The 12 Best Lever Action Rifles for Hunting, Sport & Heritage
Introduction
There’s something about working the lever on a rifle that never gets old. It’s smooth, mechanical, and timeless,a design that’s as much a part of American history as barbed wire and cattle drives. For generations, lever guns have been the trusted companions of hunters, ranchers, and shooters. They’re versatile, rugged, and capable of delivering quick follow-up shots when the moment matters most. Whether you’re chasing whitetail through thick brush, competing in cowboy action shooting, or just appreciating the craftsmanship of a fine rifle, the appeal is undeniable.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best lever action rifles available today and in decades past. I won’t just list models; I’ll dig into their history, real-world performance, and why certain rifles have earned a permanent spot in the lever gun hall of fame. With more than thirty years of hunting and range experience under my belt, I’ve carried lever rifles in the rain-soaked woods of the Midwest, the wide-open plains of Wyoming, and the dense swamps of the South. What you’ll find here isn’t a generic review—it’s the perspective of someone who has actually cycled thousands of rounds through these rifles and knows their strengths (and quirks).
So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s look at the rifles that define this classic platform.
What Makes the Best Lever Action Rifles Stand Out
When we talk about the top lever action rifles, we’re not just looking at names on a list—we’re considering:
- Reliability: Will it cycle smoothly in freezing rain or dusty conditions?
- Accuracy: How consistent is it at 100 yards with iron sights or a scout scope?
- Ergonomics: Is the lever smooth, the stock comfortable, and the balance right?
- Caliber versatility: Can it handle both light .357 loads for plinking and .44 Magnum for deer?
- Build quality: Are we looking at a traditional walnut stock or a weather-resistant stainless steel finish?
- Heritage & innovation: Does it honor the lever tradition while offering modern improvements like side gate loading or a scout rail?
These are the qualities that separate the merely good from the rifles that make my cut for the best lever action rifles.
Top 12 Best Lever Action Rifles
Below you’ll find twelve rifles I consider standouts, each reviewed from both a technical and practical perspective.
1. Henry Big Boy Series
- Calibers: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt
- Capacity: 10 rounds (tube magazine)
- Weight: ~8.7 lbs
The Henry Big Boy has become one of the most popular modern lever guns, and for good reason. With a brass receiver that gleams like an heirloom and a buttery-smooth action, it’s as much a showpiece as it is a working rifle. I’ve taken whitetail with the .44 Mag version, and it cycled flawlessly even in snowy November woods. The tube-loading design takes some getting used to, but the new side gate loading options make it far more practical in the field.
Best use case: Whitetail hunting and range enjoyment.
2. Marlin 1895 Guide Gun
- Caliber: .45-70 Government
- Capacity: 4+1 rounds
- Weight: ~7.5 lbs
This is the rifle I trust when heading into bear country. The Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in .45-70 is compact, powerful, and built to deliver crushing energy at close range. The action is slick, the side-eject design makes mounting optics a breeze, and it shoulders well in thick brush. When I hunted in Montana, this rifle gave me peace of mind knowing I had a serious big bore lever gun in hand.
Best use case: Dangerous game and brush country hunting.
3. Winchester Model 1873
- Calibers: .357 Mag, .44-40, .45 Colt
- Capacity: 12+1 rounds (varies)
- Weight: ~7.5 lbs
Known as the “Gun That Won the West,” the Winchester lever action 1873 is iconic. Modern reproductions from Winchester and Uberti keep this classic alive for today’s shooters. I’ve used the .357 version in cowboy action shooting, and the smooth toggle-link action makes it a favorite for competition.
Best use case: Cowboy action, collectors, and nostalgia.
4. Marlin 336 Series
- Calibers: .30-30 Winchester, .35 Remington
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Weight: ~7 lbs
No list of the best lever action rifles is complete without the Marlin 336. This rifle has filled more deer tags than almost any other in North America. Its side-eject design was revolutionary, and with a good scope mounted, it’s accurate out to 200 yards. I carried a 336 in .30-30 during my early years of deer hunting, and it remains one of the most balanced rifles I’ve ever shouldered.
Best use case: Whitetail and medium-game hunting.
5. Henry All-Weather Lever Action
- Calibers: .30-30, .45-70
- Capacity: 5-6 rounds
- Weight: ~7.5 lbs
This is the ranch rifle I recommend to anyone who needs a durable workhorse. With a stainless steel build and hard chrome plating, it shrugs off rain, mud, and abuse. I’ve used mine in constant wet conditions, and it never rusted or misfired.
Best use case: Ranch work and all-weather hunting.
6. Browning BLR
- Calibers: Multiple (including .308 Win, .30-06)
- Capacity: 4-5 rounds (detachable magazine)
- Weight: ~7 lbs
The Browning BLR is a different breed of lever gun. Instead of a tube magazine, it uses a detachable box magazine, which allows it to handle pointed, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets. I used a BLR in .308 to drop mule deer at 250 yards—something most traditional lever guns aren’t designed for.
Best use case: Long-range hunting with modern cartridges.
7. Winchester Model 1886
- Calibers: .45-70, .45-90, .50-110
- Capacity: 8 rounds
- Weight: ~9 lbs
The Winchester 1886 is a heavy-duty, large-frame rifle designed for powerful cartridges. It’s overbuilt in the best way, making it one of the most durable hunting rifles of its era. Modern versions from Winchester are beautifully made and pack serious authority.
Best use case: Large game and collectors.
8. Henry Golden Boy
- Calibers: .22 LR, .22 Magnum
- Capacity: 16+ rounds
- Weight: ~6.75 lbs
If you want to introduce someone to lever guns, the Henry Golden Boy is the perfect start. With its polished brasslite receiver and smooth action, it’s fun, affordable, and accurate. I’ve plinked with one for years, and it never fails to draw attention at the range.
Best use case: Plinking and small game.
9. Marlin 1894 Series
- Calibers: .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .45 Colt
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Weight: ~6.5 lbs
Compact, lightweight, and chambered for revolver cartridges, the Marlin 1894 is the ultimate lever action carbine. I’ve carried mine in .357 while hiking, and it’s light enough to forget you’re carrying it until you need it.
Best use case: Trail gun and cowboy action.
10. Rossi R92 Series
- Calibers: .357 Mag, .44 Mag
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Weight: ~5.5–6 lbs
The Rossi R92 is a budget-friendly alternative to the Marlin 1894. While not as refined, it’s reliable and lightweight. I’ve used one as a truck gun for years, and it’s taken coyotes without issue.
Best use case: Budget-friendly option for ranchers and shooters.
11. Big Horn Armory Model 89
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Capacity: 7 rounds
- Weight: ~9 lbs
If you want raw power, the Model 89 is it. Chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, it delivers devastating energy. It’s not for everyone—it’s heavy and expensive—but it’s a true tactical lever action for extreme situations.
Best use case: Hardcore hunters and collectors.
12. Modern Tactical Lever Guns (Custom Builds)
Custom shops have been modernizing lever guns with rails, suppressor-ready barrels, and tactical furniture. These rifles blend old-school action with modern combat practicality. I’ve tested a suppressed Marlin 1895, and it turned heads at the range.
Best use case: Tactical shooters and enthusiasts.
Best Lever Action Rifles by Category
- Best for Whitetail: Marlin 336
- Best Big Bore: Marlin 1895 Guide Gun
- Best Budget: Rossi R92
- Best Tactical: Customized Marlin 1895 or Henry X Model
- Best Collector’s Piece: Winchester 1873
- Best All-Weather: Henry All-Weather
Choosing Your Perfect Lever Action: Caliber & Configuration Guide
- .22 LR: Best for plinking and small game.
- .357/.44 Mag: Versatile, doubles with revolver ammo.
- .30-30 Win: The classic deer cartridge.
- .45-70 Gov’t: Serious big-game power.
- Modern calibers (.308, .30-06 in BLR): Best for longer ranges.
Lever Action vs. Other Action Types
- Lever Action: Fast cycling, nostalgic, ideal for brush hunting.
- Bolt Action: More precise, better for long range.
- Semi-Auto: Faster follow-ups but more complex.
Maintenance and Care
- Keep the tube magazine clean of debris.
- Wipe down blued steel to prevent rust.
- Grease the lever pivot for smooth cycling.
- Use bore snakes for quick field cleaning.
Accessories and Upgrades
- Scout scopes for extended range.
- Skinner sights for precision irons.
- Buttstock ammo carriers for convenience.
- Sling swivels for carry.
FAQ: Best Lever Action Rifles
Q: What’s the best caliber for deer hunting with a lever gun?
A: The .30-30 Winchester remains the gold standard for whitetail, though .35 Remington and .44 Magnum also work well.
Q: Are lever actions still relevant compared to bolt actions?
A: Absolutely. While bolt actions dominate long range, lever actions excel in thick brush and fast shooting scenarios.
Q: How hard is it to mount a scope on a lever gun?
A: Side-eject models like the Marlin 336 make it easy. Winchester top-ejects are trickier but possible with scout mounts.
Q: Which lever action is best for a beginner?
A: The Henry Golden Boy in .22 LR is affordable, reliable, and fun.
Q: Can lever guns handle modern tactical use?
A: Yes—modernized models with rails and suppressor options make them viable for tactical roles.
Q: Do lever actions hold their value?
A: Quality models, especially Winchesters and older Marlins, often appreciate over time.
Conclusion
After decades of carrying lever guns in the field, from whitetail woods to open plains, I can say with confidence that the best lever action rifles hold a timeless appeal that few other firearms can match. They combine heritage, practicality, and sheer enjoyment in a way that makes them just as relevant today as they were in the days of the Old West. Whether you’re chasing deer in thick brush with a handy carbine, competing in cowboy action shooting, or simply appreciating a piece of American firearms history, there’s a lever gun perfectly suited for the job.
Modern designs from Henry, Marlin, and Winchester prove that innovation and tradition can live side by side. The addition of features like side-gate loading, stainless finishes, and big-bore chamberings has pushed lever guns into new territory without sacrificing their classic strengths: quick follow-up shots, compact handling, and undeniable style.
If you’re looking for a rifle that blends history, versatility, and sheer shooting pleasure, a lever action deserves a place in your collection. From affordable entry-level options to heirloom-quality pieces, the choices are wide—and each rifle tells its own story. In my book, lever guns aren’t just tools; they’re companions in the field and symbols of an enduring firearms legacy.
