Description
The Henry H12 Bear’s Leg 44 Mag 13.8 in. is a lever action pistol chambered in 44 Magnum and 44 Special with a 13.8 inch blued steel threaded barrel and a black synthetic pistol grip. It holds 4+1 rounds and weighs about 5.75 pounds.

Henry H12 Bear’s Leg 44 Mag 13.8 in. Overview
Henry introduced the Bear’s Leg pistols in 2026 as compact, hard-hitting lever actions built for backcountry protection and fun at the range. Based on the H012 Big Boy steel action, the H12 Bear’s Leg pairs a blued steel frame and barrel with a black synthetic pistol grip instead of a shoulder stock, so it is legally a pistol. 8 inch barrel has a 1:20 twist and is threaded 5/8×24 for a muzzle device or suppressor. Sights are a brass bead front with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear with a white diamond insert.
1 inches, and the tube magazine holds four rounds plus one in the chamber. Like every Henry, it is backed by the Henry lifetime guarantee.
Backcountry Protection
A short lever action in 44 Magnum delivers serious power in a package that is easy to carry in a scabbard or pack. It is a popular choice for hikers, anglers and hunters in bear country who want more than a handgun but less than a full size rifle.
Shooting a Lever Action Pistol
Without a shoulder stock you hold the Bear’s Leg with both hands like a large pistol, working the lever between shots. Expect stout recoil with full power 44 Magnum loads; 44 Special is much milder for practice. Never fire 44 Magnum in a firearm chambered only for 44 Special, but this H12 handles both.
Legal Notes
The Bear’s Leg is a pistol under federal law, so handgun age and transfer rules apply. Adding a shoulder stock would create a short barreled rifle, which is an NFA item. Check your state and local laws before purchase.
Practice and Training
Regular practice builds confidence and safe handling. Start at close range, focus on sight alignment and a smooth trigger press, and work back as your groups tighten. Dry fire with snap caps at home to improve your trigger control between range trips.
Choosing Ammunition
Try several brands and bullet weights to see what feeds reliably and groups best in your handgun. Use quality full metal jacket loads for practice and proven hollow points for defense, and confirm reliable function with your defensive load before carrying it.
Care and Maintenance
Clean the barrel, slide or cylinder and frame after shooting, apply a light coat of quality lubricant to moving parts, and store the handgun unloaded in a locked case or safe away from children.
Safe Storage
Store handguns unloaded in a locked safe, lockbox or with a cable lock, and keep ammunition separate when children are in the home. Quick access safes keep a defensive handgun secure but available. Teach everyone in the household basic firearm safety rules.
Recommended Accessories
A quality holster, spare magazines, eye and ear protection and a cleaning kit round out any handgun purchase. For defensive use, add a weapon light and practice drawing safely from your holster with an unloaded gun before carrying.
Ordering From MAG5
Choose your local FFL dealer at checkout and we ship directly to them. Once the firearm arrives, your dealer runs the background check and completes the transfer paperwork. Most dealers charge a modest transfer fee, so ask about it before you order.
State Laws
Firearm, magazine and transfer laws vary by state. Check your local laws and confirm your receiving dealer can complete the transfer.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms
- Model: H12 Bear’s Leg Pistol
- Manufacturer SKU: H012GBLX-44
- UPC: 619835200648
- Caliber: 44 Magnum / 44 Special
- Action: Lever action
- Barrel: 13.8 in blued steel, threaded 5/8×24
- Twist: 1:20
- Capacity: 4+1
- Frame: Blued steel
- Grip: Black synthetic pistol grip
- Front Sight: Brass bead
- Rear Sight: Adjustable semi-buckhorn with white diamond
- Overall Length: 25.1 in
- Weight: about 5.75 lbs
- Warranty: Henry lifetime guarantee
Before You Buy
Federal law requires handguns to ship to a licensed FFL dealer, and you must be 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a dealer. You will complete a background check at your dealer. Check your local laws before ordering.
Who It Is For
The Henry H12 Bear’s Leg 44 Mag 13.8 in. is a great fit for outdoorsmen and lever action fans who want a compact, powerful 44 Magnum for the trail or range.
Buy the Henry H12 Bear’s Leg 44 Mag 13.8 in. at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Henry H12 Bear’s Leg 44 Mag 13.8 in. online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Henry Repeating Arms.







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