Henry SPD: The Future of Lever Actions Has Arrived

The lever-action rifle is getting a contemporary makeover as Henry Repeating Arms launches its innovative Special Projects Division (SPD). Far from relegating lever guns to the realm of traditionalists and western enthusiasts, Henry's new initiative reimagines these classic firearms for modern tactical applications. The division's inaugural offering—the Hush series—represents a bold fusion of heritage-inspired action with cutting-edge materials and technology.

At its core, the Hush maintains Henry's signature lever-action functionality, featuring convenient sidegate loading while preserving the traditional front-loading tube magazine system. This dual-loading capability offers shooters flexibility reminiscent of classic .22LR rifles while bringing significant updates to nearly every other component.

The Hush's most striking feature is its premium 416R stainless steel match-grade barrel, developed in partnership with Wisconsin-based BSF Barrels. This precision barrel comes encased in lightweight carbon fiber with an engineered 95% air gap between materials. This sophisticated design achieves multiple benefits: reducing overall weight, enhancing cooling efficiency, and maintaining temperature stability during extended firing sessions. According to Henry, this construction allows the carbon sleeve to expand harmoniously with the heating steel barrel, preventing delamination issues while preserving accuracy throughout prolonged use.

Ready for suppressor attachment out of the box, the Hush offers appropriately threaded muzzles across its diverse caliber selection: .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .45 Colt, .30-30 Winchester, and 45-70 Government.

The furniture represents a dramatic departure from traditional Henry offerings. Collaborating with aftermarket specialists TAPCO, the rifle features a streamlined, skeletonized aluminum forend equipped with M-LOK slots for accessory customization. Optics mounting comes via a forged carbon-fiber Picatinny rail integrated into the receiver—an essential feature as the rifle ships without iron sights.

Interestingly, despite its tactical orientation, Henry opted for a hardwood laminate buttstock rather than going fully synthetic or metal. This intentionally hollowed stock reduces weight while maintaining traditional checkering for improved grip and incorporates a rubber buttpad to mitigate recoil. Henry explains this design choice as preserving the "familiar wood-to-skin touch that's missing from full aluminum builds"—acknowledging that even tactical enthusiasts often appreciate the balanced feel and organic warmth of wooden furniture.

The Hush's metal surfaces feature a practical matte finish throughout, with the exception of the exposed stainless barrel, providing a subtle contrast to the otherwise subdued aesthetic.