The Return Of The Lever-Action Rifle

The lever-action rifle occupies a special place in today’s firearm market. It has been selectively modernized in many ways, and yet still retains its classical integrity. We’re going to take a look at the spectrum of lever guns as we know them today. This tour will take you from the Wild West mindset to a shoothouse paradigm, and beyond.

The lever-action rifle has been a fixture in the U.S. since the mid-1800s. Held in the hands of both soldiers and civilians, the lever gun brought yet another crucial step to firearms evolution. In 1860, Henry brought the practical lever-action repeating rifle to market and the lever gun revolution was on.

Since then, lever-action rifles have remained somewhat of an untouchable classic from an innovation standpoint, up until about the last 10 years. The lever gun, by nature, is mechanically simple and inherently basic. In contrast to assorted AR- and AK-pattern platforms and other semi-automatic configurations, there’s not a lot of room for advanced technical modifications on lever guns.

Lever-action rifles are a little more limited in latitude. The areas of improvement have revolved around user-interface and shooter experience. Things like materials, threading, loop configuration, optics options and attachment methods are all part of the new face of the lever gun. Let’s take a look at some of these features and the companies that are making them for your shooting and hunting pleasure.

Function And Form

Traditional lever guns were built from some combination of wood and blued steel with iron sights. Today, we not only have the traditional wood options, but guns with a more tactical feel as well. With stainless steel and synthetic pairings, that classic lever gun looks like it could clear a room with firm effectiveness instead of riding along in a saddle scabbard in the American West. 

The material shifts also opens the door to a new level of stock fits. With synthetic stock construction, features like adjustable combs and buttstocks allow the lever gun to join the ranks of the “custom-fit” firearms world.

The progression of untouched barrels to threaded muzzles for suppressors have opened the door to a much more enjoyable (and hearing safe) shooting and hunting experience for all involved. Lever gun makers are capitalizing on this trend by offering of threaded options with both tactical and hunting applications in mind.

Early lever guns generally had a smaller loop for running the action of gun. As people have gotten bigger, hands have also gotten larger, and you know what they say about people with big hands: They wear big gloves. With that in mind, many lever guns are being made with oversize loops for comfort and versatility. 

Optics and Accessories

Let’s talk optics. Early lever guns were straight up iron sights with beaded front sight, peep rear sights and other assorted basic-sight options. Today, we have some fabulous iron sight combinations paired with fiber optics for vivid sight acquisition.

Additionally, many lever guns on the market today come with Picatinny rail or M-Lok options. These allow for a wide range of optics to be attached as well as all the other goodies you want hanging off your favorite lever gun such as lights, lasers, bipods and other gear.

By this time, I hope your fingers are itching to start searching for your next lever gun purchase. Let’s check out some options that embody the evolution and hybridization of the lever gun.

Henry

Henry was very much on the leading edge of the lever gun in its nascent stages and today (as a different company from the one that started the lever-action rifle trend) occupies a place in the market synonymous with lever gun excellence and innovation. From the iconic Golden Boy to the Big Boy series and its Large Frame line up, Henry has something for every lever-action rifle buyer. Whether looking for a classic sentimental legacy piece, an African safari companion or an all-weather tac tool, Henry “has an app” for that, if you will.

Many of Henry’s offerings come fully equipped with the options discussed above like innovative materials, threaded barrels, optics-ready interfaces and attachment spots to fully trick out your lever gun.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson made a splash in the tactical/hunting lever-action market with the 1854 Series. This series is comprised of the Stealth Hunter and the Traditional Walnut options, available in a variety of calibers. Complete with Picatinny rails, M-Lok attachment slots, oversize loops, threads and other innovations, it is a great line up for the lever gun lover with a passion for variety.

Marlin

In addition to the company’s classically beautiful lever-action offerings, Marlin recently brought the Dark Series to market, the gun for the lever lover with a tactical side. The Dark Series is available in a range of practical calibers, and all calibers come in 50 shades of black polymer and are fully tactically outfitted with Picatinny rails and M-Lok slots. 

Rossi

An lesser-known player in the lever market is Rossi. Noted for “rugged durability” in the firearm market, its lever guns toe the line, as well. Rossi offers a broad spectrum of lever guns from classic wood and blued finishes to stainless-steel and blacked-out options. Rossi cements their relevance in this market with Picatinny rails, over-sized wrapped loops and threaded barrels.

Heritage

Heritage Manufacturing offers lever gun models for the classical lever enthusiast. With three models in the line-up, there are short, medium and full sized .22 LR rifles, the Mares Leg, Settler Compact and Settler. All three feature classic touches and aesthetics to warm the heart of the most devout lever connoisseur. 

The Lever Gun Lover

Up until last year, I had pretty minimal experience with lever guns. I had an opportunity to review several in a row and came away with an appreciation for the simplicity of the platform and a love of running these iconic guns. I also enjoy fun optics and stock adjustment options. The lever-action rifle has become a bit of a passion because it combines many of the features I like in a firearm in one fabulous package.

The blend of features present in todays’ lever market is an intoxicating mix of classic platforms, intentionally executed innovations and tactical advantages. Whether a long-time lever lover or new to the genre, it’s a market full of fun and firepower.