10 Best Lever Action Rifles (2022 Update) Buyer’s Guide

Lever action rifles have been part of the fabric of the US for more than a century and a half. In historical terms, no other rifle can challenge them as the undisputed deer hunting champion.

But the lever action rifle is more than just a first-class hunting rifle. Its compact nature and light weight also make it an ideal brush rifle and home defense weapon.

Left for dead a little more than a decade ago, the lever action rifle has made a remarkable comeback and is regaining its favored place among hunters nationwide.

The following are the best lever action rifles on the market today. Read my in-depth lever action rifles review, or jump straight to the model that interests you the most.

Overview of the Best Level Action Guns

For those in a rush, I have prepared a quick overview of my top picks. Simply click on any of the lever actions that caught your attention and learn more.

My full review, on the other hand, will give you an expert insight into what level rifle is efficient and worth your money. Highly encourage you to keep scrolling to find a lever gun that ticks all of your requirements.

My Top Pick of the Best Lever Action Rifle 2022 – Winchester Model 1894

The best lever action rifle is undoubtedly the Winchester Model 94. It’s lightweight, reliable, and has a great history. If you are looking for a lever rifle to make accurate shots in any weather condition, Winchester 94 will never let you down.

1. Winchester Model 94

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The Winchester 1894 ticks all of my expectations and deserves to be my best pick among the other lever guns.

The lever gun was the first rifle to sell more than a million units. To date, that sales total is up to 7.5 million. The rifle is no longer manufactured in the company’s historic New Haven factory.

Instead, production is in the more than capable hands of the Miroku Co. of Japan, producing 1894s that are as good or better than any produced in an earlier era. So, whether you have a rifle stored in your closet or plan on buying a new one – rest assured that it is built to last.

For me, the Winchester Model 94 is a classic lever gun, and this is one of the reasons why I am in favor of it so much. As you hold this beast of a gun in your hands and turn it around, you will notice classic lines, a straight grip, and a walnut stock. It also features a 7-round tubular magazine, and a 20-inch barrel. It tips the scale at a meager 6.75 pounds and is pre-drilled for scope mounts.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 7
Cartridge : 30-30 Win
Overall length – 38”
Barrel length – 20”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 6.75 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Low recoil

+ Fast follow-up shots

+ Built to last

Cons:

– Cleaned from the muzzle

Final Verdict

The iconic Winchester rifle features a sturdy built, 7-round magazine, and a 20-inch barrel. The lever gun has served me right after countless tests, so I am more than confident you will enjoy shooting with it, too. The lever gun is as good now as it was decades ago. The Japanese manufacturer doesn’t seem to cut corners and delivers a quality product that matches the expectations of the most demanding hunter.

My rating: 5/5

2. Henry Repeating Arms 30-30

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The Henry Repeating Arms is a highly reliable rifle that deserved second place on my list.

The Henry Repeating Rifle is another one that is deeply ingrained in the American mythos. It was not only widely used by both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War, but many found their way into the hands of the Sioux and Cheyenne after the war and came back to haunt General Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.

Less than 20 years later, the Henry 30-30 was introduced and has been a mainstay of the North American hunting scene ever since. The Henry 30-30 is a very handsome (relatively) lightweight deer rifle with a 5-round magazine, a walnut stock, and a brass receiver.

At 100 yards, I didn’t have any problems aiming and accurately targeting the game. Another particular advantage was the ease of cleaning it. Unlike my favorite Winchester 94, it took me less than 10 minutes to clean.

There is one disadvantage that prevented me from rating Henry Repeating Arms higher – its weight. During the first few hours of testing, it didn’t seem to be an issue. However, after some time, my arms got tired from trying to aim precisely with this 8.3 lbs firearm.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 5
Cartridge : 30-30 Win
Overall length – 39”
Barrel length – 20”
Finish – Polished brass
Weight – 8.3 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ High-quality and reliable

+ Highly accurate

+ Low recoil

Cons:

– Quite heavy to carry all day long

Final Verdict

Overall, the Henry rifle is a reliable and accurate gun. It has a great history and still lives up to the expectations of most hunters. Its high quality is unbeatable, and it has everything for a successful hunting night.

As my second-best lever-action hunting rifle, I highly recommend it. The only possible inconvenience to look out for is its weight, as 8.3 pounds are quite a lot for a gun.

My rating: 4.75/5

3. Browning BLR

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The third best lever action rifle is the Browning BLR. Here’s why:

Browning holds nothing back with the beautifully crafted BLR. From the rosewood pistol grip, AAA maple stock, and satin, nickel finish receiver, the gun is a sight to behold. It chambers a .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, or .30-06 Springfield round. And with its 20-inch barrel, it offers better than average accuracy for a lever action firearm.

The BLR makes a great all-purpose hunting rifle, brush rifle, range rifle, or truck rifle. You may, however, have to raid the kid’s college fund to pick one up.

On my first day of hunting with it, it was easy to continuously aim and track game. Its light weight was a big advantage when my backpack was full of various things.

Its accurate and fast shorts explain the high price I had to pay. Although some people will see it as a big disadvantage, I would say that the quality and precision you get are worth the price.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 4
Cartridge : 243 Win
Overall length – 40”
Barrel length – 20”
Finish – High gloss
Weight – 6.5 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Low recoil

+ Lightweight

+ High-quality built

Cons:

– Price

Final Verdict

I didn’t have any big issues with the rifle when testing it. It performed well, and I didn’t come back home empty-handed. The Browning BLR is one of the lightweight modern lever action rifles that are made to last many years and through the harshest weather.

If you are looking for a gun of premium quality, this is your pick – of course, if the price doesn’t scare you off.

My rating: 4.75/5

4. Uberti 1866 Yellow Boy 38 Special

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Uberti is a replica gun manufacturer out of Brescia, Italy. Their 1866 Yellow Boy 38 Special is a reproduction of the Henry Yellowboy, introduced right after the American Civil War. The Yellow Boy features a 19-inch octagonal barrel and chambers a .38 special round.

I have to admit that the folks at Uberti have done their homework, creating a beautiful hunting rifle that is as powerful and dependable as it is handsome. The tubular magazine holds 10 rounds, the rifle weighs a scant 6 pounds, and the walnut stock is a joy to hold.

I did have to spend quite a fortune to get this rifle as it is far from being cheap. But it’s built to both perform at a high level and last for generations.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 10
Cartridge : 38 Special
Overall length – 38”
Barrel length – 19”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 6 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ High-quality and durable rifle

+ Lightweight

+ Eye-catching design and finish

Cons:

– Will acquire a patina with age

Final Verdict

Although a replica, I found Uberti Yellowboy to be a durable and high-quality rifle. What I also liked, in particular, is its shiny brass parts that really make the rifle ascetically appealing.

Price-wise, it may not be the cheapest, but gun owners looking to enrich their collection will certainly appreciate Uberti’s performance and design.

My rating: 4.75/5

5. Marlin 1894

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If you know anything about firearms, the Marlin 1894 needs no introduction. The Marlin 1894 (not to be confused with the Winchester 1894) became famous almost overnight in the Northern Tier States, Canada, and Alaska because it eschewed the top-eject system most other lever action guns embraced in favor of side ejection.

This prevented precipitation from entering the gun via the top-eject slot and freezing inside. That feature still appeals to a great number of hunters who also appreciate the accuracy and power of the .44 Magnum variant and its 10-round magazine.

When I laid my hands on the Marlin 1894, I wasted no time and went hog hunting. My shots were pretty accurate at close to mid-range. When it came to a bigger distance, the accuracy wasn’t as good as I’d liked it to be. Hence, hunters going out to hunt at 50-100 yards will find this rifle efficient and accurate.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 10
Cartridge : 44 Magnum
Overall length – 36”
Barrel length – 20”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 6.5 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Maintenance and cleaning are effortless

+ Smooth action

+ Durable

Cons:

– Micro Groove desires to be better

Final Verdict

Marlin 1894 is a durable and well-built gun. It’s accurate and versatile. After numerous tests, I didn’t experience difficulty hunting both small and big game. The weight isn’t particularly heavy, so carrying it around and aiming upright wasn’t bothersome.

My rating: 4.5/5

6. Mossberg 464 Pistol Grip 30-30

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I love the clean lines and balanced profile of the Mossberg 464 Pistol Grip 30-30. This is a light, nimble, versatile, dependable rifle for the mid-sized game, including whitetail, provided they’re within a hundred yards or so.

It also makes an outstanding home defense weapon, truck gun, or brush gun. Its 20-inch barrel enables a surprising degree of accuracy, and jams are rare as long as you put the lever through the full range of motion. Add a scope for more distant targets (remember the 30-30 bullet won’t be much good against deer at more than 150 yards) and practice at the shooting range.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 7
Cartridge : 30-30 Win
Overall length – 38.5”
Barrel length – 20”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 6.75 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Easy scope mounting

+ Optional sights

+ Exceptionally low recoil

Cons:

– May have jamming problems

Final Verdict

I found this tactical lever gun easy to use. In my opinion, a novice would have no problem firing from it. The design is a traditional cowboy-styled gun that many hunters would appreciate.

If you want a lever gun with almost nonexistent recoil, Mossberg 464 will become your go-to firearm.

My rating: 4.5/5

7. Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine

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The Big Boy Steel Carbine was introduced in 2015 and arrived in stores just in time to take advantage of a change in hunting laws that was sweeping the Midwest. The new laws allowed using previously banned straight wall cartridges in deer hunting. (A straight-walled cartridge provides hunters with greater accuracy over longer distances and should, in theory, result in a higher percentage of the recovered game.)

The Big Boy Steel Carbine is more than a one-trick pony, however. Its compact, lightweight nature also makes it a great gun for home defense. I also keep one locked up in my drawer just in case of unwanted intruders.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 7
Cartridge : 45 Long Colt
Overall length – 34”
Barrel length – 16.5”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 6.6 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Close-range short lever gun

+ Lightweight

+ Sliding transfer bar safety

Cons:

– Reloading could be faster

Final Verdict

Henry Big Boy Steel is a lever gun with the shortest barrel length on my list. When testing, I decided to leave my scope at home as this gun is for close-range hunting.

I actually kept this one at home for my training. Target shooting with Henry Big Boy Steel is a lot of fun – I recommend you get it if you are into close-range shooting.

My rating: 4.5/5

8. Marlin 1895 SBL

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If you are heading into the backcountry in search of elk, moose, or bear, the Marlin 1895 SBL will be a most valuable asset. Although every bit a lever action rifle, the 1895 SBL has traces of shotgun DNA in its profile.

Nothing obvious, mind you. But it’s there. And that’s only fitting in some ways because, unlike many lever action firearms, this one packs a serious punch with its 45-70 Government rounds. Despite its power, it’s compact (only 37 inches in length) and relatively light at right around 8 pounds. When the situation calls for power and accuracy inside of 200 yards, the 1895 SBL will not let you down.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 6
Cartridge : 45-70 Government
Overall length – 37”
Barrel length – 18.5”
Finish – Stainless steel
Weight – 8 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Accurate and powerful

+ Great for home defense

+ Distinctive design and finish

Cons:

– Heavy

Final Verdict

I wouldn’t recommend hunting past 200 yards with Marlin 1895. Mid and close ranges work very well with the rifle, and you get the precision you need.

It’s quite heavy, I have to add, and for some, it can be quite burdensome to be out in the wild with this beast. I had to cut my trip short and return home – other than that, Marlin 1895 is a powerful rifle suitable for big game.

My rating: 4.5/5

9. Browning BL-22

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At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Marlin 1895, SBL is the Browning BL-22. It is an outstanding choice for small game such as squirrels, rabbits, and the like. The BL-22 chambers a .22 long rifle cartridge, which I could find anywhere with no problems. The lever rifle also features a 15-round magazine and has a handsome walnut grip stock with a high-gloss lacquered finish.

The barrel is 20 inches long with a blued finish and is remarkably accurate for a lever action gun. Though some of that has to do with the new adjustable rifle sight the company has added to the mix.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 15
Cartridge : 22 long
Overall length – 36.75”
Barrel length – 20”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 5 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Extra light

+ Ammo is widely sold and easy to find

+ Low recoil

Cons:

– Hard to mount a scope

Final Verdict

Overall, the BL-22 is a great beginner rifle, varmint rifle, or rifle for the range. Just don’t make the mistake of trying to take down whitetail with it. Apart from it, BL-22 is an accurate gun that is also nicely priced.

My rating: 4.25/5

10. Savage 99

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The Savage 99 would rank much higher on our list, but for one thing: it was discontinued in 1998. But that does not mean it’s unavailable. Scores of secondhand 99s can still be found online and at gun shops across the country. What made the 99 so appealing was its innovative magazine design and the fact that it chambered the powerful .300 Savage round.

It still does. Savage 99s remains a popular hunting rifle here in the first half of the 20th century. That is a testament not only to the rifle’s effectiveness with medium to large-size game, but to the build quality of these guns. Just be aware that because they are both prized and no longer manufactured, you will likely have to pay a handsome price to obtain one.

Specs

Magazine Capacity – 4
Cartridge : 30-30 Win
Overall length – 41.5”
Barrel length – 24”
Finish – Blued
Weight – 7.4 lbs

Pros and Cons

Pros:

+ Durable and powerful

+ Hammerless design

+ Quick reload

Cons:

– No longer manufactured

Final Verdict

Savage 99 has an ergonomic handle that is both durable and looks sleek. It’s a powerful deer rifle that once was an all-American favorite.

As I’ve mentioned before, it is no longer manufactured, but it is still possible to find the rifle in moderate condition for a good deal.

My rating: 4/5

Summary of the Best Lever Action Rifles: Specifications

FAQs

What Is a Lever Action Rifle?

Between 1837 and 1841, Colt produced the forerunner of the lever action firearm with their cap and ball, ring lever rifles. This design enjoyed some success, although it wasn’t until both Henry and Spencer produced their own version of the lever action 20 years later that the concept gained significant traction.

The Spencer repeating rifle was adopted by Union forces and used extensively during the Civil War. If the Spencer Repeating Rifle had a drawback, it’s that the lever action did not cock the hammer. That had to be done separately. The hammer on Henry rifles, however, was cocked by the motion of the bolt. Henry was also the first company to remove the magazine from the stock and place it in a tube under the barrel.

After the Civil War, many veterans who had developed an affinity for their lever action rifles during the conflict became devotees of this type of gun after returning home, and other companies offered up their own versions to meet demand. Marlin Firearms in New Haven, CT produced their first lever action gun in 1881. In 1894 they introduced the – you guessed it – 1894.

Lever-action rifles saw their popularity wane around the turn of the 21st century. Since then, however, they have made a major comeback with both Winchester and Marlin restarting production some 10 years ago.

Aren’t Lever Action Rifles a Thing of the Past?

A decade ago, it seemed like gun enthusiasts had finally cut the lever action cord and were moving en masse to ar-15’s and bolt action rifles. Indeed, both Marlin and Winchester shut down production in the first decade of the new century and those actions seemed to indicate the end was nigh.

But those closures were not solely driven by a lack of consumer interest. Just as important was the Great Recession that began in 2008 and caused millions to lose everything. Even those who kept their jobs and their homes scaled back their purchases. Gun purchases included.

Since lever action rifles were typically more expensive than other rifles, a lot of newly budget-conscious gun enthusiasts put their dollars where they thought they could get the optimal value. Once the Great Recession began to ebb, however, many returned to lever guns. And that trend continues.

People also forget that, just as the Great Recession was taking hold, Marlin also went through a very messy divorce with North Haven CT, where their lever guns had been made for more than 140 years (1). There was lots of bad blood, and production was halted while they moved to their new location in Ilion, New York. Once they had settled into their new facility (owned by Remington, which had bought Marlin in 2007), production restarted, and the company has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years.

Another thing that fueled interest in lever action rifles was the fact that several Midwestern states adopted new laws allowing straight wall cartridge hunting. This expanded the utility of the lever action rifle as a hunting gun. As a result, a whole new generation of hunters made the trip to the gun store in search of their first lever action rifles.

In the 1990s, well before the onset of the Great Recession, Winchester began to outsource production of its rifles to companies in Europe and Asia (2). Today, the Winchester 1894 is produced by Miroku Co. of Japan and imported to the US. Other Winchester rifles are made in Belgium, Portugal, and Turkey.

So, are lever action guns just some dusty footnote to history? Not at all. They are as relevant and popular now as they have been in the past 50 years.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Lever Action Rifle?

Pros

Rich Lever Gun History

The lever action rifle is an iconic symbol of America with a rich history stretching back more than a century (3). More lever guns have been sold than any other type. And more deer have been killed using the lever action than any other type of rifle in history. It’s also the only firearm that was the central character in a long-running TV show (The Rifleman).

Modest recoil

The amount of recoil you will experience from a lever action rifle has a lot to do with the shape of the stock and the type of round. There are certainly some lever actions that chamber .44 magnum rounds that will produce a pretty aggressive kick. But for rifles chambering a 30-30 round, the recoil is typically pretty modest.

Extremely Portable

Many lever action guns weigh around 6 pounds, are slim, and are relatively short. Some with barrels as short as 16 inches. This makes them very easy to tote long distances, either slung or broken down and stowed in a backpack or survival kit (4).

Accurate at mid-range

Lever action guns are notoriously inaccurate once you get past 125-150 yards. Inside that range, however, they can be as accurate as the next hunting rifle. Even at long-range, they can be more than adequate if fitted out with high-quality optics.

Fast Follow-up Shots

Lever guns allow for faster follow-up shots than bolt action rifles. The difference isn’t huge, especially for an experienced bolt-action user, but it is noticeable. Part of the reason for the quick follow-ups is that you never need to take the gun off your shoulder or your eye off the target while chambering another round.

Widely Available

News of the death of the lever action guns has proven to be premature. While Marlin was compelled to take a break for a few years, and some beloved models like the Savage 99 were discontinued, lever action rifles have experienced a renaissance in recent years.

Straight-wall cartridge hunting

Without a doubt, one of the reasons for the renewed popularity of the lever action rifle has been the recent passage of straight-wall cartridge hunting laws in states like Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and elsewhere (5). Hunters have been flocking to gun stores to pick up lever guns so they can take advantage of the new laws.

Fast target acquisition

Because the lever action is light and well-balanced, there is no muss and fuss involved in acquiring the target. The only thing that might slow you down a bit is if you fitted your rifle with custom optics.

Good personal protection weapons

Granted, there’s no substitute for having a high-quality pistol on hand for personal protection. But when it comes to rifles, the lever action is no slouch (6). It’s light, easily maneuverable, enables fast followup shots and is accurate at short range.

Easy to Load

The tubular magazine makes the lever action rifle easy to load. Something everyone appreciates when the weather is foul, and opportunity arises.

Cons

Insufficiently Manly Profile

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Chuck Conners was the epitome of TV manliness. He wielded his lever action 1892 Winchester with testosterone-driven alacrity. (Of course, no one talked about the fact that he was wielding an 1892 model in the early 1880s when the series was set.) But how many people these days even remember The Rifleman (7)? Not many. And without that type of cultural reinforcement, the lever action rifle lost some of its swagger.

Not Powerful Enough for Big Game

At least, that’s the rap against the lever action rifle. And, to a certain extent, it’s true enough. You are not going to bring down an adult black bear with a 30-30 lever action rifle. Unless that bear is right on top of you, and you get several shots off. You may have a chance with a big bore lever gun. But they are the exceptions, not the rule.

Expensive

Most people, when they first look into purchasing a lever action rifle, are surprised to find they are typically more expensive than semi-automatics. It doesn’t seem to make sense since the lever action is relatively low-tech. But there are actually good reasons why they tend to cost more, including the fact that more steel and hardwood are used in their construction. Also, the lever slide action requires precise machining. And that costs money too.

Not Accurate at a Distance

There are numerous reasons why the accuracy of lever action rifles tends to drop off the edge after about 150 yards. The lever action has a two-piece stock, a tubular magazine in its barrel, rear locking lugs, as well as a trigger pull that is generally not as smooth as that of bolt action rifles. Still, many of these things can be compensated for with practice and good optics.

Upright shooting position

This is one reason the lever action never found much favor with the military. There is no way to effectively operate the lever when you are trying to keep low to the ground to save your head. Hunters sometimes encounter this same problem. Although for them, the need to stay low is not usually a matter of life and death as it is with soldiers.

The Bottom Line

Lever action rifles have found a new generation of fans – including me – who appreciate their historical cache, the high-quality materials used to make them, and their ability to enable straight-wall cartridge deer hunting.

Today’s lever action guns are compact, lightweight, dependable, and – given the right optics – more accurate than ever from both short and long ranges. They can be carried long distances without tiring you out, and they make outstanding home defense weapons.

While some of the best lever action rifles are no longer in production, many are, including the most popular rifle ever made, the Winchester Model 1894, which is now made for Winchester by Miroku of Japan.

Use my in-depth review of top lever action rifles to choose the one that will serve you for years ahead.