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
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Best Lever Action Rifles
- Henry .22 – Best Rimfire
- Henry Big Boy X Model – Best Tactical
- Browning BLR – Best Long Range
- Citadel LevTac 92 – Best Budget Ready
- Marlin 336 – Best Hunting
- Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper – Best For Playing Cowboy
- Big Horn Armory – Best Big Bore
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 - Henry .22 | 18.5" | 36.5" | 5 lbs 4 oz | .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 Budget Ready - Citadel LevTac 92 | 16.5 to 18" | 33.6" | 5.9 lbs | .357, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull |
| Best Hunting - Marlin 336 | 20 to 24" | 38.5 to 42.25" | 7 lbs | .30-30 or .35 Remington |
| Best For Playing Cowboy - Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper | 18" | 36" | 7 lbs 4 oz | .44-40 45 Colt |
| Best Big Bore - Big Horn Armory | 16, 18, 22" | 35, 37, 41" | 7 lbs 10 oz | 500 S&W |
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 Henry Lever Action 22LR
Henry Lever Action 22LR
There are few things more satisfying than a lever-action 22LR.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy B
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 9 Reviews
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Henry .22 Specs
- Barrel Length 18.5″
- Overall Length 36.5″
- Weight 5 lbs 4oz
- Calibers .22LR
Henry .22 Review
When it’s time to shoot with a .22 LR, the Henry lever-action stands out as the top choice. Affordable, user-friendly, and lightweight, the Henry Classic delivers a cowboy-style experience suitable for both adults and children.
The design pays homage to the iconic lever rifles of countless Westerns, making it a favorite among cowboy enthusiasts. Henry keeps it simple and affordable, offering just what you need: a lever, a hammer, and a trigger.
However, when I feel like shooting distant targets, I add a scope to my gun using a picatinny rail and it gets the job done.
Just because this gun is affordable doesn’t mean it’s crappy. The action works smoothly, and the lever is reliable. Despite being a .22 LR, it offers a unique tactile experience. While the sights are basic, the rifle is accurate and great for hitting targets or hunting squirrels.
Henry’s famed front-loading tube design makes it easy to load the rifle and empty it when the shooting is over. The lack of a side gate might be bothersome, but it’s tough to do with a .22 LR.
As expected, it’s made smaller for a .22 LR. Weighing just 5.25 pounds, the little Henry is light enough for adults to handle and have fun with. Its perfect size adds to its charm as a firearm.
The Henry 22LR tops our list as the best rimfire lever action rifle and also made it onto our Best 22LR rifle list. You can see what else made that list in the Best 22LR Rifles article here.
Product Pros and Cons
- Light and Small
- Fun to Shoot
- Affordable
- Rear Sight Is Difficult to Adjust
Henry 22 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.
- Shootability A-
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A-
- Accuracy B
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 5 Reviews
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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 3 Reviews
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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 Budget Citadel Levtac 92
Citadel Levtac 92
The Citadel LEVTAC-92 Lever Action Rifle brings modern improvements to a classic design. This Model 92 lever action rifle is chambered in .357 Magnum with an 8 round magazine tube and an 16.5 inch barrel.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
D+
Based on 3 Reviews
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Citadel LevTac 92 Specs
- Barrel Length 16.5 – 18″
- Overall Length 33.6″
- Weight 5.9 lbs
- Calibers .357, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull
Citadel LevTac 92 Review
With the surge in semi-auto gun popularity, lever guns have gotten pricier. Finding a good deal on a lever-action rifle can be tough. But the new Citadel LevTac 92 gives you a bang for your buck. It’s a modern take on the lever gun, available in common calibers with plenty of tactical features.
The LevTac 92 goes for about 700 bucks, quite reasonable for a magnum-powered lever gun nowadays. What makes it a great deal is the number of features it packs that would usually cost a fortune.
Those same features make the LevTac 92 standard out. It includes a lightweight and modern M-LOK rail system, offering plenty of slots for accessories like lights and foregrips. It also includes an optic rail on top for adding red dots or long eye relief scopes, along with a rear peep sight and standard front sight.
Looking at it tactically, a few features catch the eye. With its open ejecting design, you can port load if the gun runs dry. The side-loading gate makes it easy to keep the gun topped off. Plus, it’s got a big lever for quick action. The .357 Magnum version uses a 16/5 inch barrel, and the 44 Magnum and 454 Casull use an 18.5-inch barrel and holds eight rounds.
Overall, the Citadel LevTac 92 stands out as the best budget lever action rifle on my list. It’s a great lever gun packed with modern features. While Citadel might not be a household name, the gun is built on the reliable classic 1892 lever action design.
Citadel LevTac 92 Pros and Cons
- Great Price
- Feature Filled
- Perfect For Plinking and Tactical Use
- No Cowboy Options
Citadel LevTac 92 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 17 Reviews
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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 Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper
Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper
The Texas Brush Popooer model’s light weight makes it a good fit for all ages, without compromising quality, speed, or accuracy.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A+
- Value C
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 3 Reviews
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Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper Specs
- Barrel Length 18″
- Overall Length 36″
- Weight 7 lbs 4 oz
- Calibers .44-40 45 Colt
Texas Brush Popper Review
If you’re looking to channel your inner cowboy at the range or in single-action shooting competitions, the Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper is the lever-action rifle for you. This replica of the iconic Model 1873 Winchester brings a new level of beauty to the platform known as the gun that won the West.
The Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper is a carbine version of the rifle, sporting an 18-inch barrel and coming in .45 Colt or .44-40. Created with input from top SASS competitors, this sturdy lever action offers a refined rifle for competition while honoring the original design.
Plus, it’s just awesome. The action is super smooth and fast. Pulling the trigger feels refined with a smooth, light break. The dark wood stock fits comfortably against your shoulder with its classic design, and the forward-mounted iron sights are easy to spot. With that awesome trigger and sights, hitting your target is a breeze. The barrel shifts from octagonal to round, and the case-hardened finish is stunning.
This gun performs as well as it looks. But there’s a catch – the price. It’s not cheap, which might put off some buyers. However, if you’re in search of the best lever action rifle for playing cowboy, the 1873 Texas Brush Popper is the one for you.
Cimarron 1873 Texas Pros and Cons
- Beautiful
- Slick Action
- Awesome Trigger
- Accurate
- Expensive
Cimarron 1873 Texas Brush Popper Deals
#7. Best Big Bore Big Horn Armory Model 89
Big Horn Armory Model 89
Built in the USA, the Big Horn Armory Model 89 lever-action rifle in .500 S&W Magnum continues the rich legacy of American firearms design and development.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A+
- Value C
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 1 Reviews
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Big Horn Armory Specs
- Barrel Length 16, 18, 22 Inches
- Overall Length 35, 37, 41 inches
- Weight 7 lbs 10 ounces
- Calibers 500 S&W
Big Horn Armory Model 89 Review
Looking for the best big bore lever-action rifle? The Big Horn Armory Model 89 is your answer. It’s a beast, chambered in the 500 S&W Magnum round, the most powerful handgun cartridge on earth.
Big Horn Armory created an awesome firearm by combining features from the Model 86 and Model 92 lever guns. The result? A semi-custom lever-action rifle that users can customize to their liking with options like scout scope mounts, octagon barrel, mini red dot mounts, and more.
The side gate is pushed back on the receiver to fit the large round, while the top eject design simplifies clearing during ejection. Big Horn Armory boosts accuracy by maximizing sight radius, achieved by pushing the rear sight as far back as possible. It moves during the ejection process, but that’s not a problem.
Big Horn Armory offers the gun with barrel options ranging from 16 inches to 22 inches, with the added benefit of a threaded barrel for suppressors or muzzle devices.
The trigger and action are great, and the accuracy is impressive, especially for big-game hunting. However, the recoil is intense and can leave you feeling battered and bruised if you don’t have a muzzle brake. I suggest that you install a muzzle brake like I did to reduce recoil and muzzle rise when shooting.
From the ground up, this lever gun is built to be different. The BHA Model 89 offers the classic reliability, accuracy, and quick action of a lever gun, but with a custom fit and perfected design. It’s pricey, but for picky shooters, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Big Horn Armory Model 89 Pros and Cons
- Excellent trigger
- Brilliant Action
- Hard-Hitting Caliber
- Tons of Custom Option
- Rough recoil
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.
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About Travis Pike
Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.
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