Henry Golden Boy .22 Short Military Edition Review

A special-edition Golden Boy chambered for the smallest common rimfire cartridge. It is a rifle that raises one practical question before any aesthetic one: what will you feed it?

A rifle with a story and a shopping list

The Henry Golden Boy is Henry's showpiece rimfire, the brass-receivered .22 lever gun that appears in most conversations about the brand. The Military Edition in .22 Short is a variant for people who want something a little different. The listing identifies it as a .22 Short rifle, and the product address indicates a military service, second edition designation. What exactly the engraving, finish or markings are is something to confirm on Henry's own page for that model number.

We will not guess at details like barrel length, weight or the specifics of the commemorative markings. Those belong on the manufacturer's specification page, and for a special edition they are exactly the details a buyer wants to see before ordering.

The .22 Short question

.22 Short is the old-timer of the rimfire family: a short, small cartridge that is quiet and gentle compared with .22 Long Rifle. In a lever gun it makes sense, because you cycle the action by hand, so nothing depends on recoil energy to eject and reload. That is why low-powered rimfire loads work well in these rifles. The network's rimfire site discusses the quiet end of the spectrum in Colibri and .22 Short quiet rimfire.

The flip side is practical. .22 Short is stocked by fewer retailers than .22 LR, comes in fewer varieties and, if the rifle is chambered for Short only, you cannot fall back on the more common cartridge. A standard Golden Boy listed as .22 S/L/LR can use all three. This one cannot be assumed to do so.

A candidate cartridge

One example of a .22 Short load available through the retailer is the Aguila Super Extra .22 Short 29-grain in a 1,000-round case. The listing identifies it as a 29-grain copper-plated solid point. Whether it feeds smoothly in your rifle is something you will learn by running a small quantity first. A thousand-round case is a commitment, so if you are new to the cartridge, consider starting with a smaller box from a local shop.

How a tube magazine works for a rimfire

Henry's .22 levers use a removable inner tube under the barrel. You twist it, pull it forward, load rounds through a port and slide it back, as our Golden Boy lineup guide describes. Because rimfire primers sit in the rim, the pointed-bullet worries that apply to centerfire tube magazines do not apply in the same way.

The standard Golden Boy listing shows 21 .22 Short rounds alongside 16 Long Rifle, because shorter cartridges let more rounds fit in the same tube. For this edition, check the exact capacity on Henry's page.

Who this rifle is for

If you want the same look with broader ammunition options, our Silver versus brass comparison covers the standard rifles.

Collector notes without the hype

Special editions are bought for different reasons than workhorse rifles, and it helps to be clear-eyed.

• Condition is part of the appeal. If you plan to shoot the rifle, expect it to show wear. If you plan to preserve it, shoot sparingly and store it carefully.
• Keep the paperwork. Original box, manual and any certificates or papers are worth keeping if you ever sell. Our collectors' glossary explains terms you will see on listings.
• Do not count on appreciation. Nobody can promise that a modern special edition will gain value, so treat the purchase as a rifle you want to own.
• Check condition and legality. Buy only through a licensed dealer and follow all transfer rules in your state.

Care

Brass is soft, and a Golden Boy's receiver will develop a patina if you handle it. Wipe the rifle down after use, avoid harsh chemicals on the finish and store it in a dry place. Rimfire barrels collect lead and powder fouling, so follow the manual's cleaning guidance. For a wider look at the category, the network's lever and pump .22 overview is a good companion read.

Bottom line

Buy the Military Edition because you want a distinctive Golden Boy and you are comfortable with .22 Short. Confirm the chambering and the details on Henry's page, line up your ammunition before the rifle arrives and skip it if flexibility or cheap bulk practice is your priority. The standard .22 LR Golden Boy remains the more versatile rifle.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.