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- The 10 Top Lever Guns | Lever Action Rifle Overview 2024
The 10 Top Lever Guns | Lever Action Rifle Overview 2024
Lever action rifles have had a long, storied history in the United States, but with more recent pop culture influences these days, the lever action is more popular than ever. Most shooters and gun enthusiasts have some memory of learning to shoot with a lever gun or even watching an older family member plink beer cans alongside their own Daisy BB gun.
Lever guns were actually among 4 of the top 10 spots for rifles sold on GunBroker.com in 2023. This historic rifle style belongs in your safe or even hanging prominently on the wall, but don’t leave them just to be seen, they are fun to shoot!
Check out the 10 top lever action rifles on GunBroker.com in 2024.
Marlin 1895
Overview:
The Marlin Model 1895 chambered in .45-70 Government is revered as a classic and one of the foremost lever action rifles for several compelling reasons. Since its inception, it has symbolized the epitome of American firearms craftsmanship and tradition. Renowned for its build quality, the Model 1895 .45-70 ensures reliability in the face of rugged conditions, thereby earning the trust of hunters and marksmen worldwide. Its chambering in the potent .45-70 Government cartridge further solidifies its status as a formidable hunting rifle capable of taking down large game with authority. The rifle's timeless design, coupled with its smooth lever action mechanism, facilitates quick and precise shooting, a hallmark of its versatility in diverse hunting environments.
Moreover, the Model 1895 .45-70 benefits from a rich aftermarket ecosystem, allowing enthusiasts to customize and personalize their rifles according to their preferences and needs. With its enduring legacy, unwavering performance, and universal appeal, the Marlin Model 1895 .45-70 rightfully earns its place as a classic and one of the best lever action rifles of all time.
Price Range: $500 - $4,000
Caliber: .45-70 Govt
Marlin 1895 Specs:
Henry Big Boy
Overview:
The Henry Big Boy lever action rifle has garnered widespread popularity for several reasons: performance, craftsmanship, and historical appeal. Firstly, it boasts a reputation for reliability and accuracy, making it a favorite among shooters for hunting, target shooting, and even cowboy action competitions. Its smooth lever action mechanism allows for quick and easy cycling of rounds, enhancing its usability in various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the Big Boy is celebrated for its quality and attention to detail, with many enthusiasts appreciating its classic American design and craftsmanship. The rifle's chambering in popular calibers like .44 Magnum and .357 Magnum offers potent firepower suitable for both a hunting rifle and self-defense purposes.
Beyond its practical attributes, the Henry Big Boy carries a sense of nostalgia and heritage, evoking the spirit of the Old West and embodying the traditions of American firearms culture. Its blend of performance, craftsmanship, and historical resonance contributes to its enduring popularity among shooters and collectors alike.
Price Range: $700 - $3,900
Caliber: .327 Fed Mag, .41 Mag, .45 Colt, .357/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44 Spl
Henry Big Boy Specs:
Rossi R92
Overview:
The Rossi R92 lever action rifle has earned its popularity for several reasons, largely stemming from its affordability, reliability, and versatility. Despite being a cheaper lever action rifle compared to some others on the market, the R92 maintains consistent performance.
Its smooth lever action mechanism and reliable feeding make it a favorite among shooters for hunting, recreational shooting, and cowboy action shooting competitions. The rifle's chambering options, including popular calibers like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, offer shooters a wide range of choices suited for various purposes, from target shooting to hunting medium-sized game.
Additionally, the Rossi R92 benefits from its compatibility with a variety of aftermarket accessories and lever action rifle modifications, allowing owners to customize and personalize their rifles to their liking. It’s simple design, reminiscent of classic lever action rifles, appeals to both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike, embodying a timeless aesthetic that resonates with firearms enthusiasts.
Price Range: $600 - $2,000
Caliber: .44 Mag, .45 Colt, .357/.38 Spl, 454 Casull
Rossi R92 Specs:
Henry Side Gate
Overview:
The Henry Side Gate lever action rifle has gained significant popularity for several key reasons, predominantly revolving around its innovative design, practicality, and historical appeal.
One of its standout features is the addition of a side loading gate, alongside the traditional tubular magazine, offering shooters the convenience of loading individual rounds directly into the magazine without the need to remove the tube or interrupt the loading process. This feature addresses a longstanding preference among lever action rifle enthusiasts, combining the classic aesthetics and reliability of traditional lever actions with the convenience of modern loading methods.
Additionally, this Henry lever action maintains the brand's reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring smooth operation and reliable performance in various shooting conditions. Its chambering options, including popular calibers like .30-30 and .45-70, cater to a wide range of shooting preferences, from hunting to recreational shooting. Furthermore, the rifle's nod to the historical legacy of lever action firearms resonates with collectors and enthusiasts, drawing upon the rich heritage of American firearms culture. Overall, the Henry Side Gate lever action rifle's blend of innovation, practicality, and historical significance has contributed to its widespread popularity among shooters and collectors alike.
Price Range: $400 - $2,000
Caliber: .38-55 Win, .30-30 Win, .45-70 Govt, .35 Rem, .360 Buckhammer
Henry Side Gate Specs:
Henry Long Ranger
Overview:
The Henry Long Ranger lever action rifle has gained appeal among shooters and collectors. Foremost among these is its departure from traditional lever action designs, offering shooters a blend of classic aesthetics with modern features and performance. Unlike traditional lever actions, the Long Ranger utilizes a detachable box magazine, enabling quicker and more convenient reloading compared to the tubular magazines typically associated with lever action rifles. This design choice enhances the rifle's usability in various shooting scenarios, particularly in situations where rapid follow-up shots are necessary.
The Long Ranger's chambering options in high-powered rifle cartridges such as .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester and even 6.5 Creedmoor expand its versatility beyond the typical range of lever action rifles, appealing to hunters and long-range shooters seeking greater ballistic performance.
The rifle's smooth and reliable action, coupled with Henry's renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail, further solidify its reputation for quality and reliability. Moreover, the Long Ranger's nod to the rich history of lever action firearms while embracing modern innovations resonates with a wide range of shooters, from traditionalists to those seeking innovation in their firearms.
Price Range: $975 - $2,000
Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, .243 Win, .308 Win/7.62x51 NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor
Henry Long Ranger Specs:
Henry Golden Boy
Overview:
The Henry Golden Boy lever action rifle has achieved enduring popularity due to a combination of its timeless aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship, and smooth performance. Its gleaming brass receiver and octagonal barrel evoke a sense of nostalgia, harkening back to the classic Western rifles of the past. Beyond its striking appearance, the Golden Boy is celebrated for its impeccable build quality and attention to detail, with each rifle meticulously crafted to exacting standards. The smooth lever action mechanism allows for quick and precise cycling of rounds, enhancing the rifle's usability as both a lever action hunting rifle and recreational shooting.
The Golden Boy's chambering options in calibers like .22LR and .22 Magnum provide shooters with versatile and affordable choices suitable for target shooting, small game hunting, and plinking. Moreover, the rifle's reputation for reliability and accuracy further cements its popularity among shooters of all skill levels. Beyond its practical attributes, this Henry lever action rifle holds a special place in the hearts of firearms enthusiasts, embodying the spirit of American craftsmanship and heritage. Its timeless design, combined with its exceptional performance, has made it a beloved icon in the world of lever action rifles.
Price Range: $500 - $1,500
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR, .22 Mag, .17 HMR
Henry Golden Boy Specs:
Marlin 1894
Overview:
The Marlin 1894 lever action rifle has earned its popularity through a combination of its rugged reliability, historical significance, and versatility. Renowned for its robust construction and smooth action, the 1894 has established itself as a dependable firearm capable of enduring harsh conditions and delivering consistent performance. Its reputation for reliability has made it a favorite among hunters, particularly those pursuing game in dense brush or wooded areas where quick follow-up shots may be necessary.
The rifle's chambering options in pistol calibers such as .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum offer shooters ample power for both hunting and self-defense purposes, while also providing relatively low recoil and affordable ammunition options. Beyond its practical attributes, the Marlin 1894 carries a rich historical legacy, with its design dating back to the late 19th century and its association with the American frontier. This historical appeal resonates with collectors and enthusiasts alike, contributing to its enduring popularity among firearm aficionados. Furthermore, the Marlin 1894's traditional lever action design, coupled with its reputation for accuracy and durability, has solidified its status as a beloved icon in the realm of lever action rifles. Overall, the Marlin 1894 lever action rifle's blend of reliability, historical significance, and versatility has cemented its place as a popular choice among shooters and collectors seeking a dependable and timeless firearm.
Price Range: $500 - $5,000
Caliber: .44 Rem Mag / .44 Spl
Marlin 1894 Specs:
Smith & Wesson 1854
Overview:
The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 stands out as one of the greatest lever action rifles for several compelling reasons. Its classic design, featuring a stainless steel frame and synthetic stock, with more modern touches. Beyond its looks, the Model 1854 delivers an exceptional shooting experience characterized by smooth operation and impressive accuracy. The rifle's well-crafted lever action mechanism ensures effortless cycling of rounds, contributing to its reliability on the range or in the field.
The Model 1854's versatility is showcased by its ability to handle various types of ammunition with ease, further solidifying its reputation as a dependable and capable firearm. Overall, the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 emerges as a standout choice for enthusiasts and collectors seeking a blend of historical charm and modern functionality in a lever action rifle.
Price Range: $1,400 - $1,600
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Smith & Wesson 1854 Specs:
Rossi R95
Overview:
The Rossi R95 traditional lever action rifle, chambered in .30-30 Winchester with a 16-inch barrel, is designed for maneuverability and close-range hunting scenarios. Its chambering in the renowned .30-30 caliber makes it an attractive option for hunters seeking a reliable firearm capable of taking down medium-sized game. The combination of a traditional hardwood stock and black oxide finish not only adds to its classic aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and practicality in the field.
As a product of Rossi, known for providing budget-friendly firearms without compromising performance, the R95 offers shooters a reliable lever action rifle at an affordable price point. Overall, the Rossi R95 appeals to hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking a compact and dependable firearm for hunting and shooting applications in close to mid-range scenarios.
Price Range: $750 - $2,000
Caliber: .30-30 Win, .45-70 Govt
Rossi R95 Specs:
Marlin 336
Overview:
The Marlin 336 lever action rifle has earned its popularity through a combination of reliability, versatility, and a rich history. Renowned for its robust construction and smooth action, the 336 has established itself as a dependable firearm favored by hunters and lever action rifle shooters alike. Its reputation for reliability stems from its solid design and build quality, which enables it to withstand harsh conditions and deliver consistent performance in various environments.
The Marlin 336's chambering options in calibers like .30-30 Winchester and .35 Remington provide shooters with ample power for hunting a wide range of game, from whitetail deer to larger game species. This versatility makes it a go-to choice for hunters seeking a rifle capable of taking on different hunting scenarios. Moreover, the Marlin 336 carries a rich historical legacy, having been in production for over a century and remaining a symbol of American firearms heritage. Its classic lever action design, combined with modern features and improvements, appeals to both traditionalists and shooters looking for a reliable and time-tested firearm. Overall, the Marlin 336 lever action rifle's blend of reliability, versatility, and historical significance has solidified its place as one of the most popular choices among lever action rifles for hunting and recreational shooting.
Price Range: $450 - $3,500
Caliber: .30-30 Win
Marlin 336 Specs: