Single Shot 45-70 Govt Rifle

Description

Americangunwarehouse is a Charlotte, NC-based retailer specializing in quality firearms for serious shooters. The Henry Single Shot .45-70 Government Rifle is a purpose-built, break-open rifle designed for power and precision. Its American-made construction and robust 22-inch barrel deliver the legendary .45-70 cartridge with authority. Available now for $499.99.

What are the specifications of this Henry Brass Single Shot 45-70 Government Rifle?

Before we get into the feel and performance, let’s lay out the hard numbers. This isn’t just a parts list; it’s the blueprint for understanding what makes this rifle work. I’ve handled hundreds of single shots, and the specs tell the first half of the story—the build quality tells the rest.

What are the key features of this 45-70 Govt single shot rifle?

This Henry isn’t just a tube and a trigger. From the bench, here’s what stands out when you handle it:

• American-Made Steel Construction: The receiver and 22-inch barrel are solid steel. There’s no flex, no tinny feel. The break-open action locks up tight with a distinct, positive click—a sign of precise machining.
• Controlled-Feed Design: The brass shell carrier guides the cartridge directly into the chamber. This isn’t just for show; it prevents rim damage and misalignment, which is critical with large, expensive .45-70 rounds.
• Manual Extractor: After firing, a firm push on the lever fully extracts the spent case. It’s simple, reliable, and gives you positive control over ejection, whether you’re at the range or in the field.
• Classic Henry Walnut Stock: It’s a genuine American walnut stock with a straight-grip design and a rubber recoil pad. The finish is clean, and the fit to the metal is what I expect from Henry—no unsightly gaps.
• Adjustable Rear Sight & Hooded Front: It comes ready to shoot with a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and a hooded front blade. This setup is practical for the effective range of the .45-70 and allows for a precise zero.

Who is this Henry Single Shot .45-70 Government rifle for?

Buy it if: You’re a hunter who appreciates the discipline and power of a single shot for deer or bear. You’re a reloader who wants a strong, simple action to test handloads. You’re a traditionalist who values American craftsmanship and the historic .45-70 cartridge. You want a durable, low-maintenance rifle for backcountry use.

Skip it if: You need rapid follow-up shots; this is a deliberate, one-round-at-a-time platform. You’re sensitive to heavy recoil; the .45-70 in a ~7 lb rifle has significant kick. You’re looking for a tactical or modern sporting rifle. If you need a higher capacity or faster action, browse our lever-action rifles instead.

What are the pros and cons?

After inspecting and handling this rifle, here’s my honest take:

Pros:

• ✅ Outstanding Build Quality: The fit and finish are superior to many imported single shots. The steel feels substantial, and the bluing is even and deep.
• ✅ Inherent Accuracy: The solid breech face and single-shot design often yield excellent accuracy, as there’s no magazine or feeding mechanism to influence barrel harmonics.
• ✅ Simplicity & Safety: The break-action allows clear visual confirmation of an empty chamber. It’s easy to clean from the breech, and the mechanism is famously reliable.
• ✅ Versatile Cartridge Platform: The .45-70 Gov’t can be loaded from mild historical replicas to potent modern bear loads, making this one rifle for many roles.
• ✅ Classic Aesthetics: The combination of blued steel and American walnut has a timeless, honest appeal that synthetic-stocked rifles lack.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited Capacity: It’s one shot. That’s the trade-off for simplicity. Misses or follow-ups on game require a reload under pressure.
• ❌ Significant Recoil: With full-power loads, you’ll know you’ve fired it. The rubber pad helps, but it’s a stout round in a relatively light rifle.
• ❌ Manual Extraction: You must remember to manually eject the spent case. It’s not automatic, which can be a surprise for shooters used to auto-ejectors.

How does it compare to other 45-70 single shot rifles?

Feature	Henry Brass Single Shot .45-70	Budget Import Single Shot (~$300)	Premium Break-Action (e.g., CVA Scout)
Material & Build	All-steel receiver & barrel, US-made	Often alloy receivers, thinner barrels	Steel, often with nitride finishes
Quality & Fit	Excellent wood-to-metal fit, precise machining	Functional but often rough finishes, loose tolerances	Very good fit and finish, modern designs
Compatibility	Designed for modern .45-70 pressures	May have pressure limitations	Rated for modern high-pressure loads
Shipping & Support	In stock, ships today from NC	Variable stock, often drop-shipped	Often on backorder or special order
Lifespan/Durability	Heat-treated lugs, built for long-term use	Prone to wear on locking surfaces	Robust, often with interchangeable barrels
Price Point	$499.99 – Strong value for US quality	~$300 – Lower upfront cost	$550+ – Additional features drive cost

The Henry occupies a sweet spot. It lacks the potential durability concerns of the budget option and comes in at a more accessible price than the premium models, while still offering that critical American-made reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Henry Single Shot .45-70 represents a pure form of shooting. It demands focus, rewards skill, and delivers immense power from a beautifully simple platform. If you value craftsmanship, tradition, and the raw capability of the .45-70, this rifle deserves your attention.

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