There’s a rugged simplicity in any single-shot firearm, where marksmanship takes on added importance and there’s likely no better way to add another layer of safety when passing on an enthusiasm for the shooting sports. And they’ve never lost their luster or effectiveness at the range or in the hunting fields.
They may not earn many headlines, but quality single-shot shotguns continue to be a favorite among sportsmen. Thousands sell every year and one of the most striking—the Henry Repeating Arms Single Shot Shotgun—claimed fourth place in that category in GunBroker’s 2019 ranking of firearm sales.
The looks are nostalgic, timeless and classic, but construction is 100-percent modern. This line of shotguns is built from the same proven action as Henry’s single-shot rifles. Six versions are available, chambering 12-ga., 20-ga. and .410-Bore shotshells, with your choice of brass or blued steel receiver. All barrels are blued steel with removable choke, feature an extractor and a brass bead up front ensure fast sighting.
The break actions wear American walnut furniture and come with a rebounding hammer. The firearms have a dual-direction locking lever that blocks the firing pin from hammer contact unless the trigger is pulled. As an added bonus, the system prevents opening or closing the action whenever the hammer is cocked.
Blued steel versions feature a black rubber recoil pad, 14" barrels and, regardless of chambering, MSRP comes in at $510. The 12 gauge has an overall length 43.5", the smaller models are 41.5".
If you like the brass look, MSRP goes up by $118. Specifications are nearly identical, although the recoil pad is replaced with a nicely matching brass buttplate. All of the Henry single shot shotguns tip the scales at slight more than 6.5 lbs..
The looks alone make the Henry Single Action Shotgun popular, but add the company’s motto of “Made in America, or Not Made at All,” and there’s good reason its guns continue to rank high in every sales category.
