5 Best Lever Action Rifles

The Lever Action Rifle is one of the most iconic rifles, dating all the way back to the Wild West. Now, the Lever Action is a popular choice for hunting, plinking, and cowboy action shooting. Here, we go over some of our most popular lever action rifles and some factors to consider when choosing your next lever action.

Uses

The lever action rifle is a classic choice across several shooting disciplines. Here is an overview of a few of the most popular uses.

  • Cowboy Action Shooting – The lever action rifle was an iconic rifle in the Wild West. Today, its legacy lives on through collectors, reenactors, and through cowboy action shooting contests.
  • Hunting – Lever action rifles have been a staple among hunters for generations. Their simple designs, easy shouldering and swinging, and reliable shooting make them a great choice for hunting game in short to mid-range scenarios.
  • Defense – More and more manufacturers are coming out with tactical lever action rifles. Lever action rifles are simple to use, quick to shoulder, and can come with rails for added optics or tactical accessories.
  • Target Shooting – Lever Action Rifles can be really enjoyable to shoot and are a very popular choice for target shooting. There are numerous models of rimfire lever action rifles available for inexpensive plinking.

Cartridges

Lever Action Rifles have a wide range of uses thanks to the numerous cartridge options available with lever action designs. Here at MidwayUSA, you can find lever action rifles chambered in 22, 30-30, 357 Magnum, 45-70, 44 Mag, and many more cartridges!

Brands

There are several brands that play a major role in the lever action rifles industry. Some of these include Winchester with legendary models like the 94, Henry, with their Big Boy and Golden Boy models, and Rossi with their range of models, including several tactical styles.

Here are our picks for the 5 Best Lever Action Rifles:
1

Marlin 1894 Classic Lever Action Rifle

Ruger is proud to announce the reintroduction of the Marlin Model 1894 Classic chambered in .44 Rem Mag. The Model 1894 Classic features the traditional characteristics that made this a truly iconic rifle. Richly blued and featuring a square finger lever, this alloy steel rifle is equipped with a 20.25" cold hammer-forged barrel and a beautifully-finished American black walnut straight stock and forend. The tubular magazine features a loading gate located on the receiver and will accept 10 rounds of 44 Rem Mag or 11 rounds of 44 Spl ammunition.

 

Features

  • 10rd Capacity of 44 Remington Magnum
  • 11rd Capacity of 44 Special
  • Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear Sight, Brass Bead with Hood Front Sight
  • Cold Hammer-Forged Alloy Steel Barrel
  • American Black Walnut Stock
  • Satin Blued Finish
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2

Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter Tactical Lever Action Rifle

Welcome to the next iteration of the Smith & Wesson lever-action line: the S&W Model 1854 Stealth Hunter. This enhanced rifle combines a clean, classic design with modern upgrades to elevate your shooting experience. Customize your lever-action with an extended Picatinny rail for optics, a new forend for additional accessories, and a HIVIZ H3 sight for superior visibility in low-light and daylight conditions. Discover the ultimate in customization and performance with the Model 1854 Stealth Hunter.

Features

  • Flat Trigger Design
  • Large Lever Loop
  • Removable Magazine Tube
  • HIVIZ H3 Fiber Optics Front Sight
  • XS Sights Adjustable Ghost Ring Rear Sight
  • M-Lok Handguard

About Smith & Wesson

Since 1852 Smith & Wesson has empowered Americans with the freedom, equality, and security promised by the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. It is this sense of safety and security that frees us to pursue our goals and dreams, define our future, and fulfill the promise of America. Smith & Wesson has been manufacturing some of the finest revolvers, pistols, and rifles for decades and is a trusted brand by law enforcement agencies and civilians around the world. They also offer many pistol and rifle parts and upgrades, as well as magazines, knives/tools, training aids, cleaning kits, and much more. MidwayUSA is proud to offer many popular Smith & Wesson Models like the M&P Pistols, 629 Revolvers, Model 500 Revolvers, and more!

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3

Henry Big Boy Brass Lever Action Rifle

In the past, Henry have always taken inspiration from the original 1860s-era Henry rifle by opting to design firearms with a removable tube magazine. They're no sticks in the mud though, and when loyal Henry customers ask, loyal Henry customers receive. The Side Gate Lever Action offers up the best of both worlds with standard removable tube magazine for safe and easy unloading and a side loading gate to keep the magazine topped off.

 

Features

  • 20" Octagon Barrel
  • Brass Receiver
  • Side Gate
  • Brass Front Bead and Fully Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear Sight
  • Drilled and Tapped

About Henry

Henry Repeating Arms was started by Louis Imperato and his son Anthony in Brooklyn, New York, in 1996. The company was named after Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor who patented the first repeating rifle in 1860. Henry’s first model was the H001 Classic Lever Action .22. Since then, the company has moved its headquarters to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and has expanded its offering to include around 200 different models of rifles, shotguns, lever action pistols, and more. Henry’s most popular model is the Golden Boy Lever action rifle. Some other popular models include the Big Boy, Long Ranger, AR-7, and many more, available right here at MidwayUSA. Henry aims to manufacture a line of classic, well-crafted firearms that every enthusiast can afford. Henry’s company motto is “Made in America, Or Not Made At All.” So rest assured, when you read the roll mark on the barrel of a Henry, it’s going to say “Made in USA.”

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4

Henry Steel Side Gate Lever Action Rifle

The Henry Steel Side Gate Lever Action Rifle is perfect for the student of the Old West or an admirer of the traditional looks (and nostalgia) of time-honored henry rifle. These steel-framed rifles now include a side loading gate for rapid magazine top-off while retaining the original tube magazine to unload the rifle without cycling cartridges through the action. These gorgeous-looking lever action rifles are chambered in classic .30-30 and legendary .45-70. The rifles all feature fine checkering on the genuine American walnut stocks, an automatic in-hammer transfer bar safety, and the receivers are drilled and tapped for optional scope usage. The barrels are topped with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front sight for those that prefer irons. Sling swivel studs and ventilated rubber recoil pads come standard as well.

 

Features

  • Blued or case hardened finish
  • American Walnut stock
  • Traditional look and feel

About Henry

Henry Repeating Arms was started by Louis Imperato and his son Anthony in Brooklyn, New York, in 1996. The company was named after Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor who patented the first repeating rifle in 1860. Henry’s first model was the H001 Classic Lever Action .22. Since then, the company has moved its headquarters to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and has expanded its offering to include around 200 different models of rifles, shotguns, lever action pistols, and more. Henry’s most popular model is the Golden Boy Lever action rifle. Some other popular models include the Big Boy, Long Ranger, AR-7, and many more, available right here at MidwayUSA. Henry aims to manufacture a line of classic, well-crafted firearms that every enthusiast can afford. Henry’s company motto is “Made in America, Or Not Made At All.” So rest assured, when you read the roll mark on the barrel of a Henry, it’s going to say “Made in USA.”

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5

Rossi R95 Trapper Lever Action Rifle

The Rossi R95 Lever Action Centerfire Rifle was designed to fill a hole in the increasingly popular lever action rifle category. The superior fit and finish, along with an attractive price point, make this rifle a great addition to any collection. There is no more aesthetically pleasing feeling than a smooth lever action. It’s evocative of great westerns, classic hunts, and everything that’s good about America. You’ll experience that feeling every time you lever a new round into the chamber thanks to the hand finished action. Someone once said the best guns are made from steel and wood. The hardwood walnut forend and stock on the R95 are the perfect match for the deep blue finish. The cold hammer forged barrel enhances accuracy while preserving the longevity of the rifle. Your groups won’t change from the first to the ten thousandth shot. The R95 is also drilled and tapped for optics from the factory. It’s using 8-40 screws, so lots of common mounts will go on easily.

 

Features

  • Hammer forged barrel
  • Smooth, hand finished lever action
  • Large loading gate
  • Hardwood walnut finish
  • Drilled and tapped scope mount for optics
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