And we have a couple interesting and innovative newcomers in the mix. Henry is still innovating hard and trotting out new models in new cartridges, like the 360 Buckhammer. Under Ruger’s ownership, Marlin seems poised to flourish. In those years it seemed only Henry was making quality lever guns in meaningful numbers, but things have taken a turn for the better. A couple years back, Remington screwed the pooch with Marlin and those were some dark days indeed. The good-actually, great-news here is that we’re seeing more lever actions made with each passing year. Beyond my hands-on experience with the rifles over the years, however, many of them are no-brainers based on their well-documented history and legacy. With the exception of the rifles that have just been announced, I’ve shot, handled, and/or owned all the models listed. This list is divided into those guns that are being currently produced (or soon-to-be) in significant numbers and those that are either specialty orders or that must be sought out on the used gun market. How I Picked the Best Lever Action Rifles Nearly all quality lever actions command a premium. Though if you have a hankering for one of the old-time classics, there are plenty to be had on the used market. I tilted this list of the best lever action rifles in favor of those you can order new. Do you focus on the best of all time, which is a great for us nostalgic sorts, or do you talk about great lever action rifles that you can buy new? (Though given some of the lingering shortages, it might be more accurate to say the lever guns you can put yourself on a waiting listing for.) Writing about the top lever action rifles is a bit tricky. Lever guns always have been and always will be cool, though they will never again be cheap, nor-barring divine intervention-will they ever again be produced in Gun Valley. Second, because I grew up just outside New Haven, Conn., the historic home to Marlin and Winchester, they were my hometown guns. When I was a kid, there were three reasons I wanted a lever action rifle.
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