Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol delivers classic lever-action performance in a compact, historically inspired pistol format. Built by Henry Repeating Arms, this firearm combines the reliability of a side-gate loading system with the portability of a short-barreled handgun. Chambered in powerful rifle calibers, it offers a unique shooting experience for those who appreciate traditional American craftsmanship.

Overview

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is a lever-action pistol designed for shooters who want the handling of a handgun with the ballistic performance of a rifle. Unlike conventional revolvers or semi-automatics, this pistol uses a true lever-action mechanism, allowing for rapid follow-up shots while maintaining a compact profile. It is available in four versatile calibers: .357 Magnum/.38 Spl, .44 Magnum/.44 Spl, .30-30 Win., and .45-70 Gov’t. Each variant features a 12-inch barrel, a straight-grip stock, and a blued steel receiver with a brasslite forend cap.

Features & Specs

• Lever-action pistol with side-gate loading: Loads from the side while the hammer is at half-cock, allowing for quick reloads without cycling the action. The tubular magazine holds 5 rounds in .357 Magnum/.38 Spl, 4 rounds in .44 Magnum/.44 Spl, 4 rounds in .30-30 Win., and 3 rounds in .45-70 Gov’t.
• 12-inch octagonal barrel: Provides a balance between accuracy and maneuverability. The barrel is fitted with a brass bead front sight and a semi-buckhorn rear sight, adjustable for windage and elevation.
• American walnut stock: Straight-grip design with a satin finish. The stock includes a rubber buttpad to reduce felt recoil, particularly important in the .45-70 Gov’t and .30-30 Win. calibers.

The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol measures 22.5 inches overall and weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, depending on caliber. The action cycles smoothly out of the box, with a transfer bar safety that prevents accidental discharge if the hammer is not fully cocked. Each pistol is serialized and inspected at the Rice, Kansas facility.

Who It’s For

This pistol targets experienced shooters who value unique platforms and historical designs. It is well-suited for hunters who need a compact firearm for dense brush, target shooters who enjoy lever-action mechanics, and collectors seeking a modern interpretation of the 19th-century “Bicycle Gun” concept. The .357 Magnum/.38 Spl variant is ideal for those wanting a versatile plinker with manageable recoil, while the .45-70 Gov’t is intended for shooters requiring maximum stopping power in a handgun format. The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is not recommended for beginners due to the manual of arms required for safe operation.

Shipping & FFL

This firearm ships to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. After placing your order, provide your FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their license. We ship via insured carriers within 1-3 business days. All federal and state laws apply; you must comply with local regulations regarding pistol ownership. The Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol is classified as a handgun under federal law, so NICS background check and age requirements (minimum 21 for dealer purchase) apply. Contact your FFL dealer before ordering to confirm they accept transfers from online retailers.