Far too often overshadowed by the speed of a modern repeater, the truth that many already know is that a good single-shot shotgun today can still bring home fur and feathers every bit as well as it ever did, and Henry has done much better than merely “good” with theirs.

Sharing the same action as their single-shot rifle, their break-top shotgun in 12 gauge brass or steel options feature the same rebounding external hammer and dual-direction pivoting locking lever setup that blocks hammer contact with the firing pin unless the trigger’s pulled, and the same interlock system prevents opening the action with the hammer cocked, or closing it with the hammer cocked, as additional safety measures.

 

Like the rifle, there’s no manual safety on these shotguns, and they wear American walnut with a solid black rubber recoil pad on the steel-framed guns, and a smooth brass buttplate on the brightly polished brass-framed models. Barrels on both are black matte finished, with the steel shotguns using a pistol-grip stock wrist and the brass guns carrying a straight English-style wrist. Unlike the rifle, though, shells are fully ejected on opening the action for a quick follow-up shot if needed, not just partially extracted. Brass beads are standard, barrel lengths are 28” in the 12 and 26” in the other two for good reach in the field, with a 14” length of pull on all three. Henry has done their best to keep weights down for field carry, and one thing they want to emphasize is that these shotguns are not intended to be budget entries-our standards are high and you can count on them for the long run.

It has a removable choke so you can adapt your shotgun choke and thus alter its pattern and range so your shotgun can be used effectively in a wide variety of hunting and/or shooting situations. The 12 gauge in both brass and steel ship with a Modified Choke using Rem-Choke style threads which delivers a versatile shooting pattern for shooting at 25-45 yards, ideal for squirrels, rabbits, pigeons, doves, partridges, grouse, pheasant and wild flushing quail at medium range.

Whether you like the simple operation, the reliable action, the nostalgia factor of hunting with a one-shot shotgun, or the uncomplicated first-gun introduction for a new shotgunner, Henry built these for a wide audience. They’ll put on a show you’ll enjoy for years to come.