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SHOP NOWThis video breaks down a ranked list of notable lever action rifles available today. The hosts focus on historical roots, modern features, and practical field use.
The hosts open by talking about an appreciation for historic firearms and the appeal of modernizing classic designs. They explain that the video will cover their top five lever action rifles available in 2023, focusing on guns that are more modern and readily obtainable rather than rare antiques. Lever actions are framed as a bridge between old-fashioned rifles and contemporary use, with the discussion centering on models that keep traditional character while adding practical updates. With that context, they begin counting down the list, starting at number five.
At number five is the Winchester 1873, described as the classic “gun that won the West.” The hosts note that Winchester marketed it alongside the single-action Army revolver, and that it was offered in a wide variety of calibers. They highlight how lever actions historically evolved from rimfire to more powerful centerfire cartridges, with Winchester playing a major role in that development. Original 1873 rifles are still available but can cost around $10,000 or more, depending on condition. Modern-production Winchester 1873s are now made in Japan at the Miroku factory, but retain the original design and reliability, along with the expected Winchester build quality.
The number four slot goes to the Rossi R92, a Brazilian-made lever gun based on the Winchester 1892, itself a scaled-down version of the 1886. The Rossi is presented as an affordable way to get into a .357 Magnum lever action, with caliber options including .38 Special/.357 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .44 Magnum. Barrel lengths of 16, 22, or 24 inches are mentioned, along with different sight and finish configurations. The hosts reference the Winchester 1892’s pop culture presence, such as the modified rifle used in the TV series “The Rifleman,” which was set up to fire every time it was cycled, and its association with John Wayne, who often used an 1892 with a large loop lever and distinctive top ejection in western films.
They then focus on how the Rossi R92 illustrates the modernization of lever actions. The example shown has a threaded barrel fitted with a SilencerCo suppressor. Sight options include traditional buckhorn sights or a ghost ring rear sight paired with a Picatinny rail, allowing the mounting of red dots or other optics for faster shooting. The rifle features a gray laminate stock and forend, and an oversized lever loop wrapped to protect the shooter’s hand during rapid cycling. The hosts emphasize that these updates—optics compatibility, improved sights, and ergonomic lever treatment—demonstrate how a classic lever-action pattern can be adapted to contemporary shooting needs without losing its traditional character.
The number three pick is the Henry .45-70 All-Weather, shown in the Picatinny rail configuration. The hosts describe running this rifle hard at an event and note how quickly it can be fired once the shooter learns the rhythm of cycling the action and pressing the trigger. The All-Weather treatment is intended for harsh conditions such as snow, rain, and backcountry use, with materials and finish chosen to resist rust and degradation. One host relates it to Jeff Cooper’s scout rifle concept: a tough, portable rifle with enough power for reasonable distances, roughly 300–400 yards, typically paired with a low-power optic. The Henry’s rail supports magnified optics or red dots, and the .45-70 chambering is characterized as suitable for most North American game with proper shot placement. Features include a slightly oversized lever for gloved use, a ghost ring rear sight with a front post, a side loading gate to avoid removing the magazine tube, and an ammunition cuff on the stock holding extra .45-70 rounds. The side gate is also appreciated for keeping hands away from the muzzle and reducing the chance of debris entering the tube in the field.
At number two is the Marlin 1895 SBL, which the hosts compare directly to the Henry .45-70 All-Weather. Both are .45-70 lever actions with side loading gates, ghost ring rear sights, and long Picatinny rails for mounting red dots or magnified optics. The Marlin 1895 SBL stands out with its stainless finish and darker stained wood that still shows visible grain, giving it a more refined appearance than the Henry’s flat black stock and matte finish. Capacity is discussed, with the Marlin noted as holding about one more round than the Henry, often described as 6+1, while the Henry’s tube is advertised at four rounds even though more can sometimes be forced in by compressing the spring. The example Marlin shown is an older, non-threaded model produced before Ruger’s takeover of Marlin; newer versions add a threaded barrel. The hosts prefer the Marlin’s sight setup, citing a more robust ghost ring and a front sight with a white reference mark that offers better contrast against dark targets compared to the Henry’s plain black front post.
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