HENRY SIDEGATE LEVER ACTION: MSRP $1045

It actually happened, Henry finally built a sidegate repeater AND kept the tube mag loader at the muzzle end which makes for safer unloading of the firearm. Best of both worlds. Smart! Although the price aint exactly affordable for everyone who might like one, I expect the MSRP will come down after they've recouped some of their R&D costs and of course online prices will be better still. Here at the AFD we're especially keen to see if they'll bring this feature to their Big Boy Steel (our favorite Henry, currently) - so in case the venerable Mr Imperato is reading this we'd love to see the Big Boy Steel in 16" barrel with the standard lever and the new sidegate! In our guesstimation that'd be a hot seller with a crossover range of enthusiasts and especially now because the Rossi 92 trappers are off the market and Winchester is not producing that 16" configuration in pistol calibers anymore. This from the Henry website:

In the past, we have always taken inspiration from the original 1860s-era Henry rifle by opting to design our firearms with a removable tube magazine. We’re no sticks in the mud though, and when loyal Henry customers ask, loyal Henry customers receive. Our Side Gate Lever Action offers up the best of both worlds with our standard removable tube magazine for safe and easy unloading and a side loading gate to keep the magazine topped off.

True to Henry form, the Side Gate Lever Action features exquisite attention to detail and a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in other modern firearms. The hardened brass receiver is as reliable as it is handsome with the same yield and tensile strength as steel. The brass accents continue through the rifle with the buttplate and barrel band. The American walnut furniture is set off by intricate, deep checkering that will ensure a firm purchase on the stocks. A semi-buckhorn rear and ivory bead front sight accompanies a 20″ round blued steel barrel to deliver the accuracy you’ve come to expect from a Henry.
In addition to legendary Henry craftsmanship, the feature that gives this rifle its name takes center stage. The best-of-both-worlds design allows for quick reloads and top-offs so you can keep running and gunning for as long as your ammo lasts without even having to remove the stock from your shoulder. If you prefer, you can also load through the removable tube magazine, which hasn’t gone away here because it also provides safe, fast unloading. The result is a rifle that lets you use it in whatever way works best for you.
From whitetail hunting to days at the range, to standing as a favorite show-piece in the gun cabinet, our Side Gate Lever Action is a must-have for any lever action aficionado, and it solidifies Henry as the first name in lever action rifles.