Lever-Actions That Built The West But Still Outperform Modern Guns

Above, a vintage Winchester 1894 advertisement.

When I was looking for a pre-64 Winchester 94 to buy around 10 years ago, I didn't hear much about lever-action rifles of any make. It wasn't that I didn't pay attention, I was. 

Then, in April 2019, I found a Winchester 94 that met my criteria and bought it. I haven't regretted that purchase.

Since then, it seems that lever-action rifles have made a resurgence in popularity. Along with that, prices surged for them. Sometimes I get the feeling that my purchase ignited the resurgence making me a trend-setter.

The Avid Outdoorsman posted about 20 lever-action rifles that "built the west" and still outperform modern guns. 

They begin with:

Every few years somebody decides the lever gun is “back,” like it ever left. You’ll see tactical handguards, red dots, and big-loop levers selling a lifestyle. Meanwhile, the plain lever-actions that fed families, guarded wagons, and rode in scabbards are still doing what they’ve always done: carrying easy, cycling fast, and putting a real-world bullet where it needs to go.

Are they perfect? No. Tube magazines are slower to top off, some designs are picky about overall cartridge length, and you’re not mounting night vision without turning the rifle into something it wasn’t meant to be. But for woods hunting, ranch carry, and “grab it and go” practicality, these rifles still embarrass a lot of modern stuff that’s heavier, fussier, and less friendly in the hand.

 To read more, go here.