If you are searching for the best scopes for Henry Golden Boy Lever Action rifle, you are in the right place.
The Henry Golden Boy is a piece of American heritage wrapped in gleaming brass and smooth walnut. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting these beauties for over a decade, and let me tell you, there’s something magical about working that lever action.
The crisp click-clack of the action cycling, the satisfying weight of the brass receiver, and that unmistakable Henry accuracy make it one of my favorite rifles to take to the range or into the field.
But here’s the thing about the Golden Boy that many folks don’t realize right away. While it’s absolutely stunning in its traditional form, adding the right scope can transform this classic lever gun into a precision instrument that’s perfect for everything from small game hunting to target shooting.
The .22 LR chambering makes it incredibly versatile, whether you’re teaching a youngster to shoot, working on pest control around the ranch, or just enjoying some affordable trigger time.
Now, I’ll be straight with you, mounting a scope on a Golden Boy isn’t quite as straightforward as slapping one on a bolt-action rifle. The curved receiver and lack of built-in mounting points mean you’ll need either a side-mount system or consider having the receiver drilled and tapped. But trust me, the effort is worth it.
I’ve helped countless shooters set up their Golden Boys with optics, and the transformation in accuracy and usability is remarkable.
The key is choosing a scope that complements the rifle’s characteristics rather than overwhelming its classic aesthetics. You want something that enhances the Golden Boy’s natural precision without turning this graceful lever gun into a tactical monstrosity.
After years of testing different combinations and helping fellow shooters find their perfect setup, I’ve narrowed down the top five scopes that really shine on the Henry Golden Boy.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 | Crystal clear glass, lifetime warranty, classic styling | Check Latest Price |
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Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Fully multi-coated lenses, shockproof construction, unlimited warranty | Check Latest Price |
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Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9×40 | Optimized for .22 caliber, BDC reticle, waterproof | Check Latest Price |
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Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 | Budget-friendly, QTA eyepiece, TrueZero windage/elevation | Check Latest Price |
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Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 | Versatile magnification range, ACSS reticle, lightweight | Check Latest Price |
After mounting dozens of different scopes on various Golden Boy rifles and spending countless hours at the range testing their performance, I’ve found these five options consistently deliver the best combination of optical quality, durability, and value.
Each brings something unique to the table, whether you’re looking for premium glass quality, innovative reticle designs, or simply the best bang for your buck.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 (Best Overall Premium Choice)
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is hands-down my top pick for the Henry Golden Boy, and it’s not even close. I’ve been running this scope on my personal Golden Boy for three seasons now, and it’s been absolutely flawless.
The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the .22 LR’s effective range, giving you enough power for precision shots out to 100+ yards while still being usable at close range.
What really sets this scope apart is the glass quality. Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System isn’t just marketing speak. I’ve consistently been able to shoot later into the evening and earlier in the morning compared to other scopes in this price range.
The image is crisp and bright, with excellent edge-to-edge clarity that makes target identification effortless. The 33mm objective strikes the perfect balance, providing good light transmission without making the scope too bulky for the Golden Boy’s graceful lines.
The construction quality is typical Leupold excellence. The scope tracks perfectly. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through rifles wearing this optic, and the zero has never wandered.
The turrets have positive clicks that you can both feel and hear, making field adjustments confident and precise. The eyebox is forgiving, which is crucial on a lever gun where your shooting positions might vary more than with a bolt rifle.
I particularly love how this scope maintains the Golden Boy’s classic aesthetic. The matte black finish and traditional styling complement the rifle’s heritage look without clashing. It’s substantial enough to look purposeful but not so large that it overwhelms the rifle’s proportions.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Diameter | 33mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.6-4.2″ |
| Field of View | 52.4-15.1 ft @ 100yds |
| Tube Diameter | 1″ |
| Weight | 12.1 oz |
| Length | 11.6″ |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros
- Outstanding optical clarity and brightness
- Bomb-proof construction with lifetime warranty
- Perfect magnification range for .22 LR
- Maintains classic rifle aesthetics
- Excellent tracking and repeatability
- Generous eye relief for lever gun use
Cons
- Premium price point
If you’re serious about getting the most out of your Golden Boy and aren’t afraid to invest in quality glass, the VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is the scope to get.
Yes, it costs more than some of the other options, but you’re getting Leupold’s legendary reliability and optical performance. This is the scope I recommend to anyone who wants to set up their Golden Boy once and never worry about it again.
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 (Best Value Premium Option)
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is what I consider the sweet spot in the premium scope category. I’ve mounted this scope on several customer rifles, and it consistently punches way above its weight class. Vortex has really dialed in their coatings and glass quality in recent years, and this scope benefits from all that development.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver impressive clarity and light transmission that rivals scopes costing significantly more. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons with much more expensive European glass, and while there’s a difference, it’s much smaller than the price gap would suggest.
The 2-7x magnification range is ideal for the .22 LR, giving you plenty of versatility whether you’re shooting at 25 yards or stretching out to the Golden Boy’s maximum effective range.
What really makes this scope shine is the construction quality. The tube is machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, and you can feel the difference in the turrets and focus ring.
Everything moves smoothly with positive stops, and the internal mechanisms feel robust. I’ve never had tracking issues with any Crossfire II I’ve mounted, which is saying something given how many I’ve handled.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly well-suited to the .22 LR. While you’ll want to verify the holdover points with your specific ammunition, I’ve found it to be reasonably accurate with most standard velocity loads. This gives you quick reference points for longer shots without having to dial turrets.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Diameter | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.0″ |
| Field of View | 47.8-13.7 ft @ 100yds |
| Tube Diameter | 1″ |
| Weight | 12.2 oz |
| Length | 11.2″ |
| Warranty | VIP Unlimited |
Pros
- Excellent optical quality for the price
- Vortex’s legendary customer service
- BDC reticle is perfect for .22 LR trajectory
- Robust construction with precise tracking
- Great magnification range for lever guns
- Unlimited lifetime warranty
Cons
- BDC may not match all ammunition exactly
The Crossfire II represents outstanding value in the premium scope category. You get performance that’s very close to scopes costing twice as much, backed by Vortex’s no-questions-asked warranty. If you want premium performance without the premium price tag, this is your scope.
3) Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9×40 (Best Rimfire-Specific Option)
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9×40 is purpose-built for .22 caliber rifles, and it shows in every detail. I’ve used this scope extensively on various rimfire platforms, and it’s perfectly optimized for the ballistics and typical use cases of the .22 LR cartridge.
The BDC 150 reticle is specifically calibrated for .22 LR trajectory, with holdover points that actually work as advertised.
The 3-9x magnification range gives you more top-end power than the previous scopes, which can be useful if you’re doing precision shooting or hunting small game where shot placement is critical.
At 3x, it’s still perfectly usable for close-range shooting, though not quite as versatile as the 2-7x options for really close work. The 40mm objective gathers plenty of light for dawn and dusk shooting sessions.
What I really appreciate about this scope is how Nikon has optimized the parallax setting. It’s fixed at 50 yards, which is perfect for most .22 LR shooting scenarios. This eliminates parallax error at the most common engagement distances without adding the complexity and potential failure point of an adjustable parallax system.
The multicoated optics are clear and bright, with good color reproduction that makes target identification easy. The eye relief is generous at 3.6 inches, which works well with the Golden Boy’s stock geometry. The turrets are finger-adjustable with audible clicks, making field adjustments quick and easy.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Diameter | 40mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.6″ |
| Field of View | 33.8-11.3 ft @ 100yds |
| Tube Diameter | 1″ |
| Weight | 12.8 oz |
| Length | 12.2″ |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros
- Purpose-designed for .22 caliber ballistics
- BDC reticle calibrated for .22 LR
- Excellent optical clarity
- Optimized parallax setting for rimfire use
- Higher magnification for precision work
- Good light-gathering capability
Cons
- Higher minimum magnification less versatile
While Nikon has discontinued their riflescope line, the ProStaff Rimfire remains available through various dealers and represents excellent value for rimfire-specific applications. If you can find one, it’s a fantastic choice for the Golden Boy.
4) Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 (Best Budget Option)
Sometimes you need a scope that gets the job done without breaking the bank, and that’s exactly what the Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 delivers. I’ve mounted this scope on numerous budget builds and beginner setups, and it consistently surprises me with its performance relative to the price point.
While it’s not going to compete with premium glass, it’s a solid, functional optic that transforms the Golden Boy’s capabilities.
The 3-9x magnification range gives you good versatility, though like other scopes in this range, the 3x minimum magnification is less ideal for close shots than a 2x starting point. The 32mm objective is appropriately sized for the Golden Boy, providing decent light gathering without overwhelming the rifle’s proportions.
The fully coated optics are reasonably clear, though you’ll notice the difference compared to premium scopes in low light conditions.
What impresses me most about this scope is the mechanical reliability. For a budget optic, the tracking is surprisingly consistent. I’ve run box tests on several examples, and they’ve held zero reliably through hundreds of rounds.
The TrueZero windage and elevation adjustments are positive and repeatable, which is more than I can say for some scopes in this price range.
The QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece is a nice touch that speeds up target acquisition. The eye relief is adequate, though not as generous as more expensive scopes.
The construction feels solid for the price point, with a matte black finish that looks good on the Golden Boy.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Diameter | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.75″ |
| Field of View | 39.7-13.1 ft @ 100yds |
| Tube Diameter | 1″ |
| Weight | 12.0 oz |
| Length | 12″ |
| Warranty | Limited |
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable tracking and zero retention
- Good magnification range for versatility
- QTA eyepiece for quick target acquisition
- Appropriately sized for Golden Boy
- Widely available and affordable
Cons
- Basic reticle options
If you’re on a tight budget or setting up a scope for a young shooter, the Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 is hard to beat. It’s not fancy, but it’s functional and reliable, exactly what you need to get started with scoped shooting on your Golden Boy.
5) Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 (Best for Versatility)
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 is the wild card in this lineup, offering a completely different approach to scoping the Golden Boy. The 1-6x magnification range makes this scope incredibly versatile, essentially giving you a red dot sight at 1x that can dial up to 6x for precision work.
I’ve become a big fan of low-power variable optics on lever guns, and this scope demonstrates why.
At 1x magnification, both eyes can stay open for rapid target acquisition at close range. This is perfect for pest control situations or when you’re moving through heavy cover.
Crank it up to 6x, and you’ve got enough magnification for precise shots on small targets at extended range. The ACSS 22LR reticle is brilliantly designed, with ranging capability and ballistic drop compensators specifically calculated for .22 LR.
The optical quality is impressive for the price point. Primary Arms has really stepped up their glass game in recent years, and this scope benefits from fully multi-coated lenses that deliver good clarity and brightness.
The 24mm objective keeps the scope compact while still gathering adequate light for most shooting situations.
The illuminated reticle is a nice bonus feature that really shines in low-light conditions or when shooting against dark backgrounds. The illumination is adjustable through multiple brightness levels, and the scope remembers your last setting when turned back on.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 1-6x |
| Objective Diameter | 24mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.5″ |
| Field of View | 103.1-18.1 ft @ 100yds |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Weight | 16.6 oz |
| Length | 10.3″ |
| Warranty | 6 Years |
Pros
- True 1x for close-range versatility
- ACSS reticle designed for .22 LR
- Illuminated reticle for low-light use
- Excellent magnification range
- Compact overall length
- Good optical quality for price
Cons
- Shorter eye relief than ideal
The SLx 1-6×24 is perfect for shooters who want maximum versatility from their Golden Boy. If you plan to use your rifle for everything from close-range pest control to precision target shooting, this scope delivers unmatched flexibility.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for your Henry Golden Boy comes down to understanding how you plan to use this magnificent lever gun and matching that to the scope’s strengths. After years of testing these combinations and helping fellow shooters optimize their setups, I’m confident these five scopes represent the best options available.
For most shooters, the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 remains my top recommendation. The combination of outstanding optical quality, perfect magnification range, and legendary reliability makes it worth the investment. It transforms the Golden Boy into a precision instrument while maintaining the rifle’s classic aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for premium performance at a more accessible price point, the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 delivers exceptional value. The BDC reticle is perfectly suited to .22 LR ballistics, and Vortex’s customer service ensures you’ll never be without a working scope.
Budget-conscious shooters should seriously consider the Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32. While it lacks the refinement of premium optics, it’s reliable and functional, exactly what many shooters need to enhance their Golden Boy’s capabilities without breaking the bank.
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 offers unmatched versatility for shooters who demand maximum flexibility from their setup. The true 1x capability combined with useful magnification makes it perfect for dynamic shooting scenarios.
Remember, the best scope is the one that matches your shooting style and intended use.
See Also:
- Top 5 Best Scopes for Browning BLR
- Vortex 3-9×50 Crossfire II Riflescope
- Guide to Hunting Caliber: From Small Game to Big Game
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me