[Discussion] Henry Bear’s Leg Pistol: Modern Mare’s Leg With M-Lok, Threaded Barrel, 4 Calibers

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Henry Introduces Bear’s Leg Lever-Action Pistol

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the Bear’s Leg Pistol, a modernized lever-action handgun based on the classic Mare’s Leg format. The new model is offered in four chamberings: .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .30-30 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. MSRP is listed at $1,129 for all variants.

The Bear’s Leg uses a blued steel receiver and a round blued steel barrel with black synthetic furniture. All versions share a 13.8-inch barrel, 25.1-inch overall length, transfer bar safety, large loop lever, side loading gate, and a factory-threaded muzzle in 5/8x24.

Modernized Configuration

A key element of the launch is Henry’s move toward accessory-ready features. The Bear’s Leg ships with a polymer handguard that incorporates M-LOK slots and a Picatinny rail section for attaching lights and other accessories. Henry also positions the platform for suppressor and muzzle device use through the threaded barrel.

The company describes the pistol as suited to modern lever-gun setups, including optics and specialized field configurations. All models are drilled and tapped for optics mounting. Henry’s published model data lists Weaver 63B scope mount compatibility for the .30-30 and .45-70 versions, and BB-RSM compatibility for the .357 and .44 variants.

Chamberings, Capacity, and Weight

The H012GBLX-357 and H012GBLX-44 pistol-caliber models each have a 4-round capacity and weigh 5.75 pounds. The .357 version uses a 1:16 twist rate, while the .44 version uses 1:20.

The rifle-caliber H009GBLX-3030 and H010GBLX-4570 models each have a 3-round capacity and weigh 6.59 pounds. The .30-30 carries a 1:12 twist rate, and the .45-70 uses 1:20.

Henry markets the pistol-caliber models as lower-recoil options with broader ammunition flexibility, while the .30-30 and .45-70 versions extend the format into traditional rifle cartridges.

Sights and Published Specifications

Henry’s launch materials describe the Bear’s Leg as fitted with fiber optic sights. The detailed specification tables published for each model list a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with a diamond insert and a brass bead front sight.

Other listed specifications include pistol-grip styling, no buttpad or length-of-pull measurement, and “target” as the stated best use category for all four models.

NFA Path and Intended Roles

Henry also identifies the Bear’s Leg as a potential Short-Barreled Rifle conversion platform, where legally permitted and with approved ATF paperwork. Because the pistol already includes rail-equipped furniture and a threaded barrel, the company presents it as a factory starting point for users planning a more compact suppressed build.

In practical terms, the Bear’s Leg is positioned as a compact lever-action option for range use, property carry, camp use, and vehicle storage where a full-length rifle may be less convenient. With both pistol and rifle calibers available, Henry’s new platform enters the market as a feature-rich variant of the lever-action pistol format rather than a purely cosmetic throwback.

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