Description
If you’ve ever hankered for a lever gun you can tote in one hand and still pack a wallop, the Henry Mare’s Leg Lever Pistol .45 Colt 12.9” 5rd is a fine answer. This here is a compact lever-action pistol built to Henry Repeating Arms standards, chambered in .45 Colt with a 12.9-inch octagon blued barrel. It pairs a polished brass receiver with American walnut furniture and a distinctive large-loop lever, making it a standout for target shooting and collector appeal.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Boy Mare’s Leg |
| Material | Polished brass receiver, American walnut stock, blued steel barrel |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt cartridges |
| Finish | Blued octagon barrel, brass receiver |
| Weight | Approx. 5.3 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 12.9-Inch Octagon Barrel — This blued steel barrel gives you better balance and accuracy than a shorter pistol barrel, making it a joy to shoot at the range or in the field.
- Polished Brass Receiver — Not only does it look sharp, but brass stands up to the elements better than many finishes, keeping your investment looking fine for years.
- Large-Loop Lever — That big loop lets you work the action smooth even with gloves on, a real blessing on a cold morning dove hunt or a day at the gravel pit.
- Side-Loading Gate — Load up quick without taking the gun down, just like a full-size lever rifle. It keeps the tubular magazine fed and ready.
- American Walnut Furniture — Real walnut with a classic finish gives you a grip that feels solid and natural, plus it looks like it belongs in a gentleman’s gun cabinet.
Who It’s For
This Mare’s Leg is for the southern shooter who appreciates tradition and wants something different for target plinking, collecting, or just showing off at the range. It’s also a fine conversation piece for the fellow who already owns a few lever rifles and wants a compact companion. Bird hunters might find it handy for dispatching a downed bird without the weight of a full rifle.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Compact and easy to carry, .45 Colt packs a punch, reliable Henry action, beautiful brass receiver, large lever works with gloves.
- Cons: The 5-round capacity is limited for serious shooting sessions, and the short barrel means you lose some velocity compared to a rifle-length gun. It’s more of a fun gun than a primary defense piece.
Comparison vs. Other Handguns
| Feature | Henry Mare’s Leg .45 Colt | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Lever-action pistol | Striker-fired semi-auto | Striker-fired semi-auto |
| Caliber | .45 Colt | 9mm | 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 12.9” octagon | 4.5” threaded | 4.6” |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 17+1 | 15+1 |
| Weight | ~5.3 lbs | ~1.5 lbs | ~1.6 lbs |
| Best For | Target shooting, collecting | Competition, home defense | Custom builds, range use |
FAQ
Is the Henry Mare’s Leg .45 Colt legal to carry as a pistol?
Yes, it’s classified as a pistol by the ATF because it’s designed to be fired with one hand and has a barrel under 16 inches. However, state laws vary, so check your local regulations before carrying.
Can I use .45 Colt +P ammunition in this lever pistol?
Per Henry’s specs, the Mare’s Leg is rated for standard .45 Colt loads only. +P ammunition is not recommended and could damage the action or cause excessive wear. Stick to standard pressure rounds.
How does the side-loading gate work on this model?
It works just like a traditional lever rifle: you push cartridges through the gate on the right side of the receiver into the tubular magazine. It’s faster than taking the gun down and keeps you shooting longer.
What is the effective range of the Henry Mare’s Leg?
With the 12.9-inch barrel, you can expect accurate hits out to about 50-75 yards for target shooting. The .45 Colt round drops off after that, so it’s best suited for close to medium range.
Why Buy From Us
- ✔ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✔ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day return policy on new items
- ✔ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Other Handguns | Lever Action Rifles & Pistols | Henry Repeating Arms
Last updated: April 2026
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