Henry Marks America’s 250th Anniversary With the Spirit of ’76 Semiquincentennial Rifle

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, Henry Repeating Arms has introduced an exceptionally rare commemorative firearm designed squarely for serious collectors. Known as the Spirit of ’76 Semiquincentennial Edition, this rifle will be produced in a strictly limited run of just 250 units, each honoring the founding of the nation and the revolutionary era that shaped it.

At its core, the rifle is based on Henry’s New Original Henry model - a historically faithful recreation of the lever-action rifle patented in 1860 by Benjamin Tyler Henry. While the exterior closely follows the original design, the internal mechanics have been updated to chamber the .44-40 WCF cartridge. This choice allows the rifle to retain its period authenticity while remaining a functional, shootable firearm rather than a static display piece.

The visual centerpiece of the Semiquincentennial Edition is its nickel-plated brass receiver, which is extensively engraved and accented with selective 24-karat gold inlays. The engraving work depicts a sweeping historical narrative drawn from the American Revolution. Among the scenes and symbols are Revolutionary War imagery, depictions of Independence Hall, references to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, early American flags, and national emblems such as the bald eagle. One particularly notable detail is the engraved representation of the sword carried by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Complementing the receiver is a polished, blued octagon barrel paired with a matching magazine tube. The rifle is stocked with a hand-selected rosewood buttstock, chosen specifically for its grain, color, and presentation quality. At the rear, a nickel-plated brass crescent buttplate with an integrated trapdoor reinforces the rifle’s 19th-century styling and attention to historical detail.

Each Spirit of ’76 rifle is individually serialized and will be offered exclusively through factory-direct sales, further underscoring its status as a limited-edition collector’s piece. With its combination of historical reverence, fine engraving, and ultra-low production numbers, this commemorative Henry is clearly intended to be admired as much as - if not more than - it is ever expected to be fired.