Henry Big Boy H017BDM .357/.38 Birdhead Revolver 4" Barrel

The Henry Big Boy H017BDM .357/.38 Birdhead revolver pairs classic American revolver aesthetics with practical stopping power in a compact, easy-carrying package. This 4-inch barreled .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver is built around Henry Repeating Arms' commitment to quality manufacturing and heritage craftsmanship—the kind of gun that works as well at the range as it does in a bedside safe or holster rotation. The Birdhead grip profile (a traditional, comfortable design that dates back decades) combined with the moderate barrel length makes this revolver naturally pointable and manageable for shooters of all experience levels, whether you're practicing your draw, working defensive drills, or enjoying some centerfire trigger time at the range.

Built with a polished blued steel receiver and American walnut grips, the H017BDM doesn't hide its lineage—it wears its classic revolver DNA proudly. The six-round capacity gives you a practical middle ground for self-defense or sport shooting, and the .357 Magnum chambering means you can load it as light as you need with .38 Special, or go full-power when the moment calls for it. The 1:16 barrel twist is optimized for the cartridge, and the whole package weighs 35 ounces—substantial enough to manage recoil but light enough to carry comfortably all day.

Sight adjustment and personalization matter when you're building confidence with a handgun. This revolver comes equipped with a fixed notch rear sight and a screw-on front post, but here's the practical bit: Henry includes interchangeable high, medium, and low front sight options, so you can dial in your sight picture exactly the way you want it without guesswork or a gunsmith visit. The transfer bar safety is a reliability feature you'll appreciate—it means the gun won't fire if dropped, a real-world consideration for anyone carrying or storing a revolver in a vehicle or home-defense role.

Whether you're a revolver purist, a collector who respects Henry's manufacturing heritage, or someone building a practical self-defense battery, the Big Boy Birdhead delivers substance without pretense.

Key Features

• Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special—load .38 Special for lighter practice or .357 Mag for full power
• 4-inch barrel optimized for the cartridge with 1:16 rifling twist
• Six-round capacity
• Polished blued steel receiver and American walnut grips
• Interchangeable front sight options (high, medium, low posts) included for custom sight picture
• Fixed notch rear sight
• Transfer bar safety mechanism
• Birdhead grip profile—classic, ergonomic, and naturally pointable
• 35-ounce weight—manageable recoil, carry-friendly
• Overall length 9.5 inches—compact without sacrificing shootability

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot .38 Special ammo in this .357 revolver?

Yes. The H017BDM is chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. You can load and shoot .38 Special cartridges without any modification, which is great for practice, reduced recoil, or lighter loads. The .357 Magnum chamber is fully compatible with the shorter .38 Special round.

What sights come with the gun, and can I adjust them?

The revolver comes standard with a fixed notch rear sight and a screw-on front post sight. The key feature here is that Henry includes interchangeable high, medium, and low front sight options, so you can swap the front post to dial in your desired sight picture without guesswork or a gunsmith visit.

Is this revolver good for concealed carry or home defense?

The 4-inch barrel and Birdhead grip make it a manageable size for carry, and at 35 ounces it's not so heavy that all-day carry becomes uncomfortable. The .357 Magnum chambering gives you genuine stopping power with .357 loads, while .38 Special lets you practice and train more affordably. The transfer bar safety is a key reliability feature if you're carrying or storing the gun in a vehicle. That said, revolver carry and defense use depend on your personal situation, training, and local laws—always consult current regulations and get proper training.

What's the difference between the Birdhead grip and other revolver grips?

The Birdhead is a classic revolver grip profile that's shorter and rounder than modern combat-style grips, making it naturally ergonomic and pointable for many shooters. It's named for its resemblance to a bird's head, and it's a proven design that works equally well for target shooting, practice, and practical use.