Why Everyone Likes Lever Actions 

The US Army adopted the Trapdoor Springfield for the next 30 years, not the RRB.

>"not easy to mount flashlight to a levergun" >ductape existing

My stepdad's grandfather was a deer hunting guide in New Hampshire. He had a Marlin 30-30. There was a notch on the stock for every deer he shot with it. I counted 27, and thought "boy that's pretty impressive" until I turned it over and found 50 more notches

Why does everyone like lever actions? Answer: "chtach- chtach"

Why do we like lever actions, simple they are bad ass.

Lever guns are like pump shotguns: simple, robust, powerful and fun. There is just something pleasing about the way they operate.

I always liked the idea that you could buy a Colt pistol, a Winchester rifle, and one box of Remington ammo that fit 'em both.

I will give one reason and the only reason, everybody secretly wants to be a cowboy. And a lever action rifle is a cowboys rifle.

Three reasons to own a lever gun: 1. The simplicity of design makes it easy to load, shoot, and repair, there's not a ton to the workings of the cycling mechanism and most people can understand how it works easily. 2. Lever guns come in a wide and popular variety of calibers making them viable for those new to shooting as well as seasoned sharpshooters. It can also make finding ammo a little easier too depending on what is available in your area. 3. They are, in most instances, quite ascetically pleasing, they have a good solid design, they are maneuverable and can take some punishment but still look good.

Chris, I didn't hear you mention the biggest plus of all to us lefties; they are totally ambidextrous, unlike bolt action rifles.

The real reason why everyone likes lever actions: *Cowboy Game*

Patrolling the Mojave almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter.

In a time of one shot pistols and muzzle loader rifles, the lever action a truly incredible feet of engineering.

When someone asks "why do you need an assault rifle" my answer is: It's a simple repeat of American history. After the Civil War, when the soldiers assimilated back into civilian life, they wanted the latest firearms they had shot and/or trained with. You know, "That Yankee rifle you can load on Sunday and shoot all week". Henry's and Winchester 1866's held a lot of rounds and shot really fast. 150 years later........AR-15's. Same exact thing.

The excitement of shooting a lever action is like shifting a standard transmission versus a boring automatic.

cuz when I was young "The Rifleman" was one of my favorite TV shows.

Being europian and not raised in a nation of guns i had no idea that lever-action rifles were a thing until an awesome character on one of my favorite shows (Arcane) shot one. The mechanics of them are so different to everything I was raised on! Cocking the trigger plate downwards to load it blew my tiny little mind! I have spent probably spent 6 of the last 24 hours learning about guns and about leaver-action. I am an artist and I appreciate both the modern technology Lever styles and the experience of using it being totally fun!! And Chris smashed both of my main thoughts! They happen to look awesome and classy and found in a range of styles, but also at the end of the day its hugely fun to pump and shoot each round. I'm 29 in my time I've learned a lot of the trad ways, and i absolutely love tradition when it was ingeniously designed to the point that it's still brilliant to use today. Thank you Chris!

I’m squarely in “gun culture 2.0,” didn’t grow up with guns in the house, don’t hunt. That said, I’ve discovered the enjoyment of training, tactical drills and just plinking. My father-in-law has a couple of bolt action .22s, and they are really fun: quiet, cheap to shoot, simple. I recently purchased a Browning BL-22, what a great little rifle, and it’s something I can pass down to my sons as they get old enough to shoot. Looking forward to this series!

“The most unfortunate looking rifle ever produced.” That’s a very kind way of describing the thing that appeared on the screen. The “Bless his heart.” Of rifle descriptions.

Lever actions are just fun. My collection includes a Marlin 336BL, a Mossberg 402 Palomino, and a Rossi Rio Bravo. Everyone loves running a lever action.

People likes lever actions because the "tch tch" sound. Just like how everyone likes the M1 Garand because "PINNNGGG".

it doesn't hurt that .30-30 ammo is relativly available right now.

Lever actions make my spurs go Jingle Jangle Jingle.

Your content is fantastic. You have played a crucial part of my gun journey over the last 6 months - from having never even shot a gun, to now owning 10! From the detailed reviews in which you often address the concerns of new shooters, to your great ballistics videos - you’ve been a tremendous help. Thank you!! And it’s not just the content, but your production quality is so great too - your videos are so informative, but NEVER boring. Like this one, which I’ll share with my Dad like I have many of your other videos. Regarding the lever action rifles, I bought a Browning BL22 recently and I love it! Just good old fashioned fun!

Another reason the military didn’t want to adopt lever action rifles: they’re very difficult to shoot while prone.

For me, there’s just something satisfying with manually cycling an action. Whether it is lever action or bolt action, you feel in complete control. It’s the same reason I drive a manual transmission over automatic. Call me old school, but that’s my take on it. Good video by the way!

I love my .45-70govt Marlin 1895 Cowboy with a 26" octagon ballard barrel, 9+1 capacity! Such an amazing shooter.

*why everybody loves lever-action guns* “They’re reliable and look cool” *video ends*

Chris: “I really need to make a video for the channel.” (Ammunition shortage happens) Chris: “Well, I guess it time for a lever gun series.”

Having grown up in the wilds of the Rockies with a father who was a serious fan of all things 19th century western, particularly firearms, it always amazes me how many people are unaware of the effectiveness of lever action rifles and single action revolvers! A lever action rifle in .30-30 or any revolver cartridge .357 Mag or larger can be a DEVASTATING and tremendously fast tool in the hands of a well trained rifleman.

Vintage 444 Marlin cut to 18" and wearing a 4X scope. Best PA brush gun ever and powerful enough for anything in the state. I enjoy the looks you get at the range when loading up those brass sausages.

One of the very few people I could just sit and listen to talk for 20 minutes. Interesting video. Thanks.

I worked all summer in 1974 when I was 17 to buy my first gun with my own money. I bought a Winchester 94, I still have it, it's near mint and it was the best 74 bucks ever spent. I now have two Henry lever guns that I love too. Lever actions, America's gun! A lever gun in anything but wood and blued steel makes me a little queasy but I am glad they are available to introduce a whole new generation to this iconic weapon.

My marlin 1894 .357 magnum is hands down my absolute favorite gun to shoot and the one gun every friend wants to shoot first 👍🏼 solid round for a rifle/handgun combo, best choice in my opinion! Gonna love this series!

Thank you for not playing that annoying, ubiquitous music like hip hop or trendy pop/rock that many gun channels play.

If you live in Canada, a lever action with modern optics is probably the one of the best tactical rifles you can still have

You might be able to trade that lever action rifle for 5 rounds of 9mm next week at this rate.

I’m about to buy my first lever action. Henry H010B. Can’t wait.

The first lever gun I had as a 9 yr. old was my Daisy BB Gun. Who doesn't love a lever action?

In my late teens, we were deer 🦌 hunting. My cousin and I were riding in the back of the pickup. He kept one in the chamber and I kept telling him it was not only illegal but was unsafe. He said he wanted to be ready when he saw game. When we finally saw a buck, we jumped out as soon as the pickup stopped. As I jumped, the lever went down and as my feet hit the ground, the lever came back up and I got my first shot off and was jacking my 2nd round in when my cousin finally got his rifle cocked! I love a good lever action!

As an Oglala Lakota, I approve of this message.

You're absolutely right about peoples' love for the lever-action, but you left out one key reason us old guys love 'em, and that can be clarified with two words; "The Rifleman" btw, GREAT video

Sir, your decision to "pimp out" an otherwise elegant, robust, simple and time proven firearm such as the pump action shotgun and lever action rifle is both remarkable and noteworthy. 😊

72 hours of research for a 20 min video man your dedicated good info to thanks I regret selling my 336 every time I see a lever gun

I found your channel about six months back and have been "hovering" ever since. This proposed series convinced me - I just subscribed. Among my other guns - guns more precise and tactical, I have a nearly stock Winchester '94 in 30-30. The only change is replacing the buckhorn with a Williams field peep sight. That rifle just simply fits me and shoots where I want it to. I have, on numerous occasions, shooting offhand at 50yds, gotten better groups with it than with a very accurate Ruger 10-22 with a 4x scope. There is a lot to be said about that slender configuration.

Hey bud. I’m not really sure why everyone is so critical of every little detail. But I thought the video was very informative and educational, and I really appreciate someone taking the time to make it. Very cool stuff. I happen to have a marlin dark series 30-30 and love it. It’s also my sons favorite to shoot. If you have a second. I would love to know the model of this marlin in the video. I would love the wood and the fact that it’s customized. Sounds like a project for my son and I. Thanks!!

You should go over the Henry Long Ranger, it is a lever action with a free floating barrel, magazine, and a 6 lug rotating bolt. It is Modern in operation, but still has the wood grain stock and the matte black reciever.

I love walking along a creek with my model 1887 lever shotgun and gold pan opposite. Its my favorite hiking gun, and really feels like the tool for the job.

Detaileed but not over wordy, an interesting overview. Thanks, Chris.

You forgot one of the coolest reasons to own a short lever action - spin cocking ;) Didn't say it was necessary or even smart, but damn is it cool to one hand T2/John Wayne that rifle

What an excellent communicator of well researched information that flows seamlessly. The information remains relevant and interesting the entire time. Lots of valuable personal insights all the while. Good job!!! Lucky Gunner is, well, "lucky" to have you as a representative.

Very good. I enjoyed this history on the lever action. I currently own a Winchester 94 that I inherited from my Dad. Its a 1953 model. He always carried it either in the back window of the pickup or in a scabbard when on the horse (we lived on a 5k acre ranch). I can remember my Dad pulling that gun out of the scabbard and shooting a coyote and the horse never stopped walking. Never even flinched. Seeing that and watching westerns made me love lever actions.

I’ve always contended you need a good lever action to run a carpet bagger out of town

I would love a take down lever action. Talk about a great camp/backpack rifle

I grew up with the Daisy Lever-action air rifle, the a lever-action “BB” guns. Watched the rifleman in syndication, and Firefly (sci-fi western).

Great info, can’t forget the Model 99 Savage; this rifle was designed with the Cavalry in mind and just like most “military” rifles they made great big game hunting rifles. Also the Pedersoli “Boar Buster” 45/70 with a fwd rail. The new Henry is top player, and these first repeating rifles are very relevant. The ability to re-load one at a time like a shotgun is to say the least “tactical”...

I don't like my lever action...I love my lever action!!!

Had a Browning Lever Rifle in .308, I'm still sick that I sold it 35 years ago.

My first rifle was a winchester model 250 22lr. That is the only firearm i have seen wore out from use. My dad bought it in 63, i took possession of it from him in 89. He had shot it alot. From 89-97 that rifle was consistently fed a steady diet of 2 bricks of remington thunderbolts per week. It got to where it would hardly set them off anymore. I rebuilt the bolt with new firing pin that was wore down too short, a new extractor claw and spring, and a new locking plate that rides ontop of the bolt and enguages the receiver. The take down pin has been replaced 3 times since , the firing pin and extraction claw once more. Still have it today and is absolutely my favorite firearm ever. It has introduced many of my peers to shooting, and in doing so consistently is a favorite among them. Lever actions are just plain fun. That particular one is a part of me at this point, an extension of me when in my hands, i can absolutely put them where i want them. Over the years i went from shooting at stuff, to shooting at things on the stuff, to shooting at parts of things on the stuff. This is how I challenge the youngsters once they plateau.

I love my lever guns. Marlin 336 in 30-30 and a Henry 22 mag. A lever gun is a truly ambidextrous gun.

I love his point about things making cool noises. One reason why I really like shooting lever actions is the super mechanical feeling that I get when cycling the action. All sorts of things these days are electronic and whisper-quiet and manual or mechanical systems can feel really satisfying in a way most that most of the products we use these days just don't. It's the same reason I love shooting with antique mechanical cameras, hearing a mechanical shutter, and advancing the film creates deepens the experience somehow.

got my dad's winchester 94 , 32 winchester special, love this rifle !

I bought my Marlin 336W in .30-30 six years ago. I cherish it, and it embodies everything I like about firearms, and nothing I don't.

I learned to shoot on my dad's Browning 270 lever. God that was a great gun!

Man this was way better than anything on the history channel.

Lever Actions are the Marilyn Monroe of firearms. Beautiful, sexy, classy, timeless, and desirable to all.

I’ve owned mine (357 mag) for nearly 2 years now. I found your review spot on. I have a GSA file cabinet where I store my handguns. The breakdown function of this gun allowed me to securely store my rifle.

I literally can’t wait for the subsequent videos for this series so I’m freezing myself in a cryochamber

For my generation it was shows like "The Rifleman" and "The Rebel".

Oh man, this is gonna be cool. I am sad to say I have never fired a lever action, but I've wanted one for years. There is just something so cool about them. I'll be following along with this for sure!

I have a 72 Marlin 336 30-30. I have to say I love shooting it. I’ve had it for over a 13 yrs now. When I bought it it was a little beat up from the original owner who tripped and fell onto it in a creek. Since it was damaged I got a good deal on it. Although first time taking it out shooting, it somehow shard a piece of brass that totally locked up the action of the Rifle. So I took it to a gunsmith and had it fixed. I had them replace some worn out parts and screws. I found a replacment forearm for the damaged one from when the previous owner fell and busted it up. Best part about that is the replacement forearm matches the butt stock better than the original. The rifle now looks great and operates just as it should. Even though I have some bolt actions and Semi auto rifles. Lever action’s are still my favorite rifles the shoot.

I got my 45-70 and I love shooting it. Such a great rifle.

2:40 BECAUSE THEY ARE COOL. THAT'S IT! Not everything has to be cringy "high speed low drag, elite oper8or" 4 pound ar-15s with a Pmag and LPVO. And thank god people are interested in more things that just that.

This is going to be a great series to follow I am excited for this one.

Easy to clean, shoot and works every time.

I have 3 Marlins, 1964- 2018 and a Henry. While I also have Ar's and bolt actions, the lever is a classic that remains my favorite!!!!

Lever action is gaining popularity, IMHO due to the current anti-AR states, people don't want to bother with cloudy legal issues of AR.

Sounds like the lever action was the AR-15 of its day!

I learned on a lever action BB gun as a kid. I was only allowed to shoot it in the garage. Now that I'm older I'm looking for a lever action 30/30. I've got bolt action rifles and slug guns but miss the lever action. I'll be picking one up if they ever start being distributed to the shops again

Dear Chris, Please keep reading our minds. Thanks, All of us

My first rifle I ever owned was a 94. I still love lever guns and I still watch "The Rifleman" on METV. Great job on this video, it is a reminder of just how good lever action rifles really are. The modern rifles have come a long way and are a nice mix of the old and the new.

Chris, if you’re going to give lever actions a full review, you must discuss how Cowboy Action Shooting has helped popularize lever actions. You also need to show footage of some of the top cowboy action shooters working a lever gun as fast as, or faster than, a full auto rifle. Although those of us in the sport “dress up like cowboys” we are serious shooters who are serious about our guns.

The sound of a lever action cycling is the best

Really comprehensive bunch of history and levertec. Thanks

I'd love to see you include something about the Browning BLR in this series! They're kinda different from 19th Century lever guns, but super cool in their own way.

Dad bought me a Winchester 94 when I was a kid in the mid 70's(and still have to this day), been a fan ever since. Just got back into shooting and first thing I bought was a Henry. Interestingly I'm finding that the ladies like shooting lever action rifles- that's a good enough reason to own at least a couple in my book.....

Lever Action Rifles and Revolvers are the coolest guns imo. Nothing beats the style and badass levels of those!

I have a Winchester 94 Trapper .357 Magnum and Winchester 9422 XTR .22 LR and I love shooting both. They both carry very comfortably in the woods with a hand around the action. And I've had a 94 in .30.30 in the past. All are fun to shoot. I never want to be without a lever action.

Great info

Takedown lever action modern 10mm, sounds like so much fun

While working today this popped up on a suggested feed/video. I am glad it did. I spent years hunting for a 357 mag level action (in that 90s-2000s range you were talking about in an area where finding one proved to be impossible). One day I walked into a local store and saw the Rossi Ranch Hand...few weeks later...I walked into a local shop I had been using ever since I turned 18, and up on the wall sat one of the rossi 357 carbines. When I walked in the owner looked relieved, he had been searching for my number ever since he got it in. Can't wait to see what this series is going to turn out!

My grandfather passed away in 2009 and left me his Savage Model 99E in .243 and I love it to pieces. A little fixed 4x power Tasco has been on it since he bought it new in the 60s and I've bagged my fair share of deer and coyotes with it.

Henry X-series .410 lever-action shotgun! I love it!

When Lt. Colonel Jeff Cooper USMC ret. wrote an article in the 90s after the AWB was passed that the 30-30 lever gun could be the urban assault rifle.

I used to watch “the rifleman” reruns with my grandpa and I always thought it was totally badass.

I've always been intrigued by lever action rifles. Growing up in the 70's and early 80's did that for me by watching all the westerns my grandfather watched. Fast forward to middle-aged me, I finally got my hands on a Henry 357 mag LAR and i'm REALLY in love now.

After almost a year of chasing one down and a preorder that left me nowhere I found a 4570 marlin dark. It was worth the wait. I was raised on old westerns and muzzleloaders and when I saw these I said I dont care the cost I'll finally get my lever gun. 100% my favorite gun. Ya pistols and my AR do alot of job better but when it comes to fun and looks the lever is where it's at.

44 magnum henry big boy that I have feels like it shoots 9mm. I love it

The Marlin 336R (full rifle length barrel) in 35 Remington is the BEST modern Lever Action ever made. My 1951 336R was my grandfathers handed down to me when died early in life from cancer and I've taken up his use of it for hundreds of hunts for Grisly and Brown Bear, Elk, Moose, Mule and White Tail Dear and Big Horn Sheep.

Dang Chris! You're like greased lightning working that lever!