The Henry Single-Shot Shotgun: A Top Seller in Its Category

by
posted on September 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
henry-single-shot-shotgun.jpg

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.

Latest

smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss
smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.