Henry Repeating Arms H12 Explorer Carbine 357Mag 16.5 Brz

The Henry Repeating Arms H12 Explorer Carbine in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is a compact lever-action rifle built for hunters and shooters who want a nimble, hard-hitting gun that doesn't sacrifice practical firepower. At just 16.5 inches of barrel and 34 inches overall, this burnt bronze Cerakote beauty handles like a dream in thick brush or from a treestand—and at 6.59 pounds, you'll appreciate the weight when you're glassing ridges all day. The .357 Magnum chamber also fires standard .38 Special rounds, giving you flexibility and affordability at the range or in the field.

Henry built the Explorer around a proven lever-action platform with a 7-round capacity, transfer-bar safety, and that satisfying mechanical reliability that makes lever guns legendary. The round barrel sports that functional burnt bronze finish to shed weather, while the American walnut furniture and pistol-grip stock give it classic appeal without the fuss. Up top, you get a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with diamond insert and a brass bead front—both solid choices for quick target acquisition in variable light. If you want to go optic-equipped, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and it accepts the BB-RSM base for easy rail setup.

This is a rifle equally at home on the handgun range punching tight groups, hunting whitetail in brushy country, or as a dependable truck gun. The ventilated rubber recoil pad handles .357 Magnum's bite without complaint, and those sling swivel studs mean you can carry it however works best. The 5/8x24 threaded barrel also opens up suppressor or muzzle device options if your setup allows.

Key Features

• Compact 16.5-inch barrel and 34-inch overall length for easy handling in tight spaces
• Chambers .357 Magnum and .38 Special—double the ammunition flexibility
• Seven-round lever-action magazine with transfer-bar safety
• Burnt bronze Cerakote barrel and receiver resist weather and corrosion
• American walnut stock with pistol grip for classic feel and control
• Fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with diamond insert and brass bead front
• Drilled and tapped receiver ready for optic mounting
• Ventilated rubber recoil pad reduces felt recoil
• Threaded barrel (5/8x24) for suppressors or muzzle devices
• Sling swivel studs for secure carry options

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mount a scope on the Henry H12 Explorer?

Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped to accept the Henry BB-RSM scope mount base, letting you add a low-power optic if you prefer that setup over the factory sights.

What ammunition does this carbine shoot?

The H12 Explorer fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. You can run either round through the same gun, so you have options for hunting, target work, or practice—and .38 Special is often easier on the wallet.

Is this rifle good for hunting?

Yes. The compact size and .357 Magnum power make it well-suited for close-range hunting in brush or timber, especially for deer-sized game. The short 16.5-inch barrel keeps it maneuverable in tight country.

Can you add a suppressor to the barrel?

The barrel is threaded at 5/8x24, so yes—if your local laws allow, you can attach a suppressor or other muzzle device. Check your state and local regulations first.