Deer hunters in shotgun-only counties have been looking for something better than a slug gun, and the .360 Buckhammer was built for them. This Henry H024-360BH is a side gate lever rifle in that cartridge, finished in blued steel.

The .360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall round, a point that matters in states and counties that limit the cartridges you may use for deer. Check your local rules before you buy. It offers a flat nose and enough bullet weight to knock down whitetails at woods ranges, and it kicks a good deal less than a big slug.

The side gate means you can top off the magazine without cycling the action or hunting for the loading port. That is convenient in the stand, where speed and quiet count. Henry lever guns have a well-earned name for their smooth actions, and the blued finish is a classic.

It is a short-range deer rifle for the hardwoods and the thickets. Mount a low-power scope or stay with iron sights, as you prefer. It ships to your local FFL dealer, who completes the background check before you take it home.