Are lever-actions classic or outdated?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