What is the Best Lever Action Rifle?
Lever action rifles have been a staple of American firearms history, with a rich tradition dating back to the late 19th century. These rifles have been used for hunting, self-defense, and even military purposes. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best lever action rifle for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the best lever action rifles on the market, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
What is a Lever Action Rifle?
A lever action rifle is a type of firearm that uses a lever located under the barrel to load and eject cartridges. When the lever is pulled, the bolt is opened, and a new cartridge is loaded into the chamber. The lever is then released, and the bolt is closed, ready to fire. This mechanism allows for rapid fire and quick reloading, making it an ideal choice for hunting and self-defense.
Top 5 Best Lever Action Rifles
After researching and considering various factors, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top 5 best lever action rifles. Here are our top picks:
Rifle | Manufacturer | Caliber | Barrel Length | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Winchester Model 1886 | Winchester Repeating Arms | .45-70 Government | 24" | 8.5 lbs |
Marlin Model 336 | Marlin Firearms | .30-30 Winchester | 20" | 6.5 lbs |
Henry Repeating Arms H001 | Henry Repeating Arms | .44 Magnum | 20" | 7.5 lbs |
Uberti 1873 Cattleman | Uberti | .45 Colt | 20" | 6.5 lbs |
Mossberg Model 464 | Mossberg & Sons | .30-30 Winchester | 20" | 6.5 lbs |
Winchester Model 1886
The Winchester Model 1886 is a classic lever action rifle that has been in production for over 130 years. It’s chambered in.45-70 Government, making it a popular choice for hunting large game. The rifle features a 24" barrel and weighs 8.5 lbs. The Model 1886 is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Pros:
- Classic design and aesthetics
- Chambered in.45-70 Government for hunting large game
- Accurate and reliable
Cons:
- Heavy and long
- Limited magazine capacity (5 rounds)
Marlin Model 336
The Marlin Model 336 is another iconic lever action rifle that has been in production for over 80 years. It’s chambered in.30-30 Winchester, making it a popular choice for hunting smaller game. The rifle features a 20" barrel and weighs 6.5 lbs. The Model 336 is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a great option for beginners.
Pros:
- Relatively lightweight and compact
- Chambered in.30-30 Winchester for hunting smaller game
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity (6 rounds)
- Not as accurate as some other options
Henry Repeating Arms H001
The Henry Repeating Arms H001 is a modern lever action rifle that’s chambered in.44 Magnum. It features a 20" barrel and weighs 7.5 lbs. The H001 is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a great option for hunting and self-defense.
Pros:
- Chambered in.44 Magnum for hunting larger game
- Accurate and reliable
- Modern design and features
Cons:
- Heavy and long
- Limited magazine capacity (6 rounds)
Uberti 1873 Cattleman
The Uberti 1873 Cattleman is a reproduction of the classic Colt 1873 Single Action Army revolver. It’s chambered in.45 Colt and features a 20" barrel. The rifle weighs 6.5 lbs and has a limited magazine capacity of 6 rounds. The Cattleman is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a great option for historical reenactments and cowboy action shooting.
Pros:
- Accurate and reliable
- Chambered in.45 Colt for historical accuracy
- Classic design and aesthetics
Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity
- Not suitable for hunting or self-defense
Mossberg Model 464
The Mossberg Model 464 is a modern lever action rifle that’s chambered in.30-30 Winchester. It features a 20" barrel and weighs 6.5 lbs. The Model 464 is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a great option for hunting and self-defense.
Pros:
- Chambered in.30-30 Winchester for hunting smaller game
- Accurate and reliable
- Modern design and features
Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity (6 rounds)
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as some other options
Conclusion
Choosing the best lever action rifle depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a classic design and a reliable rifle for hunting large game, the Winchester Model 1886 may be the best option. If you’re looking for a more modern design and a rifle for hunting smaller game, the Marlin Model 336 or Mossberg Model 464 may be a better choice. If you’re looking for a rifle for historical reenactments or cowboy action shooting, the Uberti 1873 Cattleman may be the way to go.
Final Thoughts
Lever action rifles are a staple of American firearms history, and there are many great options available. When choosing the best lever action rifle, consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the pros and cons of each rifle. With the right rifle, you’ll be ready for any hunting or self-defense situation that comes your way.