The Henry Supreme: A Modern Masterpiece with a Legendary Legacy
At Monadnock Firearms, we have always been passionate about bringing our customers the best in American firearms. Few names carry the weight and legacy of Henry Repeating Arms, a company that has defined excellence since the 1860s. Their lever-action rifles helped shape the outcome of the Civil War, pioneered rapid-fire technology, and became an iconic symbol of the American frontier. Fast forward to today, and Henry continues to push the boundaries with their latest release: the Henry Supreme.
A Long-Awaited Innovation
Clint Morgan, a well-respected firearms expert and advocate, recently had the chance to get hands-on with the Henry Supreme and shared his thoughts. For those eagerly awaiting its release, the Henry Supreme delivers everything Henry promised and more. First announced at SHOT Show last year, this firearm is now finally hitting shelves, and it’s a game-changer.
The Henry Supreme is a lever-action rifle chambered in 300 Blackout and 5.56, designed to take AR magazines—a first for Henry. For those who have long wanted a modernized lever-action rifle capable of integrating with their AR platform accessories, Henry has answered the call. This rifle is built to be as practical as it is fun, making it a must-have for collectors, hunters, and enthusiasts alike.
Breaking Down the Features
Caliber and Barrel
- Available in 300 Blackout and 5.56
- Threaded barrel for suppressor compatibility
- 16.5-inch barrel for the 300 Blackout, 18-inch barrel for 5.56
- Free-floated design for accuracy
Stock and Build
- Classic American Walnut stock and forend
- Durable and robust build quality
- Lightweight yet solid design
Functionality
- Takes AR magazines (ships with a 10-round mag, but can accept standard-capacity mags in free states)
- Ambidextrous safety and controls
- Paddle-style magazine release for easy operation
- Adjustable rear sight and robust blade front sight
- Sealed action with no external hammer
Why the Henry Supreme is a Big Deal
Henry has always been known for their beautifully crafted, reliable lever-action rifles, but the Henry Supreme marks a major shift by incorporating modern tactical functionality while staying true to the company’s legendary craftsmanship. For those living in states with restrictions on semi-automatic rifles, the Henry Supreme provides an incredible alternative. You get the benefits of AR magazines without worrying about compliance laws affecting your ability to own a reliable firearm.
Beyond legal considerations, this rifle is simply fun to shoot. Morgan’s review highlights how smooth and responsive the action is, even when wearing gloves in cold weather. The trigger is crisp, breaking at around 3-3.5 lbs, making it ideal for both hunting and recreational shooting. He also mentions that Lancer mags seem to work best with the rifle, as metal AR magazines can cause feeding issues.
Practical Uses and Value
At an MSRP of $1,299, the Henry Supreme offers incredible value for its performance. Whether you’re looking for a ranch gun, a hunting rifle, or a tactical lever-action option, this firearm fits the bill. For those who love suppressed shooting, the 300 Blackout version is an especially attractive option.
Morgan also points out how effective the Henry Supreme is as a home defense or predator control rifle. If you’re protecting livestock from predators such as coyotes or bobcats, the suppressed 300 Blackout rounds will be more than enough to handle the threat while minimizing noise. This makes the Henry Supreme an excellent choice for those who want stealth, power, and reliability in one package.
The Legacy of Henry Repeating Arms
At Monadnock Firearms, we have always respected the legacy of Henry Repeating Arms. During the American Civil War, Henry rifles were seen as revolutionary because they could fire multiple rounds before needing to be reloaded, unlike the standard-issue muzzleloaders of the time. This technological leap made Henry rifles incredibly valuable in battle, giving soldiers a tactical advantage. The phrase “That damned Yankee rifle that they load on Sunday and shoot all week!” was famously attributed to Confederate soldiers who faced Henry rifles in combat.
Beyond wartime, Henry rifles became the go-to firearm of frontiersmen, lawmen, and cowboys. They represented reliability in the wild, helping to shape the American West. Over 150 years later, Henry continues to honor this legacy while pushing innovation forward. The Henry Supreme is proof that the company isn’t resting on its laurels—they’re still making cutting-edge firearms that meet modern needs while preserving their rich history.
Final Thoughts
The Henry Supreme is an impressive blend of classic craftsmanship and modern tactical capability. Whether you’re a collector, a hunter, a recreational shooter, or someone looking for a practical firearm that complies with restrictive state laws, this rifle is worth serious consideration.
Clint Morgan’s hands-on experience with the Henry Supreme showcases just how versatile and fun this firearm is to shoot. If you’re interested, make sure to check out Monadnock Firearms or your local gun shop to see if they have one in stock.
As always, Henry Repeating Arms delivers true American craftsmanship, and the Henry Supreme is a testament to that enduring legacy.
What do you think of the Henry Supreme? Does it have a place in your collection? Let us know in the comments!
