Best Lever Action Rifles [Range-Tested]

Lever-action rifles have been around since the 1800s, putting food on the table and serving in many conflicts over the last two centuries. At the time, they were a technological advancement that enabled faster shooting than was previously possible.

As the decades advanced, they were surpassed by semi-auto rifles and largely categorized as relics from a bygone era. Thankfully, these old-school cool rifles have seen a recent resurgence in interest, with manufacturers offering remakes of old models as well as updated tactical versions.

Whether that interest is generated by restrictive gun laws or nostalgia, we’re happy to see it. Hold onto your hat, partner; we’re going to show you some of the best lever-action rifles you can still buy today!

Best Lever-Action Rifles Comparison Chart

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the top lever-action rifle recommendations with current prices, calibers, and dimensions to help you choose the best lever-action for your needs.

How We Chose the Best Lever-Action Rifles

This article is based on our experience with dozens of lever-action rifles and thousands of rounds at the range. We wanted to create a list that covered different use cases, and we picked our favorites across a few distinct categories.

Our criteria for selection included:

• Had to actually be available (not routinely out of stock or discontinued)
• Must reliably cycle with little to no malfunctions
• Hit the target from testing distances without issue
• Offer a good blend of features at a fair price point

Round Count & Reliability Testing

To test the rifles, we used the following ammo:

• Remington Core-Lokt 405 GR SP .45-70 Govt.
• Federal American Eagle 240 GR JHP .44 Magnum
• Sellier & Bellot 158 GR LRN .38 Special

Every lever-action saw a minimum of 250 rounds through it, with some of these seeing a much higher round count with a wider selection of ammo due to being personally owned. During testing, the team looked for any failures, and for this test, there were zero non-user-induced malfunctions to report.

Accuracy Testing

To assess the accuracy of each rifle, our team took turns firing five-round groups at paper targets starting at 25 yards.

Rimfire and pistol caliber cartridges were tested at distances between 25 and 50 yards. For larger caliber hunting-oriented rifles such as the 1895 Dark Series and Long Ranger, accuracy testing was conducted at 100 yards.

Digital calipers were used to measure groupings.

Ergonomics & Features

In addition to shooting performance, our team evaluated each rifle for comfort and ergonomics. We assessed the stock's fit and overall comfort across multiple body types. We also took time to assess the lever loop and the ability to manipulate it.

We also took note of any other features that were exciting or added to the rifle.

Value

At the conclusion of testing, we take a final "value" measurement, balancing reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and features against the overall cost. We used this to compare each of these rifles against each other and other lever actions to determine whether the rifle has a good balance of features and performance versus street price.

Meet the Experts

Input for this article and video came from Video Content Producer Sean Curtis and Editor Wyatt Sloan.

Sean's background is in law enforcement, where he served for over two decades. During that time, he received continued training for his roles in SWAT and as a POST-certified handgun instructor. Since retiring, he has been certified through the USCCA as a rifle instructor. He has written about guns since 2014, working for numerous outlets, including Police1.com, Guns.com, American Survival Guide, Gun World Magazine, and the Glock Annual. Sean has written about lever-action guns previously for Pew Pew Tactical with reviews on the Heritage Settler and POF Tombstone.

Wyatt has been involved in shooting sports for over two decades as an avid hunter, USPSA competitor, and recreational shooter. He is an NRA-certified handgun instructor as well as a USCCA rifle instructor. He owns over 200 guns in his personal collection, including over half a dozen lever-action rifles (three of which are on this list). He grew up learning to shoot on a Winchester 9422 XTR, which he still has. His experience with lever actions spans recreational shooting, cowboy action-style shooting, and hunting, and also covers both traditional tube-fed guns and magazine-fed lever rifles.

Best Lever-Action Rifles

1. Winchester Model 1873 - Best Classic Lever Action

Best Classic Lever Action

Winchester Model 1873

$1235

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1235 at GrabAGun

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .38/.357, 44-40 Win, 45 Colt
• Action: Lever
• Safety: Half-cock
• Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz.
• Barrel Length: 20"
• Overall Length: 39"

There have been many lever-action rifles over the years, but few are as iconic as the Model 1873. Dubbed “The Gun That Won The West,” this firearm is a classic that has remained largely unchanged, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Short Rifle we tested was chambered in .357/.38, and in either caliber, the gun was simply smooth. Beautiful walnut furniture pairs well with the case-hardened, black receiver, creating a piece that is both functional and easy on the eyes.

The loop lever is ovular and small, as it was originally designed. Despite this, it was easy to run, though loading the legend might cause a shooter to get their finger pinched in the gate if they don’t know how to stagger rounds and push them in.

The 7 lb. 4 oz. weight combined with the crescent buttplate helped tame recoil and made for fast follow-up shots. We found the semi-buckhorn rear and gold bead front sight intuitive and accurate.

Despite its age, the buttery smooth action had us emptying the 10-round tube magazine quickly, and we admire its effectiveness to this day.

2. Henry Classic Lever Action .22 - Best Rimfire Lever Action

Best Rimfire Lever Action

Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle

$334

at Classic Firearms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$334 at Classic Firearms

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
• Action: Lever
• Safety: 1/4-cock
• Weight: 5 lbs. 4 oz.
• Barrel Length: 18.5"
• Overall Length: 36.5"

Henry is another name with a rich history in lever-action rifles. Benjamin Tyler Henry received his first patent for the Henry Rifle in 1860, and there have been many variations since.

The Classic Lever Action .22 is a wonderful combination of the best aspects of a lever gun and the soft-shooting rimfire cartridge. We tested a few models, such as Evil Roy and Golden Boy Youth, alongside the Classic Lever Action, and all were a blast.

For many young shooters, this was the next progression from a BB gun — a mark of responsibility achieved. The simple yet durable blued steel with American Walnut stock and forearm ensures the rifle will be around for many adventures.

Loading the tube magazine is as simple as removing the inner tube and dropping 15 rounds into the bullet-shaped hole. Lining up the hooded front blade in the adjustable rear sight was a snap.

We found ourselves firing away with a smile spreading across our faces before emptying the magazine. I only wish loading took as little time as shooting.

The action is smooth, and the small loop is big enough to fit three of my fingers, but it feels solid during cycling. Recoil is a distant memory as empty cans and bottles become wanted poster fugitives who refuse to go peacefully.

What do you think of the Henry? Rate it below!

3. Marlin 1895 Dark Series - Best Tactical Lever Action

Best Tactical Lever Action

Marlin 1895 Dark Series .45-70 Govt

$1666

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1666 at Guns.com

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 45-70 Govt
• Action: Lever
• Safety: Cross-bolt
• Weight: 7 lbs.
• Barrel Length: 16.17"
• Overall Length: 35.50"

Some recent tactical lever-action rifles have blended classic standards with a few modern amenities. Using no half-measures, the Dark Series Model 1895 pays homage to the Old West but boldly updates the lever gun with tactical features.

Replete with M-LOK, QD, and Picatinny rail, this rifle also has an adjustable cheek riser, a larger loop lever, a fiber optic (with tritium ring) front sight, and a ghost ring rear. Chambered in the hard-hitting .45-70 caliber, the 1895 Dark is surprisingly soft-shooting with assistance from the generous butt pad and muzzle brake.

The brake is removable from the 16.17-inch barrel, though, and reveals some 11/16-24 threads in case you want to install a suppressor. Either way, the recoil mitigation is impressive.

This allows shooters quicker follow-up shots, and you soon find yourself emptying the five-round, tubular magazine. Notably, there’s no cap, so loading takes place at the gate in the receiver.

Thankfully, this is well done and doesn’t pinch the digits during loading. Cycling the lever, the action is smooth but also feels solid, with a super crisp trigger to cap off the process.

At seven pounds, the rifle is fairly light and leaves room to add your favorite accessories. With all the attachment points, you’ll have nothing but options in front of you.

Check out our in-depth review of the Marlin 1895 Dark Series!

4. Henry Long Ranger - Best Hunting Lever Action

Best Hunting Lever Action

Henry Long Ranger

$770

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$770 at Guns.com

GrabAGun (see price)

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, .243 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Lever
• Safety: Transfer bar
• Weight: 7 lbs.
• Barrel Length: 20"
• Overall Length: 40.5"

The Long Ranger cuts a unique distinction from the other lever guns on this list, and even though it is marketed toward hunting, you can see the appeal. Henry combined the speed of the lever with a detachable magazine, making sure you get another shot at your game.

One of the best advantages of this design, besides speed, is the elimination of primer tickling in the traditional magazine tube. Pointed rounds stacked in a row have some explosive potential under recoil.

The model we tested for this review was chambered in .243, but the Long Ranger is also available in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor with a 4-round capacity and .223 with a 5-round capacity. Releasing the magazine is as simple as pushing the button on the side of the receiver.

Henry beefed up the reliability with a 6-lug rotary head bolt that locks up nicely. And anyone having reservations about the accuracy of a lever-action rifle need not worry.

With a 20-inch free-floated barrel, our test rifle achieved sub-MOA 3-shot groups using Hornady 80 GR CX ammo and a Leupold 3.5-10x40mm VX-3HD. Let’s just say if you miss, it probably isn’t the gun’s fault.

Shooting the Long Ranger, we noted the action was solid with no wiggle or play. It was also smooth and provided reliable feeding and ejecting.

Finally, with checkered American Walnut furniture and hard anodizing on the receiver, the Long Ranger has a clean, understated look that should hold up for years.

5. Smith & Wesson Model 1854 - Best Modern Lever Action

Best Modern Lever Action

Smith & Wesson Model 1854

$1185

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1185 at BattleHawk Armory

Midway USA (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 45 Colt, .44 Magnum
• Action: Lever
• Safety: Cross-bolt
• Weight: 6 lbs. 12.8 oz.
• Barrel Length: 19.25"
• Overall Length: 36"

There is some very cool history and a lever-action Volcanic Pistol at the headwaters of the new Model 1854 from Smith & Wesson. Released at SHOT 2024, the rifle features some modern updates while paying homage to the original.

Available in walnut furniture with a blackened finish on the metal components, the 1854 strikes a very traditional look, though checkering on the grip and forearm is very grippy and functional. The model we tested came with a black and silver finish, and the furniture was made of polymer.

There are three different finishes in total, the final being a limited-edition burl walnut. In addition, the rifle is chambered in either .45 Colt or .44 Magnum.

Functionally, the 1854 benefits from an enlarged lever loop, a side gate, and a magazine tube plug. In addition, there’s a threaded muzzle and a strip of Picatinny rail along the receiver. The polymer furniture version has M-LOK slots at the three-, six-, and nine o’clock positions near the front of the forearm.

While the action was not as smooth as some of the other models we tested, it felt extremely durable. Another nice touch is that the trigger has a flat bow with an indexing tip at the end.

Our test model was chambered in .44 Magnum, and the dense butt pad and grippy outer texture made it pretty soft shooting and easy to hang onto.

Honorable Mention

6. Henry X Model

Henry X Model

$775

at Classic Firearms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$775 at Classic Firearms

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 Colt, .357/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44 Spl
• Action: Lever
• Safety: Transfer bar
• Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.
• Barrel Length: 17.4"
• Overall Length: 36.3"

Arguably one of the rifles that helped kick off the interest in tactical lever guns, the Henry X Model, was first teased at the NRA Annual Meeting in 2018. The blacked-out guns were a stark departure from an otherwise staid community.

Featuring fiber optic sights, a threaded muzzle, M-LOK, and even a Picatinny rail section on the bottom of the forearm, the series came chambered in several popular offerings: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .45-70, and even a .410 shotgun.

One of the coolest things these guns did was open the door to possibilities. While Henry did a great job of reimagining the lever gun with the Model X, there was even more to come.

Companies like Ranger Point Precision took the ball and ran, creating furniture and accessories to make the original tactical gun seem tame by comparison.

Final Verdict

The lever-action rifle is steeped in history, but with a recent renewal in interest, it’s evolving into something different for modern enthusiasts. This list has options ranging from beginner plinkers to cowboy action guns to modern hog-killin' suppressor hosts.

Whether you’re a collector, history buff, purist, hunter, or weekend tactician, there is probably a lever gun out there for you. Thankfully, all the guns on this list are still available to buy, so there’s no good reason to miss out on the fun.

Will you be picking up a lever gun at the General Store? Let us know in the comments below. For even more western goodness, mosey on over to Best Modern & Classic Cowboy Guns!

Latest Updates

• January 2026: Added new information after additional testing.
• July 2025: Pricing updated and comparison table additions
• August 2024: Rewritten with new picks and recommendations after our staff conducted extensive, hands-on testing at the range.