Top Lever Action Rifle Brands: Aiming for Excellence

Lever action rifles have long been cherished by hunters, sport shooters, and collectors for their nostalgic appeal and trusty performance. The timeless design, coupled with modern innovations, has led to the emergence of some of the finest brands in the firearms industry. Companies such as Winchester, Marlin, and Henry Repeating Arms are renowned for producing high-quality lever action rifles that enthusiasts swear by. If you're interested in exploring a detailed list of the best brands for lever action rifles, read on to discover more.

Illustration of lever action rifles

Best brands of lever action rifles in 2025

Winchester

Winchester, established in 1866, is a renowned American manufacturer of lever-action rifles, with iconic models like the 1873, "The Gun That Won the West," and the Model 1894, the first sporting rifle in the U.S. to sell a million units and with a total of over seven million produced by 2006; these rifles, developed from the Henry rifle, feature a lever-action mechanism, a tubular magazine, and are chambered in various cartridges like the .44-40, .30-30, and .45-70, demonstrating their wide range of use from the Civil War to hunting. Although production moved to Japan, their classic designs remain highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Marlin

Marlin, now owned by Ruger since 2020, is a legendary American firearms manufacturer with a history dating back to 1872, known for producing some of the best lever-action rifles, including the popular models 336 and 1895. With Ruger's acquisition, Marlin promises improved quality and precision through modern manufacturing processes. Marlin has been a dominant seller of lever-action rifles since the 1980s, and the reintroduced Marlin 336 even received an Editor's Choice award in 2023. The new Ruger-made Marlin rifles feature enhanced fit and finish, smoother actions, and tighter tolerances, while still retaining the classic design elements, with models like the 1895 SBL becoming highly sought after. You can explore their current offerings at Marlin Firearms website.

Henry Repeating Arms

Henry Repeating Arms, founded in 1996, is a top-tier American firearms manufacturer, notably recognized as the leading producer of lever-action rifles, with their first model being the H001 Classic Lever Action .22; the company has sold over one million of this model and is among the top five long-gun manufacturers in the U.S., producing over 300,000 firearms annually, and offers a diverse catalog of over 200 models. They are also known for their commitment to quality, American-made products, and have a reputation for excellent customer service, offering a lifetime warranty for their products. You can find more information about their products on their official website.

Browning

Browning stands as a premier manufacturer of lever-action rifles, notably with the BLR model which started full production in 1971, initially in Belgium, before moving to Japan in 1973, and has since offered variations like the Lightweight '81 and Lightning models, chambering a wide range of calibers from .22-250 to .450 Marlin with a detachable box magazine that allows for the use of spitzer bullets; the BLR series has been in production for over 50 years and is known for its reliability, handsome design, and accuracy. You can explore their current models here.

Mossberg

Mossberg, a notable firearms manufacturer since 1919, produces the Model 464 lever-action rifle, which was introduced in 2008, available in .30-30 Winchester and .22 Long Rifle calibers, featuring a tang safety and a design reminiscent of classic lever guns. While the centerfire .30-30 version may be discontinued, the rimfire version remains attractive to many. Mossberg's lever actions are considered a modern take on the traditional "cowboy gun," and currently, the global rifle market is valued at $3.08 billion in 2024, with a projected growth of 5.76% to $4.32 billion by 2030. You can find more information about the Mossberg lever-action rifles.

Rossi

Rossi, a Brazilian firearms manufacturer established in 1889, is a highly regarded producer of lever-action rifles, particularly the R92 model, which is inspired by the classic Winchester 1892. It offers a smooth action and is available in various calibers, such as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, with barrel lengths ranging from 16 to 24 inches. The R95 model, available in .30-30 Winchester and .45-70, is also popular for hunting and cowboy action shooting due to their reliability and classic design. Rossi's lever-action rifles are considered great value, often priced below comparable models from other manufacturers while maintaining high quality and great fit and finish. Favored by collectors and practical shooters alike, these rifles are known for their compatibility with aftermarket parts, increasing their customizability. They continue to gain popularity, with training classes popping up across the country for shooters who want to get the most from their rifles.

Uberti

Uberti, established in 1959, is a renowned Italian manufacturer of high-quality replica firearms, particularly lever-action rifles, meticulously recreating classic Old West designs with modern materials and precision. The company offers over 50 different configurations for their popular 1873 model, which is a favorite among Cowboy Action Shooting competitors and is considered to be better than the originals in terms of function and durability. Known for their historical accuracy, although some models may require tuning to achieve optimal performance, Uberti's products are a top choice for enthusiasts seeking authentic reproductions.

Pedersoli

Davide Pedersoli, established in 1957, is renowned for producing high-quality lever-action rifles, with the Model 1886 series considered one of the best ever made, featuring forged and CNC machined frames for superior durability and accuracy. Models like the Boarbuster are known for their robust design, often chambered in powerful calibers such as .45-70 and .444 Marlin, while also winning medals in international competitions; Pedersoli leverages historical research to create faithful replicas with modern enhancements, offering a blend of tradition and technology. Some models even boast a 10-round magazine capacity, showcasing their commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Taylor's & Company

Taylor's & Company, founded in 1988, is a well-regarded producer of lever-action rifles, focusing on historically accurate reproductions with modern manufacturing enhancements. They offer models like the 1873 and 1892, some featuring a 16-inch barrel and a 10 round capacity. Their products are often imported from Italy, while some models are 100% made in the USA. The company’s commitment to quality and customer service is evident in their wide selection of firearms and spare parts, allowing enthusiasts to truly “Keep the Legend Alive.”

Chiappa Firearms

Chiappa Firearms, established in 1958, is an Italian company that is a world leader in firearm production, with an annual production of approximately 60,000 units, known for its high-quality lever-action rifles, including modern interpretations of the Winchester 1886 and 1892 designs, offered in various calibers, like .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45-70 Gov't. Among their models, the Wildlands series is notable for its takedown design, providing convenient transport and enhanced modern features. The Chiappa 1892 series rifles are considered some of the best Winchester-based lever actions on the market, with the 16" Trapper Skinner carbine being a very popular model.