Are lever-actions classic or outdated?

[BenJ]

I've been wondering if lever-action rifles still hold up today. They're great for hunting and ranch work, but how do they compare to my modern bolt or semi-autos in practicality and performance?

 

[WAYNO]

It's all personal preference.
I very much appreciate quality lever guns. They are practical for me, as I have extensive experience with them. And performance? For a brush gun, such a carbine is extremely handy. I've shot a lot of deer with a .30-30. They were every bit as dead as those I've shot with an ought-six. For more extreme distances, yes, a scope mounted bolt gun can be a better choice.

 

[Daven11]

Lever-actions still hold their own, they are and perfect for close to mid-range hunting. They won't match bolt or semi-auto long-range precision, but for practicality and rugged use, they're tough to beat

 

[BenJ]

It's all personal preference.
I very much appreciate quality lever guns. They are practical for me, as I have extensive experience with them. And performance? For a brush gun, such a carbine is extremely handy. I've shot a lot of deer with a .30-30. They were every bit as dead as those I've shot with an ought-six. For more extreme distances, yes, a scope mounted bolt gun can be a better choice.

yeah lever-actions shine in close to mid-range hunting and thick brush. I've always liked their speed and handling. Do you ever run scoped lever rifles for longer shots, or stick classic?

 

[BenJ]

Lever-actions still hold their own, they are and perfect for close to mid-range hunting. They won't match bolt or semi-auto long-range precision, but for practicality and rugged use, they're tough to beat

I slightly disagree, while lever-actions are rugged, I feel modern bolts or semi-autos offer more versatility and precision, even at mid-range. Still, I appreciate their classic charm

 

[WAYNO]

yeah lever-actions shine in close to mid-range hunting and thick brush. I've always liked their speed and handling. Do you ever run scoped lever rifles for longer shots, or stick classic?

With very few exceptions, I do not scope a lever gun. What makes a lever gun shine is quickly undone by mounting a scope.
And, I often bring a lever gun as a backup for nasty conditions. When I can't use a scope on a bolt gun because of rain or fog, the lever gun with open or aperture sights is right on target. Pun intended.

 

[BenJ]

With very few exceptions, I do not scope a lever gun. What makes a lever gun shine is quickly undone by mounting a scope.
And, I often bring a lever gun as a backup for nasty conditions. When I can't use a scope on a bolt gun because of rain or fog, the lever gun with open or aperture sights is right on target. Pun intended.

Absolutely, lever guns really shine with their speed and simplicity, and nothing beats open or aperture sights in messy weather...scopes can slow you down in conditions like that

 

[A11mo$t]

Yup on the lever gun. Actually my favorite rifle is my Marlin 1895. If I'm hunting it's in the bush / forest so all is close range. A scope is just more weight and snags more stuff. Thanks for this thread as a reminder that I need to make up some more rounds for it.

 

[Rida]

Lever-actions still shine for hunting and ranch work, for long-range or max precision I prefer bolts or semis, but levers are dependable

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

Classic, not out dated.

 

[Gary]

Hold your horses! Lever-actions are fast and handy for the brush, pure fun but your modern bolt or semi-auto delivers way better long-range precision and performance, choose your tool

 

[Daven11]

You want nostalgia and quick brush hunting? Lever gun, all day. You want precision and a big ol' scope? Get the bolt-action, pardner. You want to look tacti-cool? That semi-auto's your huckleberry

 

[Mac Gowan]

I think levers are a great thing. But I did have a 44 mag and a 30-30 lever. Both failed to easily load through the side gate. I'll stick with my 39s and a 94/22 for now. But if I see a 41 or 357 mag lever....

 

[MisterEd]

I've been wondering if lever-action rifles still hold up today. They're great for hunting and ranch work, but how do they compare to my modern bolt or semi-autos in practicality and performance?

What your thread title should have said was, 'Are lever-actions PRACTICAL or outdated?'

Historically speaking LA rifles are 'classic' in the formal sense but as far as how do they 'hold up' or 'compare' to modern bolt or semi autos the answer is they hold up as far as practicality and performance the answer is FANTASTIC - depending on the particular rifle, it's caliber and what the owner plans on using it for.

As far as quality this depends on the rifle. I have a 125 year old Winchester Mod 94 that is as solid and smooth as most ANY quality LA rifle made today. Bottom line is MOST of the well known, name brands are going to be good to excellent quality, with probably older ones being a little better.

Another part of the LA rifle 'equation' is how the owner 'regards' LA rifles. If he/she respects them as an enduring part of classic American firearm history, and how they 'fit' into modern gun culture, understands how they function, their advantages, disadvantages - and 'flaws' well then one will probably have a good 'relationship' with LA rifles.

However if one regards them as NOTHING more than a 'replacement' for something they can no longer own, believe they should be 'modernized' or turned into something 'tacticool' with black stocks, M-lock forearms, add on toys and other junk well, well count me out.

Basically the same rifles but 67 years apart!

 

[A11mo$t]

I love the brass. Mine would have a green tinted patina but be usable for today's powder. I love cycling a few rounds from the 45-70. After that I have lost the desire. Only one round is needed.

My joke is if I miss I just go club it into the hole the round made. Absolutely no scope.

 

[MisterEd]

I love the brass.

If you are referring to the one on the left it is NOT brass but a gold washed receiver & end cap.

It is a 1966 100 Year Commemorative!

 

[A11mo$t]

Gold is good.

 

[MisterEd]

Gold is good.

But not too durable as a finish.

A few edges of the receiver are worn down to the bare steel from handling and use over the years. These weren't really intended to be handled and shot - but a LOT of the Commemoratives are now a days.

 

[4th_point]

I think levers are a great thing. But I did have a 44 mag and a 30-30 lever. Both failed to easily load through the side gate. I'll stick with my 39s and a 94/22 for now. But if I see a 41 or 357 mag lever....

FYI - Henry sells a 357 and 41 with side gate and removable tube mag.

 

[MisterEd]

FYI - Henry sells a 357 and 41 with side gate and removable tube mag.

And because of this one MIGHT be able to find 'earlier' (non side gate) Henry's for a good price but don't let that be an issue.

I have a earlier non side gate Henry .357 and NEVER gave it a thought when I bought it. AND previously to the Henry I owned a Winchester Mod 94 "Trapper' in .357 and quite frankly loading a SIDE GATE PISTOL CALIBER rifle is actually a little more difficult than a side gate RIFLE Caliber - such as a .30-30. Loading the shorter pistol rounds in a side gate can be tedious and sometimes results in a finger pinch due to the shortness of them.

Yea, I read all the BS about 'Well, ya can't reload them fast enough for (this and that)' but reality being what it is a tube load PISTOL CALIBER cartridge rifle loads pretty easy (and fairly quickly) if need be but when would one really need to reload a lever action rifle that quickly?

On the 'flip side' however I would NOT own a TUBE FEED RIFLE CALIBER lever action as I CAN see where loading the longer rounds in one would be a bit more difficult however with a little practice loading pistol rounds in a tube feed is pretty easy and quick.