Gun Tests has evaluated many lever-action rifles and shotguns in various chamberings over the last few years, and we’ve often NOT liked some market favorites because we’re able to shoot several side by side, which shows the deficiencies and strengths of each firearm.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled our Top Ten Lever-Action Rifles list below. We haven’t tested every rifle on the market, of course, so we’ll be interested to see which one is your favorite in the comments below. As always, prices reflect what we paid for the gun at the time of the test. Expect the prices of new or used guns to be different. — Todd Woodard
10 Henry Lever Action Brass Axe H018BAH-410 .410 Bore 2.5 in., $1100 (September 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Axe is well made with a smooth-operating lever. Recoil was minimal due to the weight. Shooting it two handed was easy especially with the large brass front bead. This gun is a blast to shoot and offers both limited defense use and the ability to dispatch varmints in the hen house.
9 Henry Golden Boy Model H004 22 S/L/LR, $500 (February 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Golden Boy Henry shines, in our opinion. It is heavy and has a very smooth operating lever. The angle of the stock was not as comfortable as some shooters would have liked. This was Our Pick in this test.
8 Marlin Model 1894 Classic 70401 44 Special/44 Rem. Magnum, $1019 (July 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Ruger took a great rifle and made it better. Ruger has shown outstanding judgment in placing Skinner Sights on a number of their lever guns. We’d love to see them come from the factory on this model.
7 Smith & Wesson Model 1854 13812 44 Special/44 Rem. Magnum, $1279 (July 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The S&W Model 1854 had the better factory trigger and sights, but proved to be a little more choosey about what ammo it liked. It’s an updated version of a tried-and-true lever-action rifle.
6 Winchester Model 1892 357 Magnum, $1500 (September 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Your personal requirements should make choosing between these two obvious. Both rifles handled and shot well. The Winchester can’t accept an optical sight Marlin 1894, but if you want a beautiful, modern version of a classic, buy it.
5 Marlin Model 1894 357 Magnum, ~$1200 (September 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
This is a light, quick handling rifle. It has Micro-Groove rifling that could present problems for those wishing to shoot soft lead bullets, but there is a solution. If you want to use optics, the Marlin 1894 should be your choice.
4 Henry All-Weather Lever Action H010AW 45-70 Gov’t., $810 (May 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The All-Weather Henry is a rifle that yearns to be hunted with and hunted hard. It is easy to tote and fast to shoulder. The magazine tube was easy to load, and the lever was comfortable to cycle quickly. The open sights were good, and wood-to-metal fit was very good. This was the Best Buy in this particular test.
3 Winchester Model 1886 Extra Light 534053142 45-70 Gov’t, ~$1600 (June-July 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Extra Light is a variant on the classic 1886 with modern features. The trigger could have been better. Accuracy was good despite the old-school sights.
2 Taylor’s & Co. 1886 Takedown Ridge Runner LC1/220090 45-70 Gov’t, $1742 (June-July 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Ridge Runner Takedown is modern take on the classic Winchester 1886 with a muzzle compensator, rubber buttplate, and sighting options galore. Price is steep.
1 Rossi R95 954570201 45-70 Gov’t, $645 (June-July 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A [BEST BUY]
The R95 is a rugged 45-70 at a great price. It is accurate, comes optics ready, and can be customized. We’d buy this one for sure.
OTHER MODELS
Note: Older firearms in this listicle may still be available as NIB products or as used guns.
Taylor’s & Co. 1886 Journey LC1/210317 45-70 Gov’t, $1953 (June-July 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
A modern take on the 1886. The sight rail was odd, but the adjustable stock allowed better use of an optic. For the cost, we would want a muzzle brake, too.
Rossi Rio Bravo RL22181WD 22 LR, $300 (February 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Bravo to the Rio Bravo. The rifle was accurate, lightweight, and had a smooth-cycling lever. This rifle is traditionally styled in wood and blued metal for plinking or small-game hunting and comes in at a good price. This was the Best Buy in this test.
Chiappa LA322 Standard Carbine 920.383 22 LR, $290 (February 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: D
The LA322 had several failures to feed and showed some soft firing-pin hits. When we could get it to run, it ran well, but we don’t have a lot of confidence in this rifle.
Browning BL-22 Grade I 024100103 22 S/L/LR, $700 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Browning BL-22 rifle is iconic and delivered on its reputation. The short-stroke lever makes follow-up shots fast. The fit and finish was superb, and that is reflected in the cost. Accuracy was the best of the three rifles tested. Trigger pull could have been lighter.
Henry Classic Lever Action 22 H001 22 S/L/LR, $386 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Classic 22 Lever Henry is well made, fun to shoot and inexpensive. Accuracy was good, and the lever is silky smooth to operate.
Marlin Model 1895SBL 45-70 Gov’t., $1108 (May 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The 1895SBL elevates the 45-70 lever action to a more modern and useful carbine. The finish and stock were excellent, accuracy was good, and we liked the options to mount a scope. This was Our Pick in this particular test.
Taylor’s & Co. 1886/71 Classic Rifle Model RIF/S740.457 45-70 Gov’t., $1836 (May 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Taylor’s 1886/71 rifle is a nice clone of the original Winchester Model 71. Accuracy was good. The wood-to-metal fit could have been a tad better considering the cost of the rifle.
Taylor’s & Co. Scout RIF/2045 22 LR, $594 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Taylor’s Scout is styled after a resized Winchester Model 1873. The accuracy was good, and we liked the option of adding an optic. The silver-finish receiver gives the Scout a striking look. We did need to manage the lever to ensure we didn’t short-stroke the rifle. Good option if you like the look of the Winchester ‘73 rifle.
Henry Lever Action X Model H010X 45-70 Government, $817 (August 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
We really liked the improved sights and the addition of the side-loading gate. Accuracy was good, but it wouldn’t handle longer handloads.
Marlin Model 1895G 70462 45-70 Government, $633 (August 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The “Guide Gun” moniker says it all — short, easy to maneuver, fast and powerful. This rifle’s accuracy surprised us in a very good way.
Browning High Wall 45-70 Government, $1100 (August 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Very good accuracy and the flexibility to shoot modern, long-loaded cartridges make this rifle viable at a lot more than the 150-yard maximum range everyone seems to think about with a 45-70.
