They never really went away, but in recent decades lever actions took a back seat to other firearm platforms. Hunters and shooting enthusiasts, however, are now digging to the back of their gun safes or visiting local gun shops with renewed interest in these nostalgic — and every effective — guns. There are at least two good reasons for this. No. 1: Modern ammo designed specifically for lever guns has made them more accurate and safer to shoot. No. 2: Shooters and hunters are rediscovering the appeal of lever-action firearms. This trend is not lost on gun makers as new (and improved) levers hit the market, while shooting sports retailers realize the opportunity to sell these guns, along with new lever-specific ammo and accessories.
“Lever-action rifles include not just classics whose forms and chamberings emerged during the late 19th century,” says gun guru Wayne van Zwoll. “Today, they include stainless, laminate-stocked models, also those with polymer and carbon fiber stocks and tactical matte black finish. Barrels are threaded for brakes and suppressors. Some stocks adjust for length and comb position. Forends feature M-Lok slots. Picatinny rails up front beckon lights and other paraphernalia.”
Modern lever guns have gained legitimacy from the whitetail woods to Cowboy Action matches to home defense. For those who want a dependable, quick-handling, lightweight firearm with considerable knockdown power at moderate ranges, lever guns are hard to beat. Here are eight models that will interest your gun-buying patrons.
Big Horn Armory Black Thunder Tactical
Chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, Big Horn Armory’s Black Thunder Tactical Lever Gun is a great choice for hunting, home defense and survival situations. The .500 S&W Magnum chambering allows the use of bullets ranging from from 200 grains to truck-stopping 700 grains. This incredible stopping power combined with the availability of almost any style and type of bullet imaginable makes the Black Thunder capable of taking any game animal that walks the planet. It is equipped with a 16-inch Trapper barrel and features a black laminate wood finish, scout scope mount and fiber-optic front sight. MSRP: $3,199.
Henry Lever Action Supreme
The Henry Lever Action Supreme delivers accuracy, reliability and safety. Far more than a rework of an existing lever-action design, it is equipped with a quad bar linkage and slider crank mechanism. The internal hammer design means everything is fully sealed off when the lever is closed to keep it clean and keep it quiet when shooting suppressed. The Lever Action Supreme sports a free-floated blued steel barrel and user-adjustable match-grade trigger. The drift-free rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The rifle is equipped with an American walnut stock finished with ultra-precise diamond checkering, with sling swivel studs providing convenient mounting points. It includes a 10-round PMAG with a five-round limiter to comply with hunting regulations across the country. MSRP: NA.
Legacy Sports International Citadel Levtac Model 92 Camo
One of the most popular firearms in the Citadel lineup is back in stock — the Levtac Lever Action — including the Model 92 Large Loop Vector Camo version. The Levtac comes with a 16.5-inch threaded barrel and modular forend M-Lok design for easy accessory attachments. This lever-action rifle is sure to be a hit with deer hunters in straight wall cartridge allowance areas and can do double duty as a home defense weapon. The Levtak Model 92 is equipped with a Picatinny rail and has a rear peep sight and bladed front sight. It’s also available in traditional Black or Respect Flag versions and comes chambered in .357 Mag., .44 Mag., .45 LC, .22 WMR and .454 Casull. MSRP: Starting at $829.
Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 .357 Magnum
The Ruger-made Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 Lever-Action Rifle, chambered in .357 Magnum, is quick-handling, soft shooting and a great choice for hunting small game, plinking and home protection. The rifle features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer-forged threaded barrel with a 1:16 twist that will accommodate common muzzle devices. It is equipped with a stainless steel receiver, lever, magazine tube and barrel and receiver-mounted Skinner Sight System. The black laminate stock and forend feature crisp checkering that delivers excellent grip in all weather conditions. A generous butt pad absorbs recoil and the forend has been slimmed down for an attractive look and comfortable feel. MSRP: $1,279.
Savage Arms Revel DLX
The Savage Revel DLX is a sleek, modern take on the classic lever-action rimfire rifle. Crafted with precision engineering and advanced materials, this rifle embodies a fusion of tradition and innovation. Its streamlined design features a contoured walnut stock with intricate stippling for superior grip and comfort. The lever-action mechanism delivers smooth and reliable cycling, while the crisp trigger ensures precise shot placement. Quick take-down makes this a great go-to backpack rifle. Equipped with a tubular magazine, the Revel DLX offers ample firepower for plinking or small-game hunting. With its timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge performance, this rifle sets a new standard in rimfire firearms — available in .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR chamberings. MSRP: $539.
Smith & Wesson Stainless Steel Model 1854
Chambered in .45 Colt, the Model 1854 Stainless Steel Lever-Action Rifle by Smith & Wesson seamlessly melds precision engineering and timeless design with modern features, including M-Lok slots and a Picatinny rail for optics. Equipped with a 19.25-inch 410 SS threaded barrel, forged 416 SS receiver and black synthetic stock with textured grip panels, the Stainless Steel Model 1854 is a blend of heritage and innovation. Other key features include a gold bead front and XS Sights ghost ring rear sight, 1:20-inch RH twist eight-groove rifling and large-loop operating lever. The S&W Model 1854 is also available in Traditional Walnut (.45 Colt) and Traditional Walnut Magnum (.44 Mag.) versions. MSRP: $1,279-$1,399.
Taylor’s TC73 9mm Tuned Rifle
Now chambered in 9mm, the Taylor’s TC73 Tuned Rifle is designed on the traditional 1873 lever-action platform for exceptional accuracy at medium range. It has an 18-inch barrel and 10-round capacity and features a walnut stock and forend, steel frame with real case coloring and a smooth hammer/trigger pull. It includes a Taylor tuned action with hand polishing, custom hammer and lever springs, custom magazine tube spring and an overall lightened action. The TC73 9mm Tuned Rifle has a dovetail semi-buckhorn rear sight with a reversible notch plate and dovetail white bead front sight. It sports a rubber butt pad, has an overall length of 37.5 inches and weighs 7.82 pounds. MSRP: $1,999.
TriStar LR94 Lever-Action Shotgun
The LR94 Lever-Action .410 Shotgun from TriStar is a blend of Old World style and New World beauty — offered in a matte black, case-colored or nickel finish, all with oil-finished Turkish walnut furniture. TriStar’s LR94 features a top safety, blade/bead front sight, leather lever wrap (installed) and, as always, is backed by TriStar’s five-year warranty. This lever-action top-eject shotgun is chambered for 2.5-inch shotshells and has a capacity of five-plus-one rounds. It comes with one Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style modified choke and black rubber recoil pad, has a 14.25-inch length of pull and weighs 6.3 pounds. The LR94’s compact size makes it a good truck gun as well as a good choice for hunting and home defense. MSRP: $990-$1,100. www.tristararms.com
