Lever action rifles are some of the most iconic firearms ever made. Fans of the platform have used them for everything from hunting to cowboy-action competitions. And their reliable action and classic looks have kept them relevant for well over a century.
As you’d suspect, most of them lack the modern comforts found on rifles today. However, the advent of tactical lever action rifles has changed that. By mixing old and new designs, they’re now more flexible than ever, offering an experience that’s hard to replicate.
What is a Tactical Lever Action Rifle?
In short, a tactical lever action rifle is one that’s been equipped with more modern components. These can include aluminum or reinforced polymer handguards instead of stocks. The handguards often have either M-LOK or picatinny mounts for accessories. And the rifles themselves can feature upper picatinny rails for optics. All these upgrades make it easier to personalize your rifle, resulting in a build that feels familiar but has some added comforts.
Tactical Lever Action Rifle Calibers
Lever action rifles can be chambered in a wide range of calibers, and each one suits different needs. Traditional options like .45-70 and .30-30 remain popular choices and have proven themselves in the field countless times. Newer calibers like .360 Buckhammer can reach out farther thanks to their added muzzle velocity. And .450 Bushmaster and .350 Legend are solid, hard-hitting hunting cartridges too.
Lever actions can also chamber pistol cartridges like .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Long Colt. These have much less felt recoil, making them easier and more comfortable to shoot. Plus, their smaller size usually gives the rifle a greater magazine capacity too.
Which Caliber Should You Choose
Picking out a caliber ultimately comes down to how you plan to use your rifle. For hunting large game, .30-30, .45-70, and .360 Buckhammer are all strong choices. They offer reliable stopping power and are easy to find. For small to medium game though, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Long Colt are much better for the job.
For recreational shooting, any of the calibers mentioned above will work well. That said, .357 Magnum and .45 Long are more affordable than larger lever-action calibers, and they’re easier to find in bulk. If you’re on a budget, .22LR is, by far, the best low-cost possibility. It’s great for an enjoyable afternoon at the range, it doesn’t break the bank, and we can’t recommend it enough.
And while none of these are tactical rifle cartridges per se, they’re far from obsolete.
Best Lever Action Rifles for Tactical Use
Given their long history, there are a lot of high-quality rifles to choose from. Well-known manufacturers like Henry, Winchester, Marlin, and Rossi all offer exceptional rifles.
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Furniture | Threaded Barrel? | Optic Ready? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Model X | Big Boy X: .45 Colt, .357 Mag, .44 Mag Lever Action X: .45‑70, .30‑30, .360 Buckhammer | Big Boy X: 17.4 or 19.8 inches Lever Action X: 21.375 inches | Synthetic M‑LOK handguard and stock | Yes | No; requires an aftermarket rail |
| Winchester Model 94 & 1886 | Model 94: .30‑30, .450 Marlin. Model 1886: .45‑70. | Model 94: 20 or 24 inches Model 1886: 22 or 24 inches | Wooden handguard and stock | No | No; requires an aftermarket rail |
| Marlin Dark Series | .45‑70, .30‑30, .44 Rem Mag, .357 Mag | 16.7 inches | Reinforced nylon M‑LOK handguard and stock | Yes | Yes |
| Rossi R95 / R92 Triple Black | R95: .30‑30 or .45‑70. R92: .45 Colt, .44 Mag, .357 Mag. | R95: 16.5, 20, or 22 inches R92: 16.5 inches | Wooden handguard and stock | Yes | Yes |
Henry Repeating Arms
Henry Repeating Arms is one of the most popular lever action manufacturers around. Their Model X line is a top choice for tactical builds, and it comes in two main variants: the Big Boy X and Lever Action X.
The Big Boy X comes chambered in .45 Long Colt, .357 Magnum, or .44 Magnum, and it comes with either a 17.4- or 19.8-inch barrel. The Lever Action X has a longer 21.375-inch barrel and is chambered in larger calibers like .45-70, .30-30, and .360 Buckhammer. Both come with a black synthetic stock and M-LOK handguard that pairs well with their blued receivers. They also come with fully adjustable rear sights, fiber optic front sights, and factory threaded barrels.
Henry’s Model X rifles are basically ready for anything straight from the factory. Although they don’t come with an upper picatinny rail for optics, there are a lot of quality aftermarket ones available. Plus, being priced around $850, dialing in your setup isn’t a hassle.
Winchester
Winchester is one of the oldest and most trusted names in firearms. And their Model 94 and Model 1886 lever actions have earned a strong reputation over the years.
The Model 94 was first introduced in 1894 and is still one of their most popular rifles. It’s available in .30-30 and .450 Marlin, and it comes standard with wooden furniture and adjustable iron sights. They also come with either a 20- or 24-inch barrel. The Model 1886 shares many qualities in common, but its larger frame supports bigger calibers like .45-70. And they’re available with 22- and 24-inch barrels. Both rifles are excellent, classic lever actions that are great for hunting. But features like threaded barrels, M-LOK handguards, and adjustable stocks aren’t factory options.
Both rifles are known for their exceptional durability and reliability. There are aftermarket stocks and handguards available for them too. However, if you want a threaded barrel, you’ll need to send it off to a gunsmith. Also, these rifles are more premium than the others in this list, with them priced around $1,000 to $1,600.
Marlin
Marlin has been in the lever action game for well over a century. And their Dark Series rifles have become some of the brand’s most popular offerings. They are an excellent choice for both hunters and recreational shooters, and they come fully equipped for tactical use right out of the box.
The Dark Series is currently available in .45-70 and .30-30, with .44 Magnum and .357 Magnum models in development. These rifles have an adjustable stock with a rubber recoil pad, and a nylon-reinforced M-LOK handguard. Their fiber optic sights and adjustable tritium ghost rings allow for precise aiming. And they have upper picatinny rail for optics, as well as a threaded barrel.
These rifles come with everything you need for a tactical build. On top of that, they’re a solid pick for hunting and recreational shooting. Hovering around the $1,000 price point, the Dark Series is hard to beat.
Rossi
Rossi has built a strong name for producing quality rifles at prices that are easy on the wallet. Their R95 Triple Black and R92 Triple Black are both solid picks for a tactical lever action build.
The R95 is available in .30-30 or .45-70 and comes with a choice of 16.5-, 20-, or 22-inch barrels. The R92 is a more compact choice chambered in .45 Long Colt, .44 Magnum, or .357 Magnum. Both rifles are available in Rossi’s Triple Black configuration. They come with upgraded furniture, upper picatinny rails, enhanced sights, a big loop with a paracord wrap, and a threaded barrel.
One thing to note is that there is currently no Triple Black variant in .45-70. But that shouldn’t stop you from picking one up. Priced around $900 to $1,000, they’re a great pick.
Building a Tactical Lever Action Rifle
If you own a lever action, converting it into a tactical setup is possible. The parts aftermarket is massive, with high-quality options to choose from.
The most important upgrades to start with are the stock and handguard. Magpul’s ELG stock is comfortable and has an adjustable cheek riser. Their ELG handguard is M-LOK compatible too, making accessory mounting easy. And, since they’re made of polymer, they’re fairly lightweight.
Midwest Industries is another strong option for both stocks and handguards. MI stocks are rigid and reliable. They’re made from aluminum and have adjustable cheek risers and rubber recoil pads. Their handguards are just as well-made and come with full-length M-LOK slots. Some of them even have built-in upper picatinny rails, so you won’t need to buy one separate.
No matter which parts you choose, be sure to that they’re compatible with your specific rifle model. Taking the time to research your options will help you build a rifle that works exactly as intended.
Conclusion
The lever action rifle remains one of the most iconic platforms ever made. And tactical lever action builds take their adaptability to new heights. Whether you prefer to build or buy, you’ll have a unique rifle that blends tradition with the adaptability of a modern one.
Finally, no rifle is complete without a good optic. Our guide on the best red dot sights for lever action rifles covers the top makes and models that pair exceptionally well with these guns.
