Henry Rifles U.S. Border Patrol 100th Anniversary Edition

Often called “A Nation of Immigrants,” even indigenous peoples crossed a land bridge from Siberia into what is now North America and even the United States eons ago. Immigration into America went unchecked for many years. Then in 1882 the Chinese Exclusion Act’s passage addressed a large influx of Chinese immigrants flooding into the workforce. In 1891, the Immigration Act created the Office of the Superintendent of Immigration in the Treasury Department. A new corps of immigrant inspectors took up station at the country’s principal ports of entry. In 1903, the Bureau of Immigration moved from the Treasury Department to the new Department of Commerce and Labor. The Immigration and Naturalization (INS) took form on June 10, 1933.

Henry Border Patrol Tribute Rifles

Officials quickly realized many immigrants simply bypassed the ports of entry to continue coming into the country illegally. As early as 1904, “Mounted Watchmen” of the U.S. Dept. of Labor patrolled the border from El Paso, Texas to as far west as California. The force never numbered more than 75, as they attempted to restrict the flow of illegal Chinese immigrants. March of 1915 saw Congress authorize a group of “Mounted Inspectors” with broader arrest authority, but still primarily concerned with staunching illegal Chinese immigration.

The the Immigration Act of 1924 authorized the formation of the U.S. Border Patrol. It established as an agency under the Department of Labor on May 28, with a mission to prevent illegal entries, primarily along the Mexican border, but also Canada. Border Patrol leadership in Detroit and El Paso controlled the Northern and Southern Border, respectively.

One of the traditional jobs of the USBP is setting up temporary traffic check points; all vehicles are stopped and citizenship or immigration status ascertained.

Border Patrol Legends

The Border Patrol Inspectors (PI) came from the ranks of cowboys, various lawmen and Texas Rangers, along with some men hired from the U.S. Civil Service register. While their primary duties involved the apprehension of illegal aliens, they quickly became enmeshed in the enforcement of the Volstead or Prohibition Act which came into force on January 17, 1920. The act no sooner became law than smugglers or “rum runners” began bringing illegal booze across the northern and southern borders.

One of the hot spots was El Paso, where liquor was brought across the Rio Grande River, which was often little more than a creek. The river had changed course, creating Cordoba Island, a brush-covered no-man’s land, which was a haven for “contrabandistas.” This area was still the Wild West, and Border Patrol Inspectors were involved in gunfights with smugglers regularly. The “hooch” was brought across the border carried on the backs of illegals, or pack animals, then transferred to vehicles waiting on the U.S. side. A number of PI’s lost their lives during this period, and even after Prohibition was repealed in December 1933, patrolling the border was a dangerous job.

World War II increased the responsibilities of the Border Patrol as “Border Security” became “National Security.” They were given charge of guarding enemy alien internment camps, securing Axis diplomats, conducting coastal submarine patrol, and tracking down escaped prisoners of war. USBP staffing was doubled to 1,500 in 1941, and the INS was transferred from the Dept. of Labor to the Dept. of Justice.

In 1920 Prohibition became the law of the land; the USBP helped enforce this law on the border and made many seizures of illicit booze.

Operation Wetback

From 1942 into the 1950s the Border Patrol was involved in the Bracero Program that allowed Mexican laborers into the U.S., but then in June 1954 “Operation Wetback” came into being with the apprehension of a record 1,028,246 aliens, followed by mass deportations. In the 1960’s the USBP was used to assist in civil disturbances and protect key figures in the Civil Rights movement. With Castro in Cuba, more PI’s were assigned along the Gulf Coast and Florida; they were also assigned as the first sky marshals preventing “skyjackings.”

During the latter part of the 20^th Century, illegal immigration increased and a good deal of drug smuggling shifted from South Florida to the desert Southwest as USBP became a key agency in the “War on Drugs.” On June 28, 1970, the title Patrol Inspector was changed to Patrol Agent. The 1970s and 1980s would see the enhancement of USBP manpower, equipment, and technology incorporated into a national strategy of prevention through deterrence. Women would be included into the ranks of the USBP in 1975, with a total force of 1,708 agents. Special tactical units like BORTAC and BORSTAR were created, helicopters came into use, and programs like K9 and horse patrol programs were reinstated. By 1988, manpower would climb to 4,074 agents.

The primary duty of the USBP back in the day was the apprehension of illegal aliens near the border; this job continues today.

More Illegal Alien Work

The 1990s would see forward deployments to deter and stem the flow of illegal aliens. From “Operation Hold the Line” to “Operation Gatekeeper” and “Operation Rio Grande,” these programs would have a significant impact on controlling illegal immigration and border security. Manpower would reach 9,212 agents by the turn of the century.

The country would awaken to the threat of terrorism as the new millennium dawned. Following 9/11, the INS would be dissolved and in 2003, the USBP was merged into the Dept. of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The USBP saw deployments outside the U.S. training foreign forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, plus responding to disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the fires in Hawaii. They also responded to riots and assisted in fugitive apprehensions. Within the first decade the USBP would expand to over 20,000 Patrol Agents. Politics, attrition, and recruiting issues have seen the force reduced today to below 17,000 agents as the storied agency celebrates its Centennial in 2024. Since 1904, the Border Patrol has had 149 inspectors/officers/agents killed in the line of duty, more than any other federal law enforcement agency during that period. Honor First!

The Henry U.S. Border Patrol Centennial Tribute Edition Rifles

As a salute to the dedicated men and women who were and are the guardians of our borders, Henry Repeating Arms has produced two lever-action rifles to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. Two models were selected, the Golden Boy Silver in .22 LR and the Big Boy Brass Sideloader in .357 Magnum.

These rifles share some common traits such as richly-polished, blue steel 20-inch octagonal barrels, which are fitted with a fully-adjustable, semi-buckhorn rear sight, and a post front sight with a brass bead. The standard-sized levers, triggers, hammers, magazine tubes, and screws are also blue steel. Both have receivers drilled and tapped for scope mounting. The straight-grip buttstock is carved from satin-finished American walnut and is laser engraved on the right side with the U.S. Border Patrol patch; it has a polished, brass butt plate. The walnut forend has a brass barrel band.

Right-side view of the Henry USBP Tribute Edition Rifle, this is the Golden Boy Silver version in .22 rimfire.

Highly Embellished Collectors

Unique to the commemorative Golden Boy Silver lever-gun is a strikingly engraved nickel-plated receiver cover with 24-karat gold-plated highlights. Prominently depicted on the receiver cover is scrollwork engraving on both sides reflecting the Centennial Badge and USBP Badge. Purchasers can choose between a USBP/DOJ Badge (my choice) or a USBP/CBP Badge. On the left side of the receiver is the Border Patrol Motto “Honor First,” plus a banner with “1924-2024;” the right side has a banner with “100^th Anniversary.” The magazine tube has a capacity of 16 .22 Long Rifle or .22 Long cartridges, and 21 rounds of .22 Short. Fit and finish were superb.

The Big Boy boasts a hardened, solid brass receiver with custom USBP engraving reflecting the Centennial Badge and U.S. Border Patrol Badge. The buyer also has a choice of two USBP badges. Surrounding the badges is classic scroll engraving; the left side has the two banners with “Honor First” and “1924-2024,” and the left side has the “100^th Anniversary” banner. The magazine tube has a capacity of 10 cartridges in .357 Magnum and will also accept .38 Special rounds. Again, fit and finish are first class.

Do They Shoot as Good as They Look?

To me, firearms are made for shooting and their “destiny” is unfulfilled if they become “Safe Queens.” Therefore, I decided to take my USBP commemorative rifles to the range to see how accurate and functionally reliable they were. For the Golden Boy Silver, I selected three .22 LR rounds. The first was CCI Green Tag, a standard-velocity competition cartridge with a 40-grain solid-nose bullet. Next was CCI Clean-22, a high-velocity target load, with a 40-grain red poly-coated, solid-nose bullet.

Lastly was Federal Auto Match, another high-velocity cartridge, with target-grade accuracy, and a 40-grain solid-nose bullet. For the Big Boy I chose two loads in .357 Magnum. First was the American Eagle with a 158-grain JSP bullet; a cartridge with bullets of this type was the issue load used in USBP revolvers for many years. Second was HSM Cowboy Action Cartridges that have 158-grain lead SWC bullets; both loads are perfect for lever-action rifles.

On my winter range day, the weather forecast indicated a low of 6° and a high of 18°, mostly cloudy. This near 70-year-old fellow was not going to an outdoor range; plus, my chronograph just won’t work in those temperature extremes. So, I elected to use a nearby indoor range facility which limited me to 25 yards and no chronographing. Shooting was done from a sandbag rest and oval-shaped bullseye targets with a red center aiming circle were used.

Left-side view of the Henry USBP Golden Boy Silver rifle.

Henry Border Patrol Tribute Rifles: Slingin’ .357 Magnums!

First, I tried the USBP Big Boy Brass in .357 Magnum. With this rifle you can load either using the slot in the magazine tube or the loading gate on the right side of the receiver. Unlocking and withdrawing the inner magazine tube also allows for quick unloading. My best of three, five-shot groups measured 1.27 inches using the Federal American Eagle cartridges; this load also gave me the best group average. Next up was the USBP Golden Boy Silver. You never know about .22 rimfires; sometimes the shooting results are not what you’d expect. In this case, my best of three, five-shot groups was 0.84-inch using the CCI Clean-22 HV, with the red polymer coated bullets. It also gave the best three-group average. All the accuracy data is included in the accompanying table.

Granted, this was a very limited shooting test, but my guess is most folks who buy these rifles won’t shoot them anyway. I thought the accuracy potential was satisfactory given the open sights and my less than stellar vision these days. The trigger pull was also above average for a lever-gun in both rifles. There were no malfunctions and my recommendation is to work the lever vigorously. The sights were just fine as they came from the factory, point of aim, point of impact-wise. Recoil was mild to non-existent due to the weight of the rifles. I’m sure they will see more range use in the future.

Final Shots

One caveat, which I know will disappoint many readers; these are limited-edition rifles. Sales of these commemoratives will benefit the Border Patrol Museum in El Paso. All sales will be direct purchases from Henry Repeating Arms. Buyers will be vetted for service requirements in DOJ and CBP. As I am a former U.S. Border Patrol Agent and retired from CBP, I was able to obtain one each of these fine Henry Rifles. They are truly a fitting tribute!

Thanks to Joseph Banco, retired USBP and author, for his assistance with this article.

Henry Golden Boy Silver USBP Centennial Specifications

MECHANISM: Lever action rifle
CALIBER: .22 LR, .22 Long, .22 Short
CAPACITY: 16 cartridges .22LR/Long, 21 cartridges .22 Short
BARREL: 20 in. octagonal twist 1:16
OA LENGTH: 38.5 inches
EMPTY WEIGHT: 6.75 pounds
SIGHTS: Fully adj. semi-buckhorn rear, brass bead/post front
FINISH: Brass receiver, blue barrel, magazine tube, hammer, trigger, screws
STOCKS: Satin finished American walnut
MSRP: $800

Big Boy Brass USBP Centennial Specifications

MECHANISM: Lever action rifle
CALIBER: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
CAPACITY: 10 cartridges
BARREL: 20 in. octagonal twist 1:16
OA LENGTH: 38.5 inches
EMPTY WEIGHT: 8.68 pounds
SIGHTS: Fully adj. semi-buckhorn rear, brass bead/post front
FINISH: Nickel-plated receiver, blue barrel, mag. tube, hammer, trigger, screws
STOCKS: Satin finished American walnut
MSRP: $1,150

Henry Golden Boy Silver/Big Boy Brass Performance

Cartridge	Velocity	Best Group	Average Group
CCI Clean-22 HV 40 gr. Solid-Nose Lead Bullet .22 LR	1,235 fps	0.84”	1.34”
CCI Green Tag SV 40 gr. Solid-Nose Lead Bullet .22 LR	1,070 fps	1.34”	1.52”
Federal Auto Match HV 40 gr. Solid-Nose Lead Bullet .22 LR	1,200 fps	0.87”	1.39”
Federal American Eagle 158 gr. JSP .357 Magnum	1,240 fps	1.27”	1.51”
HSM Cowboy Action Cartridges 158 gr. LSWC .357 Magnum	1,175 fps	1.69”	2.07”

NOTE: Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second, factory velocity figures cited, and accuracy in inches for three, 5-shot groups at 25 yards.

On February 17, 2024, Tactical Life reported:

Henry Border Patrol Rifles mark 100 years.

In celebration of the the U.S. Border Patrol 100th Anniversary, Henry released a pair of rifles to honor the occasion. The Henry Border Patrol Tribute Rifles comprise officially licensed rifles in partnership with the Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library Foundation in El Paso, Texas. They celebrate the agents and employees who have stood at the forefront of America’s security since establishment by Congress in 1924.

Henry Border Patrol Tribute Rifles

The rifles are now available to eligible customers at discounted factory-direct pricing. Henry ensured everyone who served is able to obtain this symbol of their dedication and their agency’s heritage. Purchases limited to verified active-duty, retired, and former Border Patrol agents and current Customs and Border Protection employees.

“We are honored to continue serving those who serve us by doing what we know how to do best, which is manufacturing firearms,” said Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms. “These special Henry rifles are a token of our unwavering respect for the brave men and women who deserve our support now more than ever. It’s a challenging, dangerous job, and my hat’s off to all those who have worn the badge.”

Border Patrol Rifle Features

Henry offer four unique U.S. Border Patrol 100th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifles. Two come built on Henry’s Golden Boy platform. Meanwhile, two others build off the Big Boy Brass platform. The latter, in .357 Magnum/.38 Spl, gives a nod to the caliber once widely used in the revolvers carried by Border Patrol agents.

Each platform provides the choice of two designs. One version shows the Department of Justice-issued badge used before the agency’s restructuring in 2003. The other features the badge issued today by Customs and Border Protection under the Department of Homeland Security. Each rifle includes the new U.S. Border Patrol 100th Anniversary commemorative badge, intricate scrollwork engraving, an engraved brick border motif around the edges of the receiver, and genuine American walnut stocks with the U.S. Border Patrol emblem engraved on the right side of the buttstock.

Henry will donate a portion of the sale of each rifle to the Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library Foundation. The offering continues a Henry initiative that donated more than $225,000 to organizations involved with law enforcement professionals over recent years.

Learn more at henryusa.com/border-patrol/.