The 7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum, a classic lever-action rifle prized for its balance of power, accuracy, and timeless design.
Whether used for hunting, target shooting, or as a reliable ranch rifle, the Big Boy benefits greatly from a scope that enhances its performance without compromising its traditional handling.
Choosing the right optic involves balancing factors like magnification, optical clarity, reticle design, durability, and overall size. From compact scout scopes to versatile variable-power optics, the best scopes for the Henry Big Boy are those that complement its effective range while maintaining the rifle’s iconic feel.
7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope stands out as an ideal companion for the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum. Lever-action rifles pair best with compact, fast-acquiring optics, and the Crossfire II delivers exactly that.
Its versatile 1-4x magnification range gives shooters the ability to transition seamlessly from rapid target acquisition at close range to more precise aiming at mid-range distances, making it a strong choice for hunting, plinking, or range use.
One of its defining features is the V-Brite illuminated reticle, which takes the traditional V-Plex design and enhances it with an illuminated center dot. This feature excels in low-light conditions whether at dawn, dusk, or in shaded woodland ensuring your Henry Big Boy stays effective when visibility drops.
The illuminated reticle, combined with fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses, produces a crisp, clear sight picture that enhances both accuracy and confidence.
Comfort is another strength of the Crossfire II. With its long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll find it easy to quickly obtain a full sight picture without needing perfect head positioning an advantage on a lever-action rifle where speed matters.
The fast-focus eyepiece also makes it simple to dial in the reticle for sharpness, ensuring shooters of all experience levels can use it efficiently.
Durability is central to Vortex design, and the Crossfire II is no exception. Constructed from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, it offers reliable shockproof performance. Add to that its O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, and you get a riflescope that’s not just fogproof but also waterproof, ready for rugged field use alongside your Henry Big Boy.
Pros
- Compact 1-4×24 design
- V-Brite illuminated reticle
- Long eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Capped reset turrets
- Rugged construction
Cons
-
Limited magnification
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope is a compact, durable, and versatile optic that fits the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum perfectly. Lever-action rifles demand lightweight, quick-handling optics that don’t disrupt balance, and this scope checks all the boxes.
With its 1.5-4x magnification range, it provides the flexibility to dial down for fast, close-range encounters or zoom up for precision shots at longer distances. Its 3:1 zoom ratio makes this versatility seamless, giving shooters confidence whether they’re plinking at the range or hunting in thick brush.
One of the standout qualities of the VX-Freedom line is durability. Leupold applies hardened surface coatings that meet extreme military standards for scratch resistance, ensuring lenses stay clear even after hard use in the field.
Paired with its rugged build, this riflescope is engineered to handle the recoil of the Henry Big Boy and the rigors of outdoor shooting. It’s 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, meaning it can perform in any weather conditions without fail.
Image quality is another strength. Leupold is renowned for excellent glass clarity, and the VX-Freedom delivers bright, crisp views, helping you spot targets quickly and confidently.
The 20mm objective lens is modest in size but works perfectly on a lever-action setup keeping the optic compact while still providing ample light transmission for early morning or late-evening use.
Pros
- 1.5-4x magnification
- Compact and lightweight
- Hardened surface coatings
- Bright, clear glass with excellent image quality.
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction.
Cons
-
Slightly more expensive than some entry-level options.
3. Burris Scout Scope, Compact and Slim Optic with Medium Magnification
The Burris Scout Scope 2.75x20mm is a compact, lightweight optic that pairs exceptionally well with the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum. Lever-action rifles thrive with optics that don’t overwhelm their classic design or handling, and the Burris Scout fits that role perfectly. At just under 200 grams, this scope adds minimal weight, keeping your rifle balanced and quick to shoulder.
Featuring a fixed 2.75x magnification, this scope strikes the perfect middle ground between speed and precision. It offers enough magnification to extend the effective range of the .357 Magnum cartridge while still being fast and intuitive at close range.
The 20mm objective lens keeps the design slim and low-profile, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s natural handling.
Durability is another hallmark of this optic. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Burris Scout is built to withstand hunting environments and recoil without compromise. Its forward-mount design allows for generous eye relief, giving shooters the ability to maintain situational awareness an important factor when using a lever gun in the field.
The matte black finish and sleek profile also complement the Henry Big Boy aesthetically, maintaining the rifle’s classic appearance while adding modern shooting performance. Purpose-built for hunters and field shooters, the Burris Scout Scope offers simplicity, ruggedness, and reliability in one streamlined package.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Fixed 2.75x magnification
- Forward-mount design
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Slim 20mm objective lens
- Easy to use
Cons
-
Has Fixed magnification
4. SIG SAUER TANGO6T 1-6x24mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane
The SIG SAUER TANGO6T is a premium riflescope designed for shooters who demand superior performance in both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. Perfectly suited for the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum, this optic delivers versatility, ruggedness, and clarity for hunters, competition shooters, and tactical enthusiasts.
Its 1-6x magnification range makes it adaptable for quick target acquisition at close distances while offering enough zoom for precision at extended ranges.
One of its standout features is the glass-etched illuminated reticle built on a first focal plane design, which ensures reticle proportions remain consistent throughout the magnification range. With 9 daylight and 2 night-vision compatible brightness settings, the scope adapts seamlessly to varying light conditions. The locking illumination dial adds reliability, preventing accidental adjustments in the field.
Built with SIG’s renowned HDX optical system, the TANGO6T provides exceptional clarity and brightness, even in low-light conditions.
The addition of SpectraCoat lens coatings maximizes light transmission, while LensArmor protects against scratches and LenShield resists smudges and oils. These coatings ensure that your sight picture remains crisp and clear no matter the environment.
Durability is another hallmark of this optic. With IPX-8 waterproofing, fog-proof performance, and a rugged 30mm aluminum tube, it is designed to withstand the elements and heavy recoil. The laser-engraved mounting line simplifies alignment with scope rings, ensuring easy installation on your Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum.
Pros
- Wide 1-6x magnification
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle
- HDX optical system
- SpectraCoat, LensArmor, and LenShield coatings
- IPX-8 waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Rugged aluminum body
- Fiber-optic power indicator
Cons
- Heavy
5. Accupoint 3-9×40, Green Triangle Trijicon Tr20g
The Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x40mm (TR20G, Green Triangle Reticle) is a premium optic that pairs durability and innovation with classic hunting versatility, making it a strong choice for the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum.
Known for its robust design and outstanding glass, the AccuPoint enhances the lever-action rifle’s capabilities, particularly for shooters who want more reach and precision without sacrificing speed.
This scope offers a 3-9x magnification range, one of the most versatile setups in the hunting world. At 3x, it’s fast and effective for close-range targets in brush or woods, while 9x provides enough magnification for longer shots across open terrain stretching the practical limits of the .357 Magnum.
The 40mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images, especially important in low-light hunting conditions.
What sets the AccuPoint apart is its battery-free illuminated reticle. The green triangle reticle uses fiber optics and tritium, automatically adjusting brightness to the available light. This ensures an aiming point that’s always visible, whether you’re in full daylight, shaded timber, or at dusk.
The simplicity of the illuminated triangle also makes target acquisition incredibly fast, a real asset when using a lever gun.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the AccuPoint is lightweight yet rugged. Trijicon’s reputation for military-grade durability carries into this scope making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Pros
- 3-9x magnification range
- Green triangle reticle
- Fiber optics + tritium
- 40mm objective lens
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Compatible with Weaver mounts, making installation straightforward.
Cons
- Pricey
6. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm is a premium riflescope that brings together tactical-grade features and rugged reliability, making it an excellent companion for the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum.
Its 1-6x magnification makes it highly versatile perfect for fast target acquisition at close range and providing precision at medium distances. This balance makes it suitable for both hunters and shooters who want adaptability in their lever-action setup.
One of its standout features is the laser-etched turrets with the RZR Zero Stop system. This feature allows shooters to dial for elevation and windage adjustments with confidence and return to their original zero instantly.
The fiber optic rotation indicator further enhances usability, ensuring shooters can always keep track of their turret position. This makes the scope especially appealing to those who need to make rapid and precise adjustments in the field.
The reticle design is another highlight. Intuitive and detailed, it provides useful hold points without being overly cluttered, maintaining a clear sight picture. With 10 illumination settings and convenient off positions between each level, shooters can quickly adapt to changing light conditions.
Combined with extra-low dispersion glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses, the Viper PST Gen II ensures excellent clarity, brightness, and color fidelity. The Armortek coatings further protect the lenses against scratches, oil, and dirt, keeping the optic reliable in rugged environments.
Pros
- Versatile 1-6x magnification
- Laser-etched turrets with RZR Zero Stop
- Fiber optic rotation indicator
- 10 illumination levels
- High-quality glass and coatings
- Armortek lens protection
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and durable construction
Cons
- Expensive
7. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm is a versatile riflescope built with hunters in mind, and it’s an excellent match for the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum. With its 3.5-10x magnification range, this scope covers a wide array of shooting scenarios from close-range brush hunting to medium- to longer-range shots.
The generous 50mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, which is especially useful in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, when many hunters are most active.
A highlight of this model is its Dead-Hold BDC reticle, designed to help shooters estimate hold-over and wind drift at various ranges without guesswork.
This makes it particularly valuable when shooting at distances where bullet drop becomes a factor. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for rapid reticle focusing, ensuring you’re always ready when the opportunity for a shot arises.
The optical quality of the Diamondback is backed by fully multi-coated lenses, which deliver crystal-clear, bright images throughout the day. Whether you’re hunting in shaded forests or open fields, the clarity and brightness give you a significant edge.
Pros
- Versatile 3.5-10x magnification
- Large 50mm objective lens
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Precision turrets and glide erector system
- Durable one-piece construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum
Magnification
The 7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum is most effective at close to medium ranges, so choosing the right magnification is crucial. Too much magnification may slow you down in dense brush, so balance your choice with the typical shooting distances you expect.
Optical Clarity
Crystal-clear optics are essential for spotting game and ensuring accurate shots. Features like fully multi-coated lenses, extra-low dispersion glass, and larger objective lenses enhance brightness and clarity, especially in low-light hunting conditions such as dawn or dusk. A scope with superior coatings and light-gathering capability gives you a significant advantage when visibility is limited.
Reticle Type
The reticle design impacts how quickly and accurately you can aim. A simple V-Plex or duplex reticle offers a clean sight picture for fast shooting, while a BDC or illuminated reticle helps when estimating hold-over at different ranges. For lever-action rifles like the Big Boy, reticles that stay uncluttered yet functional are ideal, allowing you to focus on both speed and precision.
Durability
Hunting riflescopes must withstand recoil, bumps, and harsh outdoor conditions. Look for scopes built with aircraft-grade aluminum and a one-piece tube for added strength. Features like shockproof construction, hard-anodized finishes, waterproof O-ring seals, and argon or nitrogen purging ensure the optic will hold zero and perform reliably in rain, fog, or rough terrain. Durability is especially important for lever-action rifles that often see use in rugged environments.
Size and Weight
The Henry Big Boy has a classic design and excellent balance, so a scope that’s too bulky or heavy can spoil the rifle’s handling. Compact, lightweight optics complement the rifle’s profile and maintain its quick-shouldering ability. Larger scopes with big objective lenses may add extra brightness but can make the rifle top-heavy, so consider how much weight you’re willing to add.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
Generous eye relief is particularly important on a lever-action rifle like the Henry Big Boy, ensuring safety and comfort while shooting. A forgiving eye box allows for quicker target acquisition, especially when shooting from unconventional positions or while wearing glasses. Scopes with long and consistent eye relief make the shooting experience smoother and safer, especially for hunters in dynamic field scenarios.
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FAQs of the 7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum
- Should I choose a variable or fixed power scope for my Henry Big Boy?
This depends on your shooting style. Variable power scopes are versatile and let you adapt to different ranges. Fixed power scopes are simpler, lighter, and quicker to use, making them great for hunters who value speed and reliability over flexibility. Both options work well, depending on your needs.
- What reticle type works best with the .357 Magnum?
For the 7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum, simple reticles like a duplex or V-Plex work great for fast, instinctive shooting at closer ranges. If you plan on stretching the rifle’s range, a BDC reticle can help estimate hold-over more accurately. Illuminated reticles are also useful for low-light hunting at dawn or dusk.
- Are large objective lenses (like 50mm) necessary for the Henry Big Boy?
Not always. Larger lenses improve low-light brightness but add bulk and require higher mounting rings, which can affect rifle balance. For a lever-action like the Henry Big Boy, smaller, lighter scopes with 20–40mm objectives usually complement the rifle’s handling better
Conclusion
Selecting the 7 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum comes down to matching the optic to your shooting style and environment. In the end, the best scope is one that enhances the Big Boy’s natural strengths while giving you confidence behind every shot.