The Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum is a classic lever-action rifle that blends old-world charm with modern power. To truly harness its potential for hunting or target shooting, pairing it with the right optic is essential. A good scope can dramatically improve accuracy and confidence, whether you’re in dense woods or taking a longer shot across a field.
With so many options on the market, selecting the perfect scope can be a challenge. Our 2025 field test put a variety of models through their paces on the Big Boy platform to find the best performers. This roundup details our top eight picks, from dedicated scout scopes to versatile low-power variables, to help you make an informed decision for your .44 Magnum.
Our Top Picks for Your Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum
- ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator
- Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7×33 Riflescope
- Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
- BURRIS Scout 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Scope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Hunting Scope
ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator
For hunters who operate under the cover of darkness, the ATN IR850-Pro is a game-changing accessory. This powerful infrared illuminator extends your effective range up to 300 yards in total darkness, providing a clear field of view for your night vision or thermal optics. It is an essential tool for ensuring you have a clear sight picture when ambient light is nonexistent.
The package includes everything you need to get started: the IR illuminator, an adjustable mount, a battery, and a charger. The adjustable weaver rail mount allows for quick attachment and release, making it simple to swap between firearms. Its versatility is further enhanced by the ability to be used as a handheld unit, giving you a portable light source for navigation or scanning.
Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7×33 Riflescope
Leupold’s reputation for quality is fully present in the VX-Freedom Rimfire scope. While designed for rimfire cartridges, its parallax setting of 60 yards aligns surprisingly well with the trajectory of the .44 Magnum at common woods-distance ranges. The Rimfire MOA reticle provides a clean, uncluttered sight picture that is fast to use on moving targets.
Built to withstand the elements, this scope is guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This rugged construction ensures reliability in all weather conditions, from a rainy morning in a duck blind to a cold, crisp day in the deer stand. The matte finish helps to reduce glare, keeping you concealed during critical moments.
Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The Simmons 8-Point offers an incredible feature set for its price, making it an excellent value for any shooter. The large 50mm objective lens gathers a significant amount of light, resulting in bright, high-contrast images during dawn and dusk when game is most active. Fully coated optics enhance this performance, providing a clear view from edge to edge.
Durability is a key feature, with a build that is waterproof, fog proof, and recoil proof to handle the .44 Magnum’s punch. The QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece allows for fast and easy sighting, while the True Zero windage and elevation adjustment system maintains its zero even under strenuous recoil. The 1/4 MOA adjustments offer precise and audible clicks for easy dialing.
BURRIS Scout 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
The BURRIS Scout scope is purpose-built for lever-action rifles like the Henry Big Boy. Its forward mounting design allows it to be positioned in front of the ejection port, which is ideal for maintaining the rifle’s classic handling. This setup provides an extended eye relief of 9.2 to 12 inches, facilitating fast, both-eyes-open shooting for improved situational awareness.
This scope features the Ballistic Plex reticle, a simple yet effective trajectory-compensating system that helps with holdover at various distances. The 2-7x variable power offers versatility, allowing for quick, close-range shots on the lower setting and more precise aiming for longer shots when magnified. It is a dedicated tool for the modern scout rifle concept.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Vortex Optics brings its renowned value and performance to the table with the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire. This scope features a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, which makes it easy to acquire a sight picture quickly, even in dynamic shooting scenarios. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing to suit your individual vision.
The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views, maximizing light transmission in low-light conditions. Capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable with crisp MOA clicks, and they can be easily reset to zero after you have finished sighting in your rifle. The versatile V-Plex reticle is a popular choice for a wide range of hunting applications.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
Another excellent option for the Henry Big Boy is the Vortex Crossfire II Scout scope. This model is specifically engineered with a long eye relief, making it perfect for mounting forward on the receiver. This configuration keeps the action clear and promotes a fast, heads-up shooting style that many lever-gun enthusiasts prefer.
The 2-7x magnification range is well-suited to the effective range of the .44 Magnum, offering a wide field of view on the low end for close-quarters and a bit more precision for reaching out further. Like other Vortex optics, it is built to be rugged and reliable, with fully multi-coated lenses for a clear, bright image in various lighting conditions.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Scope
For those who prioritize speed and a wide field of view, the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is a top contender. The low 1.5x power setting is excellent for fast target acquisition at close range, which is where many .44 Magnum encounters occur. The compact and lightweight design maintains the handy, balanced feel of the Henry rifle without adding unnecessary bulk.
Leupold’s legendary clarity and light transmission are present in this model, providing a sharp sight picture even with the smaller 20mm objective lens. It is built with the same rugged, waterproof, and fogproof standards as the rest of the VX-Freedom line. This scope is an ideal choice for driven hunts or hunting in thick brush where shots are quick and measured in feet, not yards.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Hunting Scope
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm is a robust and versatile hunting scope that matches well with the .44 Magnum’s capabilities. The 3-9x magnification range provides plenty of flexibility, allowing for precise shot placement at the outer limits of the cartridge’s effective range. The 40mm objective lens offers a great balance between light-gathering capability and a low-profile mounting height.
Sig Sauer optics are known for their high-quality glass and durable construction. The Whiskey3 series features a simple yet effective reticle ideal for big-game hunting, and the turrets provide reliable and repeatable adjustments. This scope is a solid, all-purpose choice for the hunter who uses their Big Boy in a variety of environments and shooting situations.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Scope for Your Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum
So, you’ve got a Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum, and you’re thinking about putting a scope on it. It’s a fantastic idea. This rifle is a classic, but mounting glass on a lever gun isn’t quite the same as slapping one on a bolt-action. I’ve spent a lot of time testing scopes on mine, and I’ve learned a few things about what makes a scope a good partner for this specific firearm.
First, let’s talk about eye relief. This is a big one, especially on a .44 Magnum. The recoil isn’t brutal, but it’s sharp and snappy. A scope with short eye relief can turn into a “scope eye” disaster waiting to happen. I always look for a scope with generous, forgiving eye relief, typically in the 3.5 to 5-inch range. This gives you a safe and comfortable sight picture without worrying about the scope kissing your brow on every shot. It’s a non-negotiable for me.
Next up is the magnification range. The .44 Magnum is a cartridge built for short to medium ranges. You’re not trying to shoot a thousand yards. Because of this, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) or a fixed-power scope is often the perfect match. A 1-4x, 1-6x, or a classic 2-7x scope gives you all the versatility you need for quick shots in the woods or more precise aiming out to 150 yards. I find a 1-4x scope to be the sweet spot, allowing for fast both-eyes-open shooting on 1x and enough magnification for a clean shot when you need it.
You also need to think about the reticle. For a fast-handling rifle like the Big Boy, a simple duplex reticle is hard to beat. It’s uncluttered and gets you on target quickly. However, if you plan on doing any hunting where holdovers might be useful, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle calibrated for the .44 Magnum’s trajectory can be a game-changer. Just make sure the reticle isn’t so busy that it slows you down.
Finally, consider the physical size and mounting. A long, heavy scope can ruin the sleek, balanced feel of your Henry. I prefer scopes that are compact and lightweight to maintain the rifle’s handling characteristics. And don’t forget the mounts! You’ll need a solid, low-profile base and rings that provide a proper cheek weld. After testing the 8 best scopes for Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum – 2025 Field Test, I can tell you that the right combination of these factors makes all the difference between a good setup and a great one.
FAQ
What is the best magnification for a .44 Magnum lever-action?
For a Henry Big Boy in .44 Magnum, I think the best magnification range is low. A 1-4x, 1-6x, or 2-7x scope covers almost every scenario you’d use this rifle for. The 1x setting on a low-power variable optic is fantastic for close-range, fast shooting, while 4x to 7x gives you plenty of clarity for precise shots out to the effective range of the cartridge. You simply don’t need high magnification for a round that performs best inside 150 yards.
Can the recoil of a .44 Magnum damage a scope?
It can, if you buy a cheap or poorly built scope. The .44 Magnum generates a sharp, impulsive recoil that’s different from a slow push from a larger caliber. This kind of shock can shake loose the internal components of a scope not built to handle it. Always look for scopes that are shockproof and built for rifles with some kick. The scopes that performed well in our 8 best scopes for Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum – 2025 Field Test were all selected with this specific recoil impulse in mind.
Do I need a special base to mount a scope on a Henry Big Boy?
Yes, you do. The Henry Big Boy is drilled and tapped for a scope base, but it doesn’t use a standard Picatinny rail. You need to get a base specifically designed for the Henry side-gate lever-action models. Several companies make them, and they typically attach directly to the receiver with screws. Once that base is installed, you can use standard rings to mount your scope.
Will a scope ruin the classic look of my lever gun?
This is a matter of personal taste, and I get it. A huge, modern tactical scope can look a bit out of place on a classic-styled rifle. However, many shooters, including myself, think a compact, low-profile scope in low rings can actually enhance the look while adding serious functionality. There are also scout scopes or long-eye-relief pistol scopes that can be mounted forward on the barrel, which preserves the classic receiver look.
Is it better to use a red dot or a scope on a .44 Magnum lever gun?
This depends entirely on your intended use. A red dot is absolutely superior for speed at very close ranges. If your primary use is for hunting in thick brush inside 50 yards, a red dot is a fantastic choice. A scope, however, gives you magnification, which is helpful for identifying your target and for making more precise shots at longer distances. For an all-around setup, I lean towards a low-power scope because it gives you both a 1x-like speed and the option for magnification.