Lever-action rifles play a notable role in American history, with the Winchester Model 1873 widely recognized as the “Gun That Won The West.” But lever guns aren’t just historical artifacts. A whole new generation—“modern” lever actions—are now being marketed by a number of manufacturers, and they combine the historic action with plenty of modern features to put a smile on any shooter’s face—young, old, or in between.
Modern Lever Guns Worth a Look
When you see these new-age lever guns, you can quickly identify them as lever-action. However, when you see polymer stocks, stainless actions, and even threaded barrels, you might just wonder what you’re looking at! While several companies are producing modern lever-action rifles, we think these three are good choices for those shopping for such a gun.
Three To Consider
Boar Buster Apocalypse
Pedersoli’s Boar Buster Apocalypse is one of those guns that might make you do a double-take. The gun’s modern aesthetics and functional elements merge with the classic lines of a Western-style gun, pleasing both new and seasoned lever-action fans alike.
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The gun features a polymer buttstock and fore end, with leather-covered inserts on the fore end and pistol grip, along with an adjustable cheekpiece. The fore end has M-Lok mounting slots for attaching various accessories.
One of the things that makes the gun especially attractive is that it is chambered in .45-70, a cartridge that can easily take down any animal on the North American continent.
SPD HUSH Series
The SPD HUSH Series rifles come from Henry’s Special Products Division (SPD), a collaborative hub dedicated to advancing firearms design and technology. Henry calls it the “ultimate suppressor host.” It uses a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel around a steel liner, rather than a traditional steel barrel, to reduce weight.
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The buttstock is laminated wood, and the carbon-fiber fore end includes M-Lok slots on both sides and the bottom for attaching accessories. The barrel is threaded for suppressor use. These lever-action rifles are available in all the classic lever-action chamberings, including .357 Mag., .44 Mag., .45 Colt, .30-30 Win., and .45-70.
1854 Stealth Hunter
The 1854 Stealth Hunter from Smith & Wesson offers an extended Picatinny rail for mounting optics—an increasingly popular option for lever guns these days. A new fore end with 15 M-Lok slots allows mounting additional accessories, and it features a HIVIZ H3 front sight designed for superior visibility in both low-light and daylight conditions. The rear sight is an XS ghost-ring sight that is adjustable for both windage and elevation.
Other features include a synthetic stock and a stainless steel barrel and action.
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