Henry H17 Deadeye 357 Mag Birdshead Revolver – Rugged Six Shot

Description

The Henry H17 Big Boy Deadeye with the birdshead grip (model H017BDMA) is a six-shot .357 Magnum double-action revolver that matches the brass-trimmed look of Henry’s Big Boy lever rifles and adds fully adjustable target sights.

Henry H17 Deadeye 357 Mag Birdshead Overview

The H17 is Henry’s centerfire companion to the H16 rimfire revolver. Deadeye models trade the standard fixed sights for a fully adjustable rear and a ramped fiber optic front. This version carries a rounded birdshead grip in American walnut on a polished blued steel medium frame, with a brass backstrap and trigger guard. The 4-inch round barrel and six-round cylinder chamber .357 Magnum and also fire .38 Special, so you can practice with mild, cheaper loads and step up to magnums when you need them.

Birdshead Grip and Recoil

A birdshead grip looks great and sits comfortably in small and medium hands, but with full-power .357 Magnum loads it lets the gun roll upward more than a squarer grip does. The 34-ounce steel frame absorbs a good share of the recoil, and .38 Special practice ammunition is genuinely soft in a revolver this heavy. Shooters who plan to run lots of magnum loads, or who have large hands, should also look at the gunfighter grip version.

Sights You Can Zero

Because .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads often hit at different heights, the adjustable rear sight is a real advantage. Zero for the load you carry and note the change for your practice ammo. The fiber optic front is bright in daylight and quick to find, though it is not a tritium night sight and fades in low light.

Action and Safety

The H17 fires double action with a smooth, even pull or single action with a light break after you cock the hammer. Henry hand-fits the internal parts, and a transfer bar prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is held back. That makes it safe to carry with all six chambers loaded, unlike traditional single-action revolvers.

Practical Uses

A 4-inch .357 is one of the most versatile handguns there is. It is a capable trail and woods gun, a satisfying range revolver and a reasonable choice for home defense with appropriate ammunition. Six rounds and a slower reload than a semi-auto are the trade-offs. Speed strips work well; check availability of speedloaders made for the H17 cylinder before you rely on them.

Ownership Notes

Magnum ammunition is louder and costlier than .38 Special, so most owners shoot a lot of .38 and save magnums for the field. Use hearing protection, especially indoors. The brass trim tarnishes with handling, so wipe it down after shooting. Holster choices for this newer frame are still growing, so confirm a model-specific fit before buying leather.

State Laws and Ownership

Some states require purchase permits, safety certificates or roster approval for handguns, and a newer model like the H17 may not be on every roster yet. Pennsylvania handgun transfers are completed at a licensed dealer with a background check. Confirm the rules where you live with your receiving dealer before ordering.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms
• Model: H017BDMA H17 Big Boy Deadeye, birdshead grip
• UPC: 619835400765
• Caliber: .357 Magnum, also fires .38 Special
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Action: double action / single action revolver
• Barrel: 4 in. round, blued steel, 1:16 twist
• Overall length: 9 in.
• Weight: about 34 oz
• Frame: polished blued steel, brass backstrap and trigger guard
• Grip: American walnut birdshead
• Sights: fully adjustable rear, ramped fiber optic front

Before You Buy

Federal law requires that handguns ship to a licensed FFL dealer, and dealers may sell handguns only to buyers 21 or older. You will complete the background check when you pick it up. Use only quality factory .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition, and avoid handloads of unknown origin.

Who It Is For

The Henry H17 Deadeye 357 Mag Birdshead is a great fit for Big Boy rifle owners who want a matching sidearm, shooters who like classic styling with modern double-action function, and anyone who wants one revolver for the range, trail and nightstand.

Buy the Henry H17 Deadeye 357 Mag Birdshead at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Henry H17 Deadeye 357 Mag Birdshead online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more revolvers. For factory details, visit Henry Repeating Arms.