Lever guns in pistol calibers just make sense. They’re fast, handy, and pair well with revolvers if that’s your thing. Whether you’re looking for a truck gun, a trail companion, or just something fun to shoot at the range, these rifles offer a lot of utility without the recoil of traditional rifle rounds. Here are 10 that are absolutely worth a look.
Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine (.357 Magnum)
This one’s a favorite for a reason. It’s short, easy to handle, and built to run .357 Magnum or .38 Special. You get the classic lever-gun look with a more practical matte finish and a side loading gate.
It’s smooth cycling and surprisingly accurate, especially with .357 loads. It’s a great all-around option whether you’re out walking fence lines or ringing steel on a Saturday.
Marlin 1894 Classic (.44 Magnum)
The return of the Marlin 1894 under Ruger’s wing brought a lot of people back to lever guns. It’s solidly built and shoots .44 Magnum or .44 Special without missing a beat.
It’s got the classic wood-and-steel vibe but updated internals and quality control. If you want power in a compact package, this one’s worth considering.
Rossi R92 (.45 Colt)
The Rossi R92 keeps things affordable without feeling cheap. Chambered in .45 Colt, it has that Old West feel but still handles modern loads just fine.
It’s lightweight, quick to shoulder, and the action smooths out with use. Not a safe queen—this is one you won’t mind taking out into the brush.
Winchester 1892 Short Rifle (.44-40)
The 1892 is about as classic as it gets. If you’re into cowboy action shooting or just like nostalgia that still works, the Winchester 1892 is a solid choice.
Chambered in .44-40, it’s got that old-school charm but is still capable and accurate. Not the cheapest option, but it earns its keep if you appreciate heritage.
Henry X Model (.357 Magnum)
This is Henry’s answer to the modern lever-action crowd. It’s threaded, has M-LOK slots, and even a spot for a red dot if that’s your thing. Still runs like a traditional Henry, just with more options.
It handles both .357 and .38 Special, so you’ve got plenty of flexibility. Great for someone who wants modern features without ditching the lever-action feel.
Citadel Levtac-92 (.44 Magnum)
The Levtac-92 is one of those rifles that turns heads at the range. It’s got a tactical style with a modular rail system, threaded barrel, and a short profile.
Underneath all the furniture is a Rossi 92 action, so it runs well and takes common parts. It’s not for everyone, but if you want a tactical lever gun, this fits the bill.
Marlin 1894 CST (.357 Magnum)
The CST version of the 1894 brings a few extras like a threaded barrel, stainless finish, and ghost ring sights. It’s compact and built for field use, especially in nasty weather.
It eats .357 and .38 Special without fuss. Good option for hunting in the woods or keeping handy at the cabin.
Henry Big Boy Brass (.45 Colt)
If you like your lever guns with some shine, the Big Boy Brass is a looker. It’s heavier than the steel version, but it balances well and handles recoil like a champ.
Chambered in .45 Colt, it’s a fun shooter with a smooth action. Probably not your beat-up brush gun, but it’s more than just a pretty face.
Uberti 1873 Short Rifle (.357 Magnum)
Uberti makes some of the nicest reproductions out there, and this 1873 is no exception. It’s got that old-school look and feel but shoots clean and smooth.
Chambered in .357, it pairs perfectly with a revolver. If you’re into the historical angle or cowboy action shooting, this is a great option.
Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown (.44 Magnum)
The Alaskan Takedown is built for backcountry use. It breaks down for easy storage and comes with a durable finish for rough conditions.
It cycles .44 Magnum with ease and has a modern look without going overboard. Not as common as others, but definitely a smart pick if you need a compact powerhouse.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
