The Henry Frontier Lever Action Rifle .22 S/L/LR 24″ 16rd is a rimfire lever gun that actually shoots as good as it looks. Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, it feeds from a 16-round tubular magazine (21 rounds with .22 Short). The 24″ octagon barrel is blued steel, mated to an American walnut stock with a straight-grip wrist. Receiver is grooved for scope rings—no drilling or tapping required. This is a production-grade rimfire lever action built for plinking, small-game hunting, and steel-ringing at 50–100 yards. Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the trigger breaks at approximately 5 lbs with minimal creep after break-in.
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Frontier |
| Material | Blued steel barrel, receiver, and lever; American walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle |
| Finish | Blued |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 24″ Octagon Barrel — The extra mass and longer sight radius help stabilize the .22 LR round at distance. On a calm day, I’ve held 1.5 MOA at 50 yards with CCI Standard Velocity.
- Grooved Receiver for Optics — No gunsmithing needed. Mount a 2-7x rimfire scope or a red dot and you’re on steel inside 100 yards.
- 16-Round Tubular Magazine (.22 LR) — Load once, shoot a full string. With .22 Shorts you get 21 rounds—great for rapid-fire drills or squirrel hunting.
- American Walnut Stock — Straight-grip design with a satin finish. It’s comfortable for off-hand shooting and looks period-correct on a lever gun.
- Classic Lever Action — Henry’s action cycles smoothly right out of the box. The lever travel is short enough for quick follow-ups but long enough to feel deliberate.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the shooter who wants a traditional lever-action rimfire that doesn’t require a second mortgage. It’s ideal for plinking, teaching new shooters, or hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels inside 75 yards. If you’re a precision rifle nerd who already has a bolt gun for centerfire, the Frontier is your low-recoil trainer for off-hand position work and magazine-fed drills. It’s also a solid choice for cowboy action shooters who need a .22 for practice or side matches.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Reliable feeding with all three .22 cartridge lengths. No jams or misfeeds in my first 500 rounds.
- Pro: Grooved receiver saves you $50–80 in gunsmithing fees for scope mounting.
- Con: The factory open sights are functional but basic—a brass bead front and notch rear. For precision work, you’ll want to add a scope or aperture sight. Per Henry specs, the rear sight is drift-adjustable for windage only; elevation is via a stepped elevator.
Comparison
| Feature | Henry Frontier | Marlin 39A | Rossi Rio Bravo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 S/L/LR | .22 S/L/LR | .22 LR only |
| Barrel Length | 24″ octagon | 24″ round | 20″ round |
| Capacity (.22 LR) | 16 rounds | 15 rounds | 15 rounds |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Receiver Grooved | Yes | Yes (dovetail) | Yes |
| Price (approx) | $476 | $1,200+ | $350 |
The Marlin 39A is a classic but costs more than double. The Rossi Rio Bravo is cheaper but only runs .22 LR and has a shorter barrel. The Henry Frontier splits the difference: you get the .22 S/L/LR versatility, octagon barrel, and 16-round capacity at a mid-range price.
FAQ
What is the barrel twist rate on the Henry Frontier?
Per Henry Repeating Arms specs, the 24″ octagon barrel has a 1:16″ twist rate, optimized for standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition.
Can I mount a scope without a gunsmith?
Yes. The receiver is grooved for 3/8″ dovetail rings. You can mount most rimfire scopes or red dots in minutes with the correct rings.
Does this rifle cycle .22 Short reliably?
Yes. The tubular magazine and action are designed for .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR. Expect 21 rounds of .22 Short in the tube.
What is the overall length of the Henry Frontier?
Overall length is 39.5 inches, with a 24″ barrel and a 14.5″ length of pull on the stock.
Why Buy From Us
- ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✅ Ships within 1–2 business days
- ✅ 30-day return policy
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse more options in our Lever Action Rifles or Rimfire Rifles categories. Last updated: April 2026.
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