Henry 30-30 Review: Lever-Action Field Test

Once in a while, I depart from long-range precision rifles to review firearms that just make me happy to own.  This one isn’t perfect, but I definitely don’t regret buying my lever action. Read my Henry 30-30 review to see why.

[Update] I reviewed the Henry 30-30 a couple of years back, but I recently had the chance to put it through its paces again. After field testing it with hundreds of rounds, my opinion has definitely shifted. So, I decided it was time to update my review and share my fresh take on this lever-action classic.

Henry 30-30 Lever Action Background

Benjamin Tyler Henry designed his first lever action .44 caliber rifle in 1860. These rifles were rimfire and had a 16-round capacity. They were produced until 1866 and were heavily used in the American Civil War.

Reproductions of the design followed. Time passed, and today we have modern lever action versions made by the Henry Repeating Arms company, founded in 1996 by the Imperato family in New York.

As a former firearms instructor, I’ve always appreciated how history and modern innovation come together in firearms like the Henry 30-30. The 30-30 round dates back to 1894, as the first smokeless cartridge introduced in America, and remains a classic choice for hunters and enthusiasts alike.

This review is specifically about the Henry Steel Lever Action 30-30 Side Gate. This particular model was, Henry USA says, “…built from the ground up to wring top performance from this respectable cartridge [30-30].”

This particular model was, Henry USA says, “…built from the ground up to wring top performance from this respectable cartridge [30-30].”

Features of the Henry 30-30 Side Gate

1 Side loading gate

Until 2019, Henry lever actions only featured tube magazines, making them one of the last manufacturers to add a side loading gate. Personally, I couldn’t be happier with this update. I’ve never been a fan of tube magazines, and the side loading gate was the key feature that won me over on this rifle.

2 American walnut stock

I am a huge fan of that classic look.  Classic being real wood and metal.  In a modern world of aluminum and polymer, the look of “time gone by” simply appeals to me. Wood is warm, natural, and durable.

3 Size and Weight

With a 20-inch barrel and only weighing 7 pounds, this rifle is very maneuverable in wooded environments.  This makes it an excellent choice for deer hunters, hog hunters, and possibly black bear.

Models and Variations of the Henry 30-30

The Henry 30-30 is available in several versions, including (but not limited to):

• Steel and American walnut .30-30 Side Gate (reviewed rifle).

• All Weather Lever Action – satin hard chrome and dyed hardwood.

• Lever Action X Model – polymer and steel with “tactical” features.

Henry 30-30 Review –  Our Take

Shootability

The shootability of this rifle is second to none.  It’s lightweight and easy to wield, short enough to throw in a hunting pack, and soft recoiling.  The action of the lever is smooth and relatively easy to manipulate.  Follow-up shots are fast and reliable without breaking your cheek weld or compromising the sight picture. The side loading gate is stiff at first but quickly breaks in for ease of reloading.  The Henry lever action .30-30 is simply a joy to shoot, in my opinion.

Reliability

My Henry 30-30 functioned flawlessly. Extremely reliable. To date, I have tested the rifle with approximately 200 rounds of 150-grain ammunition from various different manufacturers, and all of them cycled smoothly and fired down range with no malfunctions.  I would expect no less from a design (figuratively speaking) that’s been used this heavily for 162 years.

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the rifle are probably the sticking point for me. Obviously, the length of pull is fixed, and people are not all made in the same dimensions.  It’s usable, of course, but it’s not exactly the proper fit for me. 

There is also the issue of getting your eye perfectly aligned if you choose to add a scope base and an optic on top of the Henry Lever Action. Again, the wood stock is fixed and has no adjustment of any kind. In order to get proper cheek weld and eye alignment using a scope, I had to add a cheek pad to the stock. Additionally, the barrel band can affect the rifle’s overall balance and handling, so it’s something to keep in mind when considering any accessories or modifications.

That all being said, the fixed iron sights lined up well for me.  The rifle is usable, and the accuracy is acceptable right out of the box. 

Accuracy

Speaking of accuracy, I did not get great results from the rifle.  I want to be very clear here. I believe the rifle can produce close to one minute of angle at realistic distances.  Due to my deteriorating eyesight, I was the weak link in the system. 

As of writing this article, using only iron sights, I produced groups in the range of 2-4 inches at 50 and 100 yards.  (See included photo). My shots were taken from a bench using a front rest and rear support bag.  The ammunition used was a Remington 150-grain soft point.

I have previously tested this same ammunition through this same rifle while having a low-power variable optic attached, and my results were closer to that 1 MOA goal, however inconsistent. My apologies for having no photo of that test grouping.

Value

Value is always tied to budget and purpose for me.  If roughly $1000.00 is in your budget and you intend to use this rifle inside of 200 yards for deer hunting, I think it’s an excellent value. 

If it’s slightly outside your budget, but you intend to use it for a lifetime and then gift it to your child, I think it’s a great value. 

If it’s way outside your budget, you’ll go into debt to purchase it, and/or it will just sit in your safe for the next 50 years, this rifle will be a horrible value. 

What can I say? I’m a simple, common-sense sort of guy.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, the Henry 30-30 Steel Lever Action Side Gate is a well-made, dependable rifle that shines in the field. It’s smooth to operate, handles easily, and has a classic design that appeals to many shooters. While it might not be the perfect fit for everyone, it’s a great choice for those looking for a reliable lever-action rifle. If you’re into hunting or just love the classic lever-action feel, this rifle is definitely worth considering.

Henry Lever Action 30-30 Pros and Cons 

Henry 30-30 Review – FAQs

What is the ideal range for the Henry 30-30?

The Henry 30-30 is ideal for hunting at ranges within 200 yards. With its reliable accuracy and powerful cartridge, it’s great for medium-sized game like deer, hogs, and coyotes. However, its performance can vary based on ammunition choice and the shooter’s experience.

Is the Henry 30-30 easy to load and unload?

Yes, loading the Henry 30-30 is simple through the side gate, just like any other lever gun. Unloading is even easier, as you can remove the internal magazine tube and let the rounds slide out without cycling them through the action.

Can you customize the Henry 30-30 with aftermarket accessories?

Yes, Henry Rifles, like many lever-action rifles, have a broad range of aftermarket accessories available. Whether you’re looking to add a scope, upgrade the sights, or enhance the rifle’s ergonomics, you’ll find plenty of options to customize the Henry 30-30 to fit your needs.

What is the magazine capacity of the Henry 30-30?
The Henry 30-30 features a 5+1 magazine capacity, which is ideal for hunting scenarios where a higher round count isn’t necessarily needed. The side-gate loading system makes reloading quick and efficient, especially when compared to traditional tube magazines.

Lever Action 30-30 Ammo

I only shot the factory Federal 180 grain ammunition, which shot sub-MOA for three shots most of the time. Handloads also shot that well; I have no doubt that with a little work, it might shoot better with some customized loads for the rifle. The ten-twist barrel is ideal for 175-200 grain bullets.

Need rifle targets?

Henry 30-30 Accessories

Ammunition is somewhat hard to find currently but is available in grain weights from 125 to 190. 

It’s always a good idea to have hearing protection.  If you are just plinking at the range, perhaps you would use a nice set of over-the-ear muffs with a high decibel reduction rating.  We suggest a pair of in-ear electronics with dangerous noise cancellation and normal sound amplification if you are hunting. 

You might find it useful to utilize a sling for carrying your rifle.  Slings keep the rifle pointed in a generally safe direction and allow you to use your hands for other purposes.

Optics are a common upgrade: check out our list of the best 30-30 scopes.

Accessories and Upgrades for your Henry 30-30

1. Hunter Company Leather Lever Action Scabbard		For your truck, ATV, horse, or pack Keep that Henry 30-30 safe during transport	Check price
2. Leather Lever Loop Wrap (say that 3 times fast)		Full-grain American leather: it’ll look good on that lever gun Handmade in the USA	On Amazon
3. Side shell panel		Hold 2 spare rounds This Henry has a side gate, might as well use it! Attaches with hook-and-loop	On Amazon
4. Dark Angel D.A.R.K. Trauma Kit		Always have medical gear when shooting (all guns, not just your Henry rifle!) External Tourniquet for easy access Pull handle for rapid deployment Vacuumed sealed insert to keep your contents protected Kit content scalability	Check price
5. Atibal Nomad binoculars		Fully Multi-Coated Lenses Adjustable Eyecups & Diopter Fog Proof Water Proof Shock Proof	Check price
6. Spotting scope		A significant aid to dialing in and determining windage Variety of high resolution options available Lighter weight models are available for field use.	Check Price
7. Quality shooting mat		Check price
8. The first half of “Eyes and Ears”		Proper eye protection is critical and should always be worn Ballistic rated, not just sunglasses	Compare top eye protection
9. The second half of “Eyes and Ears”		Ear protection is also critical. Protect your hearing! Many styles (some stackable) are available	Compare top ear protection
10. Appropriate cleaning kit		For cleaning, care, and maintenance We have a video below to show you how	Compare top kits

Suggested Resources For You And Your Henry 30-30

Lever Action Rifle Maintenance

Unfamiliar with cleaning and maintaining a bolt gun of this type? Give this a watch.

Suggested Reading

Best Lever Action Rifles (rated).

30-30 vs. 30-06 Comparison

Looking for more information on the Henry rifle, its components, and its history? Check out the links below.

• Henry user manuals.
• Henry Repeating Arms 25 year anniversary