Description
Americangunwarehouse is a Charlotte, NC-based retailer specializing in quality firearms for serious shooters. The Henry Repeating Arms Silver Boy 17HMR Lever Action Rifle is a modern rimfire classic built for precision and reliability. Its polished nickel finish and American walnut stock set it apart from standard blued models. Available now for $669.99 with same-day shipping.
Reviewed by Brett Lawson, Quality Lead at Americangunwarehouse. 17 years in firearms QC, metallurgy background, hardness testing specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Are the Specifications of the Henry Silver Boy 17HMR?
Before we get into the feel and performance, let’s lay out the hard numbers. This isn’t just a pretty rifle; it’s built to a spec. Here’s what you’re getting, straight from the manufacturer’s sheet and my own inspection notes.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Lever Action Repeating Rifle |
| Manufacturer | Henry Repeating Arms |
| Model | Silver Boy | H004SV |
| Caliber | .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) |
| Capacity | 12 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Receiver & Barrel Finish | Polished Nickel |
| Action | Lever Action, Side Ejection |
| Sights | Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear, Bead Front |
| Weight | Approximately 6.75 lbs |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | H004SV |
What Makes the Henry Silver Boy 17HMR Stand Out?
Handling this rifle, a few things become immediately clear. It’s not just another lever gun; it’s a specific tool for a specific job, executed with Henry’s typical attention to detail.
- The .17 HMR Chambering: This is where the Silver Boy gets serious. The .17 HMR is a flat-shooting, high-velocity rimfire round. Out of this 20-inch barrel, you’re looking at minimal drop and excellent accuracy out to 150 yards, making it a superior choice for varmint control or target shooting compared to .22 LR.
- Polished Nickel Finish (H004SV): This isn’t just for show. The polished nickel plating over solid steel provides exceptional corrosion resistance. In the humid Carolinas, that’s a real benefit. It’s also remarkably easy to clean and maintains its shine with basic care.
- American Walnut Stock: The wood has a satin finish that feels great in the hand. It’s not overly glossy, which I prefer. The fit to the metal is tight, with no noticeable gaps—a sign of good machining and assembly.
- Lever Action Smoothness: Henry’s action is known for being slick right out of the box. The throw is smooth and positive. It’s a simple, robust design that has proven itself over decades, and the 12-round tubular magazine is reliable and easy to load.
- Practical Sights: The adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and bead front sight are classic and effective for this rifle’s intended range. They provide a clean sight picture that works well for the cartridge’s capabilities.
Who Is the Silver Boy 17HMR Lever Action Rifle For?
Buy it if: You’re a shooter who needs a rimfire rifle with extended range for pest control or small game hunting. You appreciate the classic lever-action manual of arms but want modern cartridge performance. You value corrosion resistance and a distinctive, durable finish. You’re looking for a reliable, American-made rifle that’s ready for the field without needing modifications.
Skip it if: Your primary need is ultra-cheap plinking ammunition (stick with a .22 LR). You require a rifle for heavy brush where a shorter barrel is mandatory. You are set on mounting a modern optic as a primary sight (this model is drilled and tapped, but its design is iron-sight centric). For those needs, check our selection of bolt-action rifles or semi-automatic platforms better suited for scopes.
Pros and Cons of the Henry Silver Boy
Based on my hands-on time with this model and similar firearms, here’s the straightforward breakdown.
Pros:
- ✅ Superior Rimfire Performance: The .17 HMR offers significantly better range, velocity, and flatter trajectory than standard .22 LR.
- ✅ Exceptional Durability & Finish: The polished nickel is both highly corrosion-resistant and visually distinctive, requiring less maintenance than blued steel.
- ✅ Proven, Smooth Action: Henry’s lever action is renowned for its out-of-the-box smoothness and reliability.
- ✅ Quality Materials: Solid steel receiver and barrel paired with a genuine American walnut stock.
- ✅ Made in the USA: Built by Henry Repeating Arms with their lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- ❌ Ammunition Cost: .17 HMR ammo costs more than .22 LR, so high-volume plinking gets expensive.
- ❌ Not a Close-Quarters Brush Gun: The 20″ barrel and overall length make it less maneuverable in thick cover than a carbine.
- ❌ Iron-Sight Focus: While it can be scoped, the rifle’s classic design is optimized for iron sights, which may not suit all shooters’ preferences for precision work at longer ranges.
How Does the Henry Silver Boy Compare to Other Lever Actions?
Let’s put it in context. The Silver Boy sits in a specific tier. Here’s how it stacks up against a budget import and a premium alternative.
| Feature | Henry Silver Boy 17HMR | Budget Import Lever .22 LR (~$250) | Premium Lever .17 HMR (e.g., Browning BLR ~$1,200+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Finish | Solid steel, polished nickel, American walnut | Often alloy receivers, basic bluing or paint, hardwood or laminate | High-grade steel, premium bluing, select walnut |
| Quality & Craftsmanship | High, consistent fit and finish, US-made | Variable, often functional but rough | Exceptional, hand-fitted details |
| Compatibility & Sights | Classic iron sights, drilled & tapped for scope | Basic sights, scope mounting often an afterthought | Often includes scope rail, premium sights |
| Shipping & Warranty | Ready to ship, lifetime warranty | May be drop-shipped, limited warranty | May have longer lead times, good warranty |
| Lifespan & Durability | Built to last generations with proper care | Adequate for casual use | Heirloom-grade durability |
| Price | $669.99 | ~$250 – $350 | $1,200+ |
The Silver Boy occupies a strong middle ground. It offers substantially better materials, finish, and reliability than budget imports, without stepping into the custom-shop price range of premium models. For a working rifle, it represents a smart value.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Silver Boy 17HMR
Is the .17 HMR round suitable for hunting?
Absolutely. The .17 HMR is an excellent choice for varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and raccoons, as well as small game such as rabbits and foxes at extended ranges (out to 150 yards). Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it more capable than .22 Magnum for these purposes.
Can I mount a scope on the Henry Silver Boy?
Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount base. You will need to purchase a separate base that matches the hole pattern. Because it’s a side-ejecting lever action, scopes mount low and directly over the receiver without interference.
How does the nickel finish hold up over time?
Exceptionally well. Nickel plating is significantly more resistant to rust and corrosion than traditional bluing. It’s harder and more durable against minor scratches. Routine cleaning after use is still recommended, but it’s far more forgiving in humid or wet conditions.
Is the action suitable for left-handed shooters?
The lever action itself is ambidextrous. However, the rifle ejects spent casings from the right side. A left-handed shooter can operate it without issue, but will need to be aware of the ejection path. The safety and loading port are centrally located.
What’s the difference between the Silver Boy and the standard blued Henry?
The primary difference is the finish. The Silver Boy (H004SV) features a polished nickel-plated receiver, barrel, and lever. The standard model (H004) has a blued finish. The materials, dimensions, and performance are otherwise identical. The nickel offers enhanced corrosion resistance and a unique appearance.
Where can I buy a Henry Silver Boy 17HMR online?
You can purchase the Henry Silver Boy 17HMR Lever Action Rifle right here at Americangunwarehouse.com. We are an authorized dealer, and every firearm ships directly from our facility in Charlotte, NC.
Does the rifle come with a warranty?
Yes. Henry Repeating Arms backs this rifle with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. We handle the initial paperwork and can assist with the warranty process if ever needed.
Ready to Order Your Henry Silver Boy?
If the specs and features line up with what you’re looking for, here’s what you can expect when you order from us.
✅ Same-day shipping from Charlotte, NC
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
This Henry Silver Boy 17HMR is a specific tool for a shooter who values extended rimfire range, classic operation, and a durable, low-maintenance finish. It’s a rifle built for real use, not just the safe.
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About this review: This assessment is based on direct handling of the product, manufacturer specifications, and 17 years of professional experience in firearms quality control and metallurgy. My goal is to provide the detailed, practical information a serious buyer needs. Last updated: March 2026.
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