Lever-Action Rifles are here to stay

by Alek Olson

Lever action rifles have been an iconic part of American firearm history since their inception in the 1800s. They were designed for hunting, and combat use and later became popular with cowboys and other frontiersmen. Today, lever-action rifles are still growing in popularity among enthusiasts across the globe.

Origin

The first lever-action rifles were developed in the mid-19th century. The earliest example was the Colt Paterson, a lever-action rifle designed by Samuel Colt and introduced in 1837. However, it was not a commercial success and only a few hundred were produced.

The first successful lever-action rifle was the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company's lever-action rifle, which was introduced in 1855. This rifle used a lever to cycle the action, which allowed for faster firing than the traditional single-shot rifles of the time. The Volcanic Rifle was also the first firearm to use self-contained cartridges, which further increased its efficiency and accuracy.

The Volcanic Rifle was later improved upon by Benjamin Tyler Henry, who developed the Henry Rifle in 1860. The Henry Rifle was a lever action rifle that used a brass-framed receiver and was chambered in .44 caliber rimfire. It was also the first rifle to use a tubular magazine, which allowed for quicker loading and firing than the earlier Volcanic Rifle. This was groundbreaking innovation in its day.

The Henry Rifle was used by Union soldiers during the Civil War, and its superior firepower and accuracy were credited with turning the tide of several battles. Some say that the Henry Rifle won the north. However, it was also expensive to produce and difficult to maintain, which limited its widespread adoption.

Winchester

The ubiquitous success of the Henry Rifle inspired other inventors to create their own lever-action rifles. One of the most successful was the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, which was founded in 1866 by Oliver Winchester. The company's first lever action rifle was the Model 1866, which was a direct descendant of the Henry Rifle.

The Model 1866 was chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire and had a capacity of 15 rounds in its tubular magazine. It was widely used by cowboys, lawmen, and settlers in the American West, and became known as the "Yellow Boy" because of its distinctive brass receiver.

The Model 1866 was followed by a series of Winchester lever action rifles, including the Model 1873, which was chambered in .44-40 Winchester and became known as the "Gun that Won the West". The Model 1873 was popular with cowboys and lawmen and was used by famous figures like Buffalo Bill Cody and Bat Masterson. 

In the early 20th century, Winchester introduced the Model 1894, which became one of the most popular lever-action rifles of all time. It was chambered in various calibers, including .30-30 Winchester, one of the first smokeless powder cartridges. The Model 1894 was widely used for hunting and sporting purposes and was popular with law enforcement agencies.

A Modern Take on a Classic

Despite their popularity, lever action rifles began to decline in popularity in the mid-20th century. They were seen as outdated and inferior to newer semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 and AK-47. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in lever action rifles, and companies like Ranger Point Precision and Mad Pig Customs have emerged to modernize these classic firearms.

Ranger Point Precision, out of Cyprus, TX, is a company that specializes in customizing lever action rifles and manufacturing American-made parts for their customers to purchase and create their “dream lever-actions”. One of Ranger Point Precision's most popular upgrades is their Big Loop Lever, a larger lever that allows for easier rifle operation while wearing gloves. They also offer performance upgrades like their Marlin Spring Kit, which improves the trigger pull and reduces felt recoil.

Mad Pig Customs is another company that specializes in modernizing lever action rifles. They offer custom finishes, engraving, woodwork, and performance upgrades like their M.A.D. Trigger and Bolt System, which improves accuracy and cycling speed.

Both Ranger Point Precision and Mad Pig Customs are part of a growing trend of gunsmiths and customizers who are breathing new life into classic firearms like lever action rifles. These companies are playing a major role in keeping the tradition of lever action rifles alive while also appealing to a new generation of gun enthusiasts.

Training 

While lever action rifles may be seen as "old-fashioned" by some, they are still powerful and versatile firearms that require skill and practice to use effectively. Also, in states with stricter firearm laws where platforms such as the AR-15 are not allowed for civilian use, the lever-action rifle is. Fortunately, there are training opportunities available for those who want to learn how to use lever-action rifles for hunting, sport, and defense.

One of the most well-known lever-action trainers in the firearms industry is Chris Costa, the founder of Costa Ludus. Costa has extensive experience in tactics, training, and special missions for and alongside organizations such as the United States Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and many more. Now, Costa offers training courses for civilians, including a course specifically for lever action rifles.

Costa's Lever Action Rifle course covers everything from the basics of lever action rifles to advanced shooting techniques. Students will learn how to properly load and unload the rifle, how to use the sights, and how to shoot from a variety of positions. They will also learn how to shoot quickly and accurately on the range and in defensive situations.

Other trainers and organizations also offer training courses for lever action rifles, including the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Gunsite Academy. These courses can be a great way for beginners to learn the basics of lever action rifles, or for experienced shooters to hone their skills and learn new techniques.

Lever action rifles have been an important part of American firearms history for over a century. They were used by cowboys and lawmen in the Wild West and have been popular with hunters and sportsmen for generations. While they may have fallen out of favor for a time, they are now experiencing a resurgence of interest thanks to companies like Henry, Marlin, Winchester, Ranger Point Precision, and Mad Pig Customs modernizing these classic firearms. And with training opportunities available from trainers like Chris Costa and organizations like the NRA, enthusiasts can learn how to use lever action rifles effectively and safely. As a result, it seems likely that lever-action rifles will continue to be an important part of the firearms landscape for years to come.