Henry Repeating Arms Mare's Leg 45lc 12.9" 5-Round Lever-Action Rifle

The Henry Repeating Arms Mare's Leg 45 LC 12.9" 5-Round Lever-Action Rifle represents a compact, historically-inspired firearm purpose-built for close-quarters defense, truck storage, and specialized tactical applications where traditional rifle platforms prove unwieldy. Originally derived from the classic western lever-action design, this shortened Mare's Leg configuration delivers the mechanical reliability of lever-action operation in a package measuring just 28.5 inches overall length—ideal for law enforcement, ranch work, and home defense scenarios demanding rapid target acquisition without sacrificing stopping power. Chambered in .45 Colt, a cartridge trusted by military and civilian operators for decades, this rifle bridges the gap between handgun accessibility and rifle ballistics.

Henry's Mare's Leg features a true lever-action mechanism that cycles with minimal operator training, reducing liability in high-stress encounters where manual-of-arms complexity increases response time. The 12.9-inch barrel, while short, maintains adequate velocity and energy transfer from .45 LC ammunition, and the 5-round capacity balances reload frequency against deep-concealment requirements. At 6.69 pounds, the rifle remains light enough for sustained carry in vehicle mounts or tactical slings without fatigue, yet heavy enough to manage recoil and muzzle rise—critical for follow-up shot accuracy. The lever-action design eliminates magazine-dependent reliability, a significant advantage over box-fed systems in adverse conditions, and the exposed hammer allows for manual cocking, enabling tactical precision or rapid fire depending on operational need.

Tactical professionals, truck-mounted security personnel, and ranch operators benefit most from this platform's compact footprint and proven .45 Colt cartridge compatibility. The short 28.5-inch length excels in vehicle transitions, structure clearance, and backup weapon roles where AR-15 or longer rifles create handling challenges. Stock on the Mare's Leg accommodates standard tactical accessories via picatinny rails or traditional receiver mounting points, enabling light mounts, optics, and slings for mission-specific configurations. Law enforcement agencies and private security operators familiar with lever-action manual-of-arms find immediate operational relevance; the rifle's simplicity and hard-hitting .45 LC ballistics make it a preferred choice for deep-concealment response or specialty tactical roles where reliability supersedes modularity.