Lever-action rifles have been around for over 150 years, and they’re still as practical—and fun—as ever. Whether you’re after a dependable hunting rifle, a hard-hitting .45/70 for bear country, or just a smooth-cycling .22 for plinking, there’s a lever gun that fits the bill.
What makes them so great? Speed, reliability, and a timeless feel you don’t get from bolt-actions or semi-autos. There’s something about running that lever and sending another round downrange that just feels right. And thanks to companies like Marlin, Henry, Winchester, and even a few newcomers, lever guns are better than ever.
Marlin 1895
Ruger knew exactly what they were doing when they brought back the Marlin 1895 SBL. This thing is a beast, packing 6+1 rounds of .45/70 Gov’t and built tough with stainless steel and gray laminate furniture. The oversized lever loop makes cycling smooth, and that Picatinny rail is perfect for optics. It’s no surprise hunters in bear country love this rifle—it’s got serious stopping power.
The only downside? Good luck finding one at MSRP. Demand is through the roof, and many are getting resold at a premium. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, it’s easily one of the best modern lever guns out there. Marlin also rolled out the 1895 Trapper and Guide Gun, which are worth a look if you want a more compact or traditional setup.
Henry All-Weather .45/70
If you need a lever gun that can handle rough conditions, Henry’s All-Weather .45/70 is the one. The hard-chrome satin finish shrugs off moisture, and the stained hardwood stock holds up better than most in extreme weather. This rifle is built for the elements, whether you’re deep in the backcountry or just hunting in the rain.
It’s a simple, no-nonsense rifle with an oversized lever, a Picatinny rail for optics, and a peep sight that makes target acquisition quick. At 7.1 pounds, it’s easy to carry all day. Whether you’re hunting big game or just want a reliable lever-action that won’t let you down, this Henry checks all the boxes.
Winchester Model 94
The Winchester 94 isn’t just a rifle—it’s a piece of hunting history. If your grandpa hunted deer, odds are good he carried one of these. Chambered in .30/30, it’s been filling freezers for over a century. With its case-hardened receiver and checkered walnut stock, it still looks as good as ever.
Even though production moved to Japan under Miroku, the quality remains top-notch. The 94 comes in several grades, from the basic Carbine to the high-end Deluxe Sporting model. Prices have gone up, but if you want an old-school lever gun with real hunting heritage, this is the one to own.
Browning BLR
The Browning BLR is a different breed of lever gun. Unlike traditional tube-fed models, it uses a detachable box magazine, which means you can run spitzer-style bullets for better accuracy. Available in everything from .243 Win. to .300 Win. Mag., it’s a do-it-all hunting rifle with lever-action speed.
The Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown is especially handy, breaking down into two pieces for easy transport. The aluminum receiver keeps weight down, and the stainless barrel is perfect for harsh weather. If you want a lever gun that blends classic handling with modern versatility, the BLR is a solid choice.
Marlin 336
For a lot of hunters, the Marlin 336 is more than just a rifle—it’s a rite of passage. Whether it was a .30/30 or a .35 Remington, this was the gun that took down countless deer in thick brush country. The good news? It’s back, and the new Ruger-built versions are just as good as the originals—maybe even better.
With a black walnut stock, blued steel, and a cold hammer-forged barrel, the fit and finish are solid. The action is smooth, and the accuracy is right where it should be. The bad news? It’s going to be tough to find one for a while. But if you manage to grab one, you’re getting one of the best brush guns ever made.
Henry Golden Boy
If you’ve never shot a Henry Golden Boy, you’re missing out. This lever gun is pure fun. Chambered in .22 LR, .22 Mag., or .17 HMR, it’s the perfect rifle for plinking, small game hunting, or just making an afternoon at the range more enjoyable.
The polished brass receiver, octagonal barrel, and smooth cycling action give it an old-school charm that’s hard to beat. It holds 16 rounds of .22 LR, and trust me, you’ll go through them fast because you won’t want to put this thing down. Whether you’re buying one for a kid’s first rifle or just treating yourself, the Golden Boy is a must-have.
Marlin 1894
The Marlin 1894 has been a favorite for decades, especially among those who want a lever gun in a pistol caliber. The side-eject design made it ahead of its time, and even though the Winchester 94 got more attention, the 1894 held its own with chamberings like .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt.
Now, Ruger is bringing it back, and based on what we’ve seen with the 1895 and 336, it’s going to be a winner. The black walnut stock, blued steel, and smooth action are all there. It’s the perfect rifle for cowboy-action shooting, hunting, or just having a lever gun that feeds the same ammo as your revolver. Keep an eye out for it—it won’t stay in stock for long.
Rossi R95
Rossi has stepped up its game with the R95, making a real contender in the .45/70 lever-action world. While it doesn’t have the same name recognition as Marlin or Henry, this rifle delivers a lot of value for the price. The stainless steel finish and laminate stock make it weather-resistant, and the M16-style extractor keeps cycling smooth.
It’s not perfect—the forearm fit could be better, and the receiver is a little too polished—but for a rifle that comes in under the cost of some of the bigger names, it does a solid job. Plus, the threaded barrel means you can suppress it if you want. If you’re looking for an affordable .45/70 that still runs well, the R95 is worth a serious look.
Rossi Rio Bravo Gold
The Rio Bravo is a solid little lever-action that makes plinking fun without breaking the bank. Rossi kept it simple, with an aluminum receiver, wood stock, and classic buckhorn sights. It’s not the flashiest .22 on the market, but for the price, it’s tough to beat.
One of the best things about the Rio Bravo is how easy it is to maintain. The top cover pops off with just a few screws, making cleaning a breeze—something that’s key for rimfire lever guns. It’s accurate, cycles smoothly, and holds 14 rounds, so you’ll spend more time shooting and less time reloading. If you’re looking for an affordable lever-action .22 that you won’t mind getting dirty, this is a great pick.
Winchester 1873
No rifle is more linked to the Wild West than the Winchester 1873. Whether it actually “won the West” is up for debate, but it was certainly in the hands of plenty of cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Chambered in .44-40 WCF, this was the first rifle designed around a centerfire cartridge, making it a game-changer in its time.
Original 1873s are collector’s items, but if you want to shoot one, you’ve got options. Winchester still makes them in partnership with Miroku, and Uberti produces high-quality replicas in .357 Mag., .45 Colt, and .44-40. These rifles aren’t cheap, but if you want a lever gun with real cowboy history, the 1873 is as authentic as it gets.
Winchester 1886
Before the 1886, lever-actions were mostly limited to pistol-caliber rounds. Then John Browning stepped in and designed a rifle that could handle serious firepower. The Winchester 1886 was built to fire big-game cartridges like .45/70 and .45/90, making it one of the first truly powerful lever guns.
Modern versions are available in several configurations, from the more affordable Short Rifle model to the high-end Deluxe Case Hardened edition with a beautiful octagonal barrel and upgraded walnut stock. They aren’t cheap, and they aren’t easy to find, but if you want a lever-action with serious hunting chops, the 1886 is worth considering.
Bond Arms Lever Action
Lever guns have been around for over 150 years, but Bond Arms is proving there’s still room for innovation. This upcoming rifle combines a lever-action lower with an AR-15 upper, allowing shooters to run calibers like 9mm, .300 BLK, and 5.56 NATO—all while feeding from standard AR magazines.
It’s an interesting concept, with a short-throw lever that’s designed to cycle quickly, even with higher-capacity mags. The modular design means you can swap uppers, change stocks, and customize it like a standard AR. Bond Arms expects to release it soon, with an estimated price of around $1,500. If you’ve ever wanted an AR that runs like a lever gun, this might be your answer.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
