Meet the Henry Bear’s Leg (Like the Mare’s Leg, but Tougher) (.357 Magnum

Description

You’ve seen the classic “Mare’s Leg” in movies and shows, a cut-down lever gun with a style all its own. Henry Repeating Arms just took that iconic concept, fed it a steady diet of protein, and sent it into the modern world. This is the new Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol, and it’s not a novelty—it’s a serious, modern utility firearm built for the way we actually use guns today. For shooters in our area who value versatility, ruggedness, and American craftsmanship, the Henry Bear’s Leg represents a unique tool that bridges the gap between a handgun’s portability and a rifle’s capability, ready for everything from a day in the woods to serving as a formidable truck gun.

Specs at a Glance

• Manufacturer & Model: Henry Repeating Arms Bear’s Leg Pistol
• Caliber: .357 Magnum (Also available in .44 Mag, .30-30 Win, .45-70 Gov’t)
• Action: Lever-Action
• Platform: Pistol (SBR platform without permanent modification)
• Barrel: Factory-Threaded
• Handguard: Polymer with integrated M-LOK accessory slots
• Sights: Picatinny rail for optic mounting (assumed from press summary)
• Finish: Henry’s classic blued steel and American walnut (assumed standard)

Why We’re Stocking This

When the announcement for the Henry Bear’s Leg hit my desk, I knew immediately we had to bring it in. At Sarmshubusa, we focus on quality firearms that serve a real purpose for our customers. The Mare’s Leg has always been a conversation piece, but Henry has finally built one you can have a serious conversation with. They’ve addressed every historical shortcoming: they’ve given it a threaded barrel for suppressors or brakes, a modern M-LOK handguard for lights and grips, and they’re offering it in serious, hard-hitting calibers like .357 Magnum and .45-70. This isn’t a prop; it’s a Henry, through and through. We trust their build quality and their understanding of what shooters want. This firearm answers a question a lot of our regulars have been asking for—a compact, powerful, and endlessly customizable lever gun that doesn’t require NFA paperwork. It’s a niche, but it’s a niche filled with pure utility, and that’s exactly what we support.

Who It’s For

• The Practical Woodsman: Someone who wants a more powerful, longer-range option than a revolver while hiking or checking traps, but finds a full-length rifle cumbersome.
• The Truck Gun Aficionado: The shooter looking for a compact, potent firearm to securely store in a vehicle that is capable of handling anything from varmints to serious threats.
• The Suppressor Enthusiast: With its factory-threaded barrel, the Henry Bear’s Leg in .357 Magnum is a natural and incredibly quiet host for a suppressor, especially with subsonic .38 Special loads.
• The Lever-Gun Purist Who Embraces Modernity: The traditionalist who appreciates the lever-action heritage but isn’t afraid to mount a red dot, a weapon light, and a forward grip to create the ultimate modern “space cowboy” firearm.
• The Recreational Shooter Seeking Fun & Challenge: This platform offers a uniquely engaging and satisfying shooting experience that’s different from both a pistol and a rifle, perfect for ringing steel at the range.
• The Preparedness-Minded Individual: As a versatile, multi-caliber platform (especially in .357/.38 Special), it serves as a capable centerpiece for a defense or survival system where ammunition commonality with a revolver is a major advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Henry Bear’s Leg considered a pistol or a short-barreled rifle (SBR)?

A: It is legally classified as a pistol from the factory. It is built on a pistol platform and does not have a stock, only a receiver with a pistol grip. This means you can take possession of it with a standard Form 4473, just like any other handgun, without the need for an NFA tax stamp or registration—unless you later decide to modify it with a stock, which would then require ATF approval.

Q: How does the .357 Magnum model handle .38 Special ammunition?

A: Like any .357 Magnum lever-action, the Henry Bear’s Leg will chamber and fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds safely. This is a huge benefit for cost-effective practice and low-recoil plinking with .38 Special, while maintaining the ability to load full-power .357 for hunting or defense. The action cycles both cartridges smoothly.

Q: Can I shoulder this like a rifle, and is it practical to shoot with magnum calibers?

A: While it doesn’t have a traditional stock, the design allows it to be braced against the shoulder. Recoil in the .357 Magnum model is very manageable—more of a stout push than a sharp snap. The weight of the action and barrel soaks up a good amount of energy. For the larger calibers like .44 Mag and .45-70, it will be more vigorous, but the design and grip help control it. It’s absolutely practical to shoot, but it rewards good technique. We recommend trying one at the range to get a feel for it.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

The Henry Bear’s Leg is the evolution of an icon, and we have the .357 Magnum model arriving now. This is a firearm that demands to be handled to be appreciated. Come into the shop, feel the smooth Henry lever action, see how it points, and talk to us about how you’d set it up. Whether you’re drawn to its unique profile, its modern utility, or simply the impeccable quality of a Henry, this is a tool that stands apart. Contact us today to check availability on the new Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol and make it yours.