After testing a handful of lever action rifles, I found the Henry 30-30 to be the best overall lever action rifle. Lever-action rifles have gradually fallen out of favor over the past century as more people prefer bolt-action rifles. Yet, they’re still a favorite when it comes to deer hunting. The best lever action rifles offer the fast, reliable action that you need when stalking and hunting deer and other prey. However, lever action rifles also come with a smaller selection of cartridges and provide less accuracy compared to the top bolt action rifles.
So why choose the Henry 30-30 lever action rifle? It’s one of the most accurate lever action rifles available, thanks to a crisp, clean trigger pull and precision engineering. The Henry 30-30 rifle works well for hunting small game at short to medium distances. Yet, other options may appeal to those wanting increased durability, power, or range.
Here are the top three picks for the best lever action rifle:
Henry 30-30 Lever Action Rifle – Best Overall
The Henry 30-30 Lever Action Rifle is one of several lever action rifles from Henry, which is also one of the most trusted names in this category. The original Henry repeating rifle was the basis for the first Winchesters. The Henry 30-30 lever action rifle is chambered for 30-30 Winchester rounds, which gives you the stopping power needed for hunting deer. It is also accurate at distances of 100 yards or so. You can use this rifle for hunting deer or target shooting at medium distances. The rifle is very reliable even in the roughest environments but may not last long without proper care and maintenance. You need to carefully clean the rifle to avoid wear on the barrel and ensure consistent operation for years to come.
Pros
- One of the most accurate lever-action rifles
- Offers good value for your money
- Features an attractive design with a brass receiver and barrel band
Cons
- Requires proper care for increased longevity
Winchester 94 Lever-Action Rifle – Best for Durability and Lightweight Design
The Winchester 94 and the Henry 30-30 are closely matched, as both lever action rifles are among the most accurate in this category. They also both fire 30-30 rounds and work well at medium distances. The Winchester 94 stands out for its ruggedness and durability. It includes a steel barrel and receiver. It also features a high level of quality control, ensuring greater reliability and longevity. The Winchester 94 includes a tang safety, which is a safety feature not found on most lever-action rifles. Overall, the Winchester 94 is a great lever action rifle but also one of the more expensive options.
Pros
- Durable and reliable
- One of the most accurate choices
- Includes a tang safety
Cons
- Expensive
Browning BL-22 FLD Lever-Action Rifle – Best for Plinking and Hunting Varmints
The Browning BL-22 FLD Grade 1 Lever-Action Rifle is chambered for 22 short, 22 long, and 22 LR rounds. It features a 20-inch barrel, as with the previous two options. The Browning BL-22 also has a large 15+1 round capacity. The smooth lever action, lightweight design, and large capacity make this a top recommendation for plinking and hunting small game. The 22LR rounds work well for hunting smaller game, such as squirrels, foxes, prairie dogs, and raccoons. However, many states do not allow deer hunting with a .22 rifle.
Pros
- Good overall value for your money
- Weighs just five pounds
- Includes a large 15+1 round capacity
Cons
- Not suited for hunting deer
Rossi Rio Bravo Lever Action Rifle – Best for Budget Buyers
The Rossi Rio Bravo is an affordable lever action rifle with a suggested retail price that is much lower compared to the previous options. As with the Browning rifle, it uses .22 long rifle rounds, making it better suited for hunting small game instead of deer hunting. The rifle weighs about 5.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest recommendations. It includes a shorter 18-inch barrel instead of the 20-inch barrel found on the previous rifles, which lowers the weight and accuracy at longer ranges. The Rossi Rio Bravo also has a large capacity. It can hold a total of 16 rounds, with 15 in the tube magazine and 1 in the chamber.
Pros
- One of the most affordable lever-action rifles
- Includes a large 15+1 round capacity
- Great for plinking and small game
Cons
- Not as accurate at longer ranges
- Not suited for hunting deer
Conclusion – Which is the Best Lever Action Rifle?
The Henry 30-30 Lever-Action Rifle is the successor to one of the most popular lever-action rifles ever made. It remains a tried-and-true favorite for deer hunting thanks to its accuracy and reliability. Yet, the Henry 30-30 may not hold up to rough environments and constant use as well as the Winchester 94. The Winchester includes more durable components but also costs a few hundred dollars more. The Browning BL-22 is a solid choice if you prefer plinking and hunting varmints. It’s chambered for 22 rounds, which offers less stopping power compared to the 30-30 rounds. If the price is out of your range, the Rossi Rio Bravo Lever Action Rifle is an affordable yet reliable option.