7 Best Lever Action Rifle: Ultimate Guide
Working in the firearms industry, and serving as a Marine, I’ve had the opportunity handle and test a variety of firearms over the years. Among them, lever-action rifles stand out as something truly special.
They’re not just old-fashioned; they’re super reliable, easy to use, and they’ve got this “cool” factor that’s hard to beat. In this review of the best lever-action rifle, let’s check out some excellent rifles that fits your needs.
What Is a Lever Action Rifle?
Lever action rifles came onto the scene during the American Civil War. They have a lever near the grip. To shoot, you push it down and then pull it up. This does a bunch of stuff all at once – it spits out the old bullet, gets the gun ready for the next shot, and loads a new bullet. Unlike bolt action rifles, which require a separate manual manipulation of the bolt handle to chamber a new round, lever actions offer a more fluid and faster shooting experience. Lever action rifles are widely used among hunters, law enforcement, and certain military units, bolt action rifles remain another popular choice for their precision and reliability. While lever action rifles are the most common, lever action shotguns and handguns are also available.
How I Chose the Best Lever Action Rifles
With over two decades of shooting experience, I’ve had the opportunity to try out a wide variety of lever-action rifles. When compiling this list, I carefully selected rifles based on their performance in terms of shootability, reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and value. I also reached out to some industry experts and got their input. Their insights were invaluable in helping me put together this comprehensive list of the best lever-action rifles.
I’ve categorized these rifles based on what they’re best suited for, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The aim is to share my experiences and insights to help you find the right rifle quickly.
In addition to the list, I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you understand what to look for when choosing a lever-action rifle. So, keep reading to discover the rifle that best suits your needs.
Best Lever Action Rifles Table
 |
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price |
Best Lever Action Rifles
- Savage Revel DXL .22 – Best Rimfire
- Henry Big Boy X Model – Best Tactical
- Browning BLR – Best Long Range
- Henry Lever Action Supreme – Best Suppressed
- Marlin 336 – Best Hunting
- Taylor and Company TC73 9mm – Best For Playing Cowboy
- Marlin Dark Series – Best Modern Option
Best Lever Action Rifle – Specifications
Below is a list of our Best Lever Action Rifles. So we can compare and line up the specs from each of the products and help you make the best decision possible.
| Rifle | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Calibers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Rimfire - Savage Revel DXL | 18" | 36.5" | 6.1 lbs | .22 LR |
| Best Tactical - Henry Big Boy X Model | 17.4" | 36.3" | 7 lbs 5 oz | 357 Magnum, 45 Colt, 44 Magnum |
| Best Long Range - Browning BLR | 20", 22", and 24" | 40" | 6lbs 8 oz | Too Many Too List |
| Best Suppressor Ready - Henry Lever Action Supreme | 18" | 38.15" | 6.65 lbs | 5.56 and .300 Blackout |
| Best Hunting - Marlin 336 | 20 to 24" | 38.5 to 42.25" | 7 lbs | .30-30 or .35 Remington |
| Best For Playing Cowboy - Taylor and Company TC73 9mm | 18" | 37.5" | 8.05 lbs | 9mm |
| Best Big Bore - Marlin 1895 Dark | 16.15" | 35.5" | 7 lbs | .45-70, .44 Magnum, .30-30, .357 Magnum |
Best Lever Action Rifles Reviews
Now that we’ve run through the overview and looked at our list, let us take the time to individually review each item. In this section we’ll be revisiting our specs, speaking about the product, and looking at the pros and cons.
#1. Best Rimfire Savage Arms Revel DLX
Savage Arms Revel DLX
There are few things more satisfying than a lever-action 22LR.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A-
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 15 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Savage Revel DLX .22 Specs
- Barrel Length 18″
- Overall Length 36.5″
- Weight 6.1 lbs
- Calibers .22LR
Savage Revel DLX .22 Review
The Savage Arms Revel DLX was a quiet surprise that Savage snuck out onto the lever-action market. The Revel is a series of rimfire lever-action rifles that chamber either the .22LR, the .22 Magnum, or the .17 HMR. There are two Revels, the DLX and Classic, and the Classic is cheaper, but the DLX offers some refinement that’s tough to beat. Both are functional guns, but I prefer the DLX.
The DLX comes with an 18-inch medium-profile carbon steel threaded barrel, which makes it perfect for adding a suppressor. A suppressor on a lever-action rifle is crazy quiet. Lever-action designs don’t have reliability issues with subsonic ammo and don’t have the same clatter of the bolt moving like a semi-auto. We get adjustable iron sights, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
The Revel DLX uses a remarkably smooth lever-action mechanism. The trigger is fantastic and feels great—it’s very crisp. The tubular magazine holds a fair bit of ammo—we get 12 for .22 LR, 9 for .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. The cross-bolt safety is easy to access, and the oversized lever loop is a nice touch.
It’s rimfire, so recoil isn’t a problem by any means. It’s downright cute to shoot. The smooth trigger and lack of recoil make the gun easy to shoot accurately. Producing tiny groups in Coke cans has never been easier. It’s a great plinker and small-game hunter. The rabbits are shaking in fear due to the Revel DLX.
The Revel DLX delivers a toolless takedown design. It packs up easily and makes for an easy-to-store and transport firearm. You get good-looking wood furniture made from Turkish Walnut, which helps the gun stand out and provide that classic appeal.
Savage Revel DLX Pros and Cons
- Light and Small
- Fun to Shoot
- Affordable
- Rear Sight Is Difficult to Adjust
Savage Revel DXL Deals
#2. Best Tactical Henry Big Boy X
Henry Big Boy X
A lever action-styled PCC chambered in 44 magnum that provides plenty of opportunity for customization and accessories.
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics B
- Accuracy A
- Shootability A
- Value C
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 10 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Henry Big Boy X Model Specs
- Barrel Length 17.4″
- Overall Length 36.3″
- Weight 7 lbs 5oz
- Calibers 357 Magnum, 45 Colt, 44 Magnum
Henry Big Boy X Review
X is sure to appreciate the Henry X Model! Unlike traditional wood and cowboy lever guns, it offers a premium, modern, tactical experience with all the bells and whistles shooters would want.
This modern tactical lever action rifle is perfect for states with restrictive weapon laws that make semi-auto rifles difficult to own. Henry’s Big Boy X rifles have modern polymer furniture with M-LOK slots and picatinny rails for lights, lasers, and more. Light is a must-have on any home defense rifle.
Mounting an optic rail for a modern red dot is an option, and the high visibility sights come standard. The barrel is threaded for a modern muzzle device and is perfect for tossing a suppressor on.
To keep your gun loaded, a side loading gate lets you easily add more rounds to the 7-round tubular magazine. You can choose from .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt bullets, all of which are proven to be effective man-stoppers.
Ranked as the best tactical lever action rifle on my list, this gun offers a unique twist on the classic lever gun. It has modern features despite the old-style action. With powerful calibers and easy reloading (even though they hold limited rounds), these rifles are the most up-to-date lever guns available.
You can read the full review of the Henry Big Boy X here. Additionally, to learn more about pistol-caliber carbine firearms, be sure to check out our Best Pistol Caliber Carbine article.
Henry Big Boy X Pros and Cons
- Setup For Modern Needs
- Variety of Calibers Available
- Great Sights
- Side Loading Gate
- Not SASS Approved for Competition
Henry Big Boy X Deals
#3. Best Long Range Browning BLR Lightweight
Browning BLR Lightweight
Lever-action rifle with heavy-duty rack and pinion design. Gloss finish walnut pistol grip style stock and Schnabel forearm. Precision barrel and lightweight aluminum receiver with blued finish.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A+
- Value C
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 5 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Browning BLR Specs
- Barrel Length 20, 22, and 24 inches
- Overall Length 40″
- Weight 6 lbs 8 oz
- Calibers Too Many To List
Browning BLR Lightweight Review
Most lever guns with tubular magazines can’t use spitzer-style rifle rounds like the .223 and .308 Winchester. The Browning BLR solves this with an internal magazine, allowing shooters to use any caliber. Like all Browning products, the BLR is top-notch quality. It offers accuracy and reliability, blending the benefits of traditional rifle rounds and lever action.
Caliber-wise, Browning seems to make the BLR in everything for everyone. This includes calibers ranging from the small .223 to the powerful .300 Win Mag. Each gun features a four-round detachable magazine, with barrel lengths varying from 20 to 24 inches based on the caliber. With simple open sights for rapid shooting, you get rifle range with lever gun speed.
The BLR packs a punch with accuracy, effortlessly hitting deer at 200 yards, making it the best long range lever action rifle on my list. Its light trigger and precise build make accurate shooting a breeze, and you can opt to add a scope. Despite its power, Browning keeps it at a light 6 pounds, 8 ounces to prevent you from tiring during a stalk.
Light rifles are quick on your shoulders, but this one isn’t light on the wallet. That’s certainly a turn-off for some folks who prefer a classic lever gun’s rugged simplicity and low-price models. However, if you want the speed of a lever gun with the range of a bolt action, this is your only choice.
The BLR fixes common lever gun drawbacks with a detachable magazine and standard rifle rounds. With the BLR, range isn’t an issue, and you can use common rifle rounds.
Browning BLR Lightweight Pros and Cons
- Uses standard rifle rounds
- Lightweight
- Accurate
- Expensive
Browning BLR Lightweight Deals
#4. Best Suppressed Henry Lever Action Supreme
Our Grade
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Rifle? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Henry Lever Action Supreme Specs
- Barrel Length 18″
- Overall Length 38.15″
- Weight 6.65 lbs
- Calibers 5.56 and .300 Blackout
Henry Lever Action Supreme Review
The Henry Lever Action Supreme isn’t the first lever-action rifle to use a magazine. It’s not even the first to use an AR magazine. It is the first to make it to market with enough around to make a few sales. The Lever Action Supreme comes in 5.56 or .300 Blackout and uses your common AR magazine. Unlike previous detachable magazine-based lever guns, the Lever Action Supreme doesn’t limit you to four or five rounds.
The Lever Action Supreme packs intermediate calibers and results in hardly any recoil. A 5.56 or .300 Blackout rifle isn’t going to beat you up. Using these smaller calibers also results in a shorter lever pull, making it fairly fast to shoot quickly. At a mere 6 pounds and 10 ounces, the Lever Action Supreme forms a light and handy little rifle.
Modern accessories are easy to add. The receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic, and the barrel is threaded. You get an extremely quiet centerfire rifle with a suppressor and .300 Blackout subsonic. The lack of an action moving back and forth cuts a lot of noise and makes this an excellent suppressor host. Also, there is no gas blowback to worry about with the 5.56 model, which makes for a comfortable suppressed firearm.
The LAS scores high on the accuracy meter. A light single-action trigger delivers a crisp pull that breaks quickly and cleanly. The rifle’s balance and lightweight nature make it excellent for offhand shots, and overall, it’s a handy little rifle for medium game hunting or even as a farm or ranch gun.
While it’s a very modern gun, the LAS has that old-school lever gun appeal. Sadly, it’s expensive, but it stands alone in its awesomeness.
Henry Lever Action Supreme Pros and Cons
- Uses AR Magazines
- Feature Filled
- Optics Ready
- Expensive
Henry Lever Action Supreme Deals
#5. Best Hunting Lever Action Marlin 336
Marlin 336
The Model 336 is fast handling and is an icon of the deer woods. This lever-action rifle is chambered in .30-30 Win. and .35 Rem.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A
- Value B
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 21 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Marlin 336 Specs
- Barrel Length 20 to 24″
- Overall Length 38.5 to 42.25″
- Weight 7 lbs
- Calibers .30-30 or .35 Remington
Marlin 336 Review
Believe it or not, the Marlin 336 hit the market in 1948 as one of the more modern lever-action rifles. Built for hunters, it offers a contemporary design in classic hunting calibers like .30-30 or .35 Remington. Since then, it’s been a staple in deer blinds and tree stands, with the .30-30 being the preferred choice.
The Marlin 336 modernized things a bit and improved on the 1893 action. You get a rock-solid setup with a side ejecting design paired with a side loading gate. Shooters can easily attach a rail on the top of the receiver to mount an optic of any type. Plus, there are open sights on top of the barrel for quick and easy snapshots in brushy conditions.
A .30-30 lever gun is perfect for close-range power, with sights designed to match that kind of shooting. The stock provides a comfortable cheek rest that aligns smoothly with the sights for quick targeting.
Operating the lever is a breeze, providing that satisfying tactile experience typical of lever guns. The Marlin 336 consistently delivers tight shot placement, especially with quality ammo. Its popularity ensures a wide range of aftermarket parts available you’d want To make your Marlin truly yours, you can add scopes, extended hammer spurs, new handguards, stocks, and more.
When you need a no-nonsense lever-action rifle, the Marlin 336 is the go-to choice. It’s simple, easy to use, and performs like a charm. This classic rifle is perfect for hunting North American medium game, earning its place as the best hunting lever action on my list.
Marlin 336 Pros and Cons
- Accurate and Reliable
- Awesome Ergonomics
- Modern Design
- Only Two Caliber Options
Marlin 336 Deals
#6. Best for Playing Cowboy Taylor and Company TC73 9mm
Taylor and Company TC73 9mm
A 9mm lever-action rifle is an oddball, but this affordable, easy to shoot firearm is a blast to shoot.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy B+
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Taylor and Company TC73 9mm Specs
- Barrel Length 18″
- Overall Length 37.5″
- Weight 8.05 lbs
- Calibers 9mm
Taylor and Company TC73 9mm
The 9mm Luger round, a cartridge from 1902 intended for automatic pistols, seems almost blasphemous in a lever gun. I understand why it seems odd, but hear me out. Most revolver calibers are expensive. Even the .38 Special has gotten deceptively pricey. Stuff like .30-30, .45-70, and beyond will never be cheap again, and rimfire doesn’t have the same recoil or rush as a centerfire cartridge.
The 9mm cartridge offers a low-priced cartridge with a little recoil and oomph with each shot fired. The TC73 offers you a 9mm lever-action rifle that’s still a classic lever gun. We still have wood furniture, open iron sights, a hammer-fired design, and a side-loading tubular magazine. It’s not modern, but the 9mm cartridge makes it cheap and fun to shoot.
This is a pure plinker. It’s so much fun to shoot, especially when you start going fast. The Taylor-tuned action is slick and smooth, which makes fast cycling easy. The fairly low lever throw needed to manipulate a short 19mm case also helps. The short rounds make it so the TC73 can hold 10 rounds of 9mm.
You’ll shoot through those ten rounds rapidly and load them up to do it again without going broke. You can get a little silly with it and have some fun. The threaded barrel is probably the most unhistorically accurate feature, but it would make for an awesome suppressed gun. Fire up some subsonic ammo, and you get a quiet, fun lever-action rifle in an affordable caliber.
As a rifle, it could be used for defensive applications, but it’s not optimal. There are plenty of smaller, lighter 9mm rifles on the market. If you’re stuck with a lever-action rifle for home defense, the large calibers, like .44 Magnum, help make up for some of the downsides of a manual action. It’s best for plinking purposes.
Taylor and Company TC73 9mm Pros and Cons
- Slick Action
- Awesome Trigger
- Accurate
- Expensive
Taylor and Company TC73 9mm Deals
#7. Best Big Bore Marlin 1895 Dark
Marlin 1895 Dark
The first Ruger made Marlin rifle, comes with a ghost ring rear sight, extra long picatinny rail and threaded muzzle.
- Shootability B+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A-
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Marlin 1895 Dark Specs
- Barrel Length 16.15 Inches
- Overall Length 35.5 inches
- Weight 7 lbs
- Calibers .45-70, .44 Magnum, .30-30, .357 Magnum
Marlin 1895 Dark Series Review
Marlin almost died with Remington, but Ruger swept in after Remington hit the bankruptcy button, saving the brand and the famed lever actions they produce. Ruger has been somewhat slow in introducing new Marlins, likely getting the kinks out. Luckily, one of the first guns they brought back was the Marlin 1895, which released numerous editions.
My all-time favorite is the Dark Series. The Dark Series combines a gun designed in 1895 with modern features and furniture to create a tactical lever action in the buffalo stopping .45-70. Marlin also produces the Dark Series in .30-30, .44 Magnum, and .357 Magnum.
The Dark series introduces an almost full-length M-LOK handguard on the front of the gun. There is tons and tons of room to mount accessories. A long optics rail runs across the receiver and over the top of the barrel.
The stock is a nylon-reinforced polymer that’s skeletonized and set up with a ton of different sling points. You can rig it up however you want. Marlin threads the barrel and includes a radial muzzle break to reduce recoil. After shooting one of these 1895s with a suppressor, I was hooked. The big rounds suppress well, and the suppressor can remove recoil and muzzle rise.
The Dark Series is a great option for home defense in a ban state where semi-autos are a no-go or are simply tougher to acquire. The ability to mount red dots and lights makes them easy to handle, and the hard-hitting caliber guarantees excellent terminal ballistics. Even if you aren’t using this rifle for home defense, it’s a handy, short-range hunting rifle for various-sized game, depending on the caliber.
The downside of the Dark series is its high price and mixed availability. Marlin isn’t flooding gun stores with the Dark series and seems to be taking its time producing these guns.
Marlin 1895 Dark Pros and Cons
- Excellent trigger
- Brilliant Action
- M-LOK Handguards
- Feature Filled
- Expensive
Best Lever Action Rifle – Buyers Guide
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a lever action rifle, but some specs are more important than others. Here’s what I look at when I get myself a new lever action rifle.
Intended Use: Decide how you plan to use the rifle, whether it’s for hunting, target shooting, or home defense. Select a rifle that aligns with your specific shooting goals, making sure it meets your needs on the range or in the field.
Action Type and Build Quality: Pay attention to the action type and overall build quality. Traditional lever guns offer reliability and classic aesthetics, while modern tactical models provide enhanced features like adjustable stocks and accessory rails. Prioritize a sturdy construction and smooth action for consistent performance.
Ergonomics: Make sure the rifle feels right in your hands. Look for a comfortable stock design and features that make it easy to handle and shoot. Prioritize rifles with grips and adjustable parts that fit your preferences. This way, you’ll enjoy using the rifle more and shoot better too.
Caliber: The caliber you choose needs to match what you plan to do with it and what feels right for you. Think about how much it costs, how hard it kicks when you shoot, and how accurate it is. There are many choices available, from the versatile .22 LR, suitable for small game hunting and target practice, to the powerful .45-70 Government, capable of taking down larger game.
Sight Options: When it comes to aiming, consider your shooting style and preferences. Opt for rifles equipped with adjustable sights or scope mounts to fine-tune your aim and improve accuracy. These features not only make it easier to hit your target but also allow for customization to suit your shooting needs.
Maintenance: Factor in maintenance tasks when choosing a rifle. Opt for models with simple cleaning procedures and durable materials resistant to corrosion. Also, make sure that you easily access important components for regular maintenance and long-term reliability.
All American
The first lever-action might not have been an American invention, but Americans sure as heck took it over. The lever-action sits beside the cowboy-style six guns as a weapon of pure American iconography. While lever actions are historically cool, they still have a modern role to play and offer a manually operated, fast-firing, hard-hitting rifle. For some, that’s the perfect option for their task.
Best Lever Action Rifle – FAQs
Can you mount a scope on a lever action rifle?
Yes, many lever-action rifles feature options for mounting scopes. Some models come with drilled and tapped receivers, allowing you to install a scope mount.
How many rounds can a typical lever action rifle hold?
Most lever-action rifles have a tubular magazine located beneath the barrel, which typically holds a few rounds, commonly around 5 to 10 rounds, depending on the caliber and specific model.
How do lever-action rifles compare to semi-automatic rifles in terms of cycling speed?
Lever-action rifles require manual cycling of the lever between shots, which can be slower than the automatic cycling of semi-automatic rifles. However, with practice, you can achieve a respectable rate of fire with lever-action rifles.
Are lever action rifles the same as bolt guns?
No, lever actions and bolt guns are different types of firearms. Lever action rifles use a lever mechanism to cycle rounds, while bolt guns require manual manipulation of a bolt to load and eject rounds.
Can you attach an oversized lever loop to a lever action rifle?
Yes, you can customize your lever action rifle with an oversized lever loop for easier and more comfortable lever cycling.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner and a lifelong firearms enthusiast. Now that his days of working a 240B like Charlie Parker on the sax are over, he's a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He is a "simplicisist" when it comes to talking about himself in the 3rd person and a self-professed tactical hipster. Hit him up on Instagram with story ideas.
Recent Posts
November 21, 2025
November 20, 2025
![Best Shooting Ear Protection for 2025 [Range-Tested!]](https://gununiversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/best-shooting-hearing-protection.jpg)
November 17, 2025
![Best 9mm Pistols [2025]: Ranked by Size & Use](https://gununiversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Best-9mm-featured-1.jpg)
November 17, 2025
I couldn’t get the open sight adjusted low enough for hitting a 25 yard target bullseye. I bought a ghost ring site and installed it, and it works fine. Otherwise a fine rifle.
Thanks for info. I knew about marlin and citadel but only from stories of my ex-boss who said they are guns for long travel. He was co-owner of horse raising ranch and liked to pose as modern cowboy. He used marlin durning deer hunting but took citadels gun for longer camping in wilds. Propably because we got nice amount of boars in our region. Well. I think other hunters have problem recognizing him because of his boar like face.
Far more accurate than Winchester m94.
I found it interesting when you said that if you want to hunt, you must be familiar with the animal you will be taking and the caliber required to take it. This is why I told my brother that he needs a [SPAM LINK REMOVED] before buying an actual rifle. He’s been into hunting lately because of his friends at work so he really wants to learn and master it.