel (for a suppressor or muzzle brake) becomes a real advantage the Henry lacks.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- American-made, walnut and blued steel with Henry's well-regarded fit and finish. The ventilated rubber recoil pad is standard — not an aftermarket add-on.
- Side gate plus tube loading gives you two loading methods. Topping off the tube from the receiver gate while the rifle is shouldered is genuinely useful during a hunt.
- 4-round capacity is the lowest in the .45-70 lever category. The Marlin 1895 SBL holds 7 rounds.
- No threaded barrel. The 18.43-inch tube produces significant muzzle blast with heavy .45-70 loads, and there is no factory option to add a brake or suppressor.
- The transfer bar safety is passive — there is no manual cross-bolt or tang safety. Some hunters accustomed to other platforms will need to adjust their manual of arms.
Compatible Ammunition
Find the best prices on compatible .45-70 Government ammunition.
Shop .45-70 Government Ammo →Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for .45-70 Government ammunition.
.45-70 Government Ballistics →Where to Buy
No prices available at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this rifle handle modern high-pressure .45-70 loads like Buffalo Bore or Garrett?
Yes. Modern lever-action .45-70 rifles like the Henry Side Gate use a steel receiver designed for current SAAMI .45-70 pressures and the heavier loads sold specifically for lever guns. These loads are NOT safe in original Trapdoor Springfield rifles or reproduction single-shot falling-block designs. Always check the manufacturer's load data — loads labeled "for modern lever actions only" are safe in this rifle, and the rubber recoil pad helps absorb what follows.
How does the large loop lever affect cold-weather use?
The large loop lever is designed for use with thick gloves. Reviewers who hunt in below-freezing conditions note it's noticeably easier to cycle than a standard-loop lever when wearing insulated hunting gloves. The trade-off is a slightly longer throw, but for hunting use most owners find the gloved-cycling benefit outweighs the longer lever stroke.
What ammo should I use for deer versus bear defense?
For deer and elk, standard 300-grain factory loads from Federal, Remington, or Winchester hit hard enough at 100 yards and produce manageable recoil. For bear defense, most guides and outfitters recommend heavy cast lead or hard-alloy bullets in the 405-grain range — loads from Buffalo Bore, Garrett, or HSM labeled "brush country" or "heavy." These push recoil noticeably harder. The ventilated pad on this rifle was included for that reason.
