The Best Lever-Action Rifles of 2026

Above, the 100,000th Buffalo Bill Commemorative Winchester 94
 on display at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lever-action rifles have made a huge comeback in the firearms market. Their popularity seemed to climb in the seven years since I bought my used 1962 Winchester 94 in .30-30. Sometimes I wonder if I caused this trend. But before I bought it, I had been on the lookout for one for a while. 

Whether they be old used classics or new modern lever-action rifles, it doesn't seem to make any difference. I am glad I bought mine before prices went through the roof following the 2020 pandemic.

Outdoor Life has posted a list of the best new and classic lever-action rifles of 2026.

They begin it with:

When I was a kid, there were three reasons I wanted a lever action rifle. First, they were cool. Second, because I grew up just outside New Haven, Conn., the historic home to Marlin and Winchester, they were my hometown guns. Third, they were cheap.

Only one of these things is still true. 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.

Writing about the top lever action rifles is a bit tricky. Do you focus on the best of all time, which is great for us nostalgic sorts, or do you talk about great lever action rifles that you can buy new?

I tilted this list of the best lever action rifles in favor of those you can order new. Though if you have a hankering for one of the old-time classics, there are plenty to be had on the used market. Just don’t expect to find any bargains. Nearly all quality lever actions command a premium.

 To read more, go here.