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

What Customers Are Saying

Marlin (Ruger) Hit a Grand Slam

I got lucky and ordered this Marlin 1894 .44 Magnum rifle from MidwayUSA last week when it popped up on their website. I have wanted one of these since the day Ruger announced it was going to resurrect Marlin from the ashes. It is an epic understatement to say I am happy with this rifle. It is as close to flawless as any gun I have ever purchased. Blueing: Superb. Fit and Finish: Outstanding. Trigger pull: 6 pounds and crisp. The stock is simply magnificent. (See pictures) Maybe Ruger decided to put their best grade of wood on the early production 1894's to attract more attention. I paid the manufacturer's full suggested retail price, but that was to be expected for the first guns to hit the market. However, I tip my hat to Midway for not jacking up the price above suggested retail. I remember a few years ago when the early new Colt Pythons were being sold by dealers for ridiculously jacked up prices and it made me angry. Midway took the high road with the way they priced this new Marlin. Also, the rifle ...
- JamieCJ5, 7/18/2023 Shop Now
2

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

What Customers Are Saying

Not as it appears in picture.

I have used Midway for years, for ammo, gun purchases, accessories, etc. And I will continue to use them. The customer service and timely deliveries are exceptional. I have been wanting a 45-70 for a while and I did not own a Henry rifle until this purchase. I am more of a collector than anything else (as I have several firearms yet to be fired). The 4 star rating is only because the picture and description are not what I received. The description notes an octagon barrel and it is not, it is a round barrel (which I preferred). The loop is not what I consider large loop but it is as it shows in the picture, it is slightly larger than a Marlin 30-30 and I again like the loop and didn't want a larger loop. I am extremely happy with the rifle and am excited to fire it, I am only writing the review as a caution for those that want an octagon barrel and a large loop. I myself would buy this rifle (the way I got it) if I saw it somewhere and if I didn't already have one.
- Bradbo, 7/27/2023

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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3

Citadel Levtac 92 Tactical Lever Action Rifle

High quality components and precise manufacturing make Citadel firearms ideal for both new shooters and experienced gun owners. The durability, reliability and excellent build quality will ensure years of service you can count on. The Levtac-92 rifle features a M-Lok handguard, blued barrel, and black metal finish.

 

Features

  • Lever Action
  • MLOK Handgaurd
  • Threaded Barrel

 

What Customers Are Saying

Amazing in every way.

The service was great. The rifle was accurate out of the box. The side gate needs a little bit of use to make it better for my small hands. But overall an amazing rifle . I am a regular guy who has a regular job. No compensation was received nor will be accepted for this review.
- JC, 8/24/2022 Shop Now
4

Henry Small Game Lever Action Rifle

The lever-action itself is a time-honored design that’s every bit as valid today as it was in 1860 when B. Tyler Henry developed his legendary repeater. If you’re a dedicated small-gamer, these Henry lever actions with thoroughly modern Skinner sights mated to Henry’s well-known rimfire accuracy take the popular Frontier Model right square into new territory.

Small game can be hard to see, and when there’s a little more on the line than tin cans and Saturday afternoon plinking, precise sights are a must. Since the critters typically hunted rarely stand as still as tin cans do, quick follow-up shots are also frequently needed, and the smooth action Henry Repeating Arms is famous for is a perfect match for the capabilities of the Skinner sight.

In either barrel length, 16.25 or 20 inches, the Small Game Carbine and Rifle are fitted with Skinner’s solid steel rear base and fully adjustable aperture (with .096” insert or .200” ghost ring option) specifically dimensioned to line up perfectly with the tall brass bead front sight for easy zeroing, greater visibility, and more precision when it’s needed.

The Small Game series retained the American walnut stock, classic octagon barrel and versatile utility in all three standard .22 rimfires, the Long Rifle, Long, and Short to cover everything from trapline to tree-top and beyond; and added a cold-weather, glove-friendly, over-sized large loop lever to this trim four-season hunter. Easy through the brush, quick on target, and fast on follow-up. A serious hunting lever gun for serious lever gun hunters.

Features

  • 3/8" Grooved receiver for easy scope mounting
  • Long Rifle version also shoots 22 long and 22 Short
  • Large loop lever 

What Customers Are Saying

Review for the carbine

All the reviews I read praised this gun. After I bought one I have to agree. It's smooth, accurate, and has a good trigger. I like Skinner sights on carbines and this one has them too. The octagon barrel makes it look sturdy. This is a fun shooting 22 magnum.
- JB, 2/8/2020

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

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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