Lever Action Rifles: The Ultimate Guide for Buyers

Whether for target shooting, hunting, or Old West-style shootouts, lever action rifles are smooth, reliable, and let you shoot quickly at normal ranges. 

Their main advantage is faster follow-up shots than bolt-action rifles, keeping you on target. They don’t reach as far as bolt-action rifles, but they are ideal for close to mid-range shooting where speed matters most.

In our article, we will give you some tips on how to buy this gun if you are going to own it legally and safely.

What Are Lever Action Rifles?

A lever action rifle is a gun that uses a lever near the trigger to load bullets into the chamber. Most of these rifles have a tube under the barrel that holds several rounds, while some newer ones use a box magazine.

The lever-action rifles have a long history. The early ones were in the mid-1800s and were quickly adopted in the United States. A few of the early models, like the 1860 Henry rifle, could fire hundreds of rounds before needing to be reloaded.

Later, Winchester rifles, especially the 1873, also gained immense popularity and got a  nickname as “The Gun that Won the West.” They were fast, effective, and widely used by cowboys, lawmen, and settlers. Others also used them for hunting and even in some military battles.

Best 3 Places to Buy Rifles in Canada

Canfirearm

A popular online gun store with great customer service. They have over 361 different rifles to choose from and ship fast across Canada.

What you get  choosing  Canfirearm gun store:

• Huge selection of rifles
• Quick shipping (3-7 days)
• Expert help and repairs
• Good customer support
• Rifles, ammo, and accessories

Tenda Canada

Started in 2015 by gun lovers. Now a trusted store for hunters and shooters with good prices.

What you get:

• Many rifle brands (Beretta, Browning, CZ, etc.)
• Good prices
• Hunting and sport rifles
• Ammo and gear
• Shipping across Canada

Firearms Outlet Canada

This store has been around since 2015. Has both a real store and online shopping. 

What you get when considering Firearms Outlet Canada:

• Quality rifles, pistols, shotguns
• Real store you can visit
• Ammo and accessories
• Open 7 days a week
• Ships anywhere in Canada

Important note: You need a valid gun license, like a PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence) and RPAL (Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence), to buy from these stores.

5 Key Steps to Smart Lever Action Rifles Buying

Now, let’s take a look at a couple of steps in choosing the right lever action rifle for your purposes, style, and budget.

Step 1: Decide Your Objective

Start by having a clear goal for why you want this gun.

• Hunting – What are you hunting? Deer and the like do just fine with .30-30 or .35 Remington. Hunting bigger animals like elk? You’re going to want something with a little more punch, like .45-70.
• Target Shooting – Seek out rifles that shoot inexpensive ammunition you can practice on a regular basis. .357 Magnum weapons are a good choice because you can practice cheaply with .38 Special ammo.
  
• Home Protection – Lever guns will be adequate for this, especially shorter-barreled ones in pistol calibers that won’t over-penetrate.

How you plan to use it will guide your choice of caliber and budget as well.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Define what you can really afford, not what you’d love to.

• Budget Range ($300-600) – Lower-end new or used rifles. Does the job without emptying your pockets
• Mid-Range ($600-1200) – New high-end rifles from quality brands. Better build and longevity
• High-End ($1200+) – High-end extras, custom work, or collector model

Whatever you select, budget for accessories – you’re going to want more than the rifle. This includes a quality cleaning kit, a sturdy gun case, and the right scope or sights for your needs.

Step 3: Research and Select Your Caliber

The caliber you select needs to be one you are really going to be using the rifle for. Don’t overthink it – the most popular ones are perfectly good.

• For hunting: .30-30 Winchester or .35 Remington are proven choices
• For large game: .45-70 Government or .444 Marlin provide stopping power
• For versatility: .357 Magnum can take both rifle and handgun cartridges
• For long-range: Consider .308 Winchester in a Browning BLR

Check how much a load of ammo is and what is available in your area before you decide. You don’t want to buy a rifle that you cannot afford to shoot.

Step 4: Choose Your Maker and Model

Don’t take the first one that you see – some producers are much better than others right now.

• Check for current quality: Some producers have been having problems lately. Do your research before buying.
• Try the action: Make sure it has a smooth cycle. A sloppy action will only get worse over time.
• Read owner feedback: Owner forums and reviews tell the truth. Don’t read the marketing copy, listen to actual users. Check Reddit firearm communities like r/guns, r/hunting, and r/leveraction, where owners share honest experiences about reliability, accuracy, and long-term performance.
• Check warranty: Good companies stand behind their guns. Bargain-basement rifles translate into expensive problems down the line.

Stick with proven winners like Henry, Marlin 336, Winchester 94, or Browning BLR.

Step 5: Inspect Before You Buy

Check the rifle thoroughly before you pay.

• For New Rifles: Check that action cycles are smooth and the trigger is fine. Check that the barrel has no damage and that the safety works. Check the stock for cracks or damage.
• For Used Rifles: Check for unusual wear on moving parts and rust anywhere on the gun. Flashlight down the barrel to check the condition of the bore. Check that all the components are included and all functions are working properly.

Step 6: Complete the Purchase Legally and Safely

Don’t ignore the law – it’s important, even if dealers don’t mention it. 

• Use a licensed dealer

FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealers for new rifles, get referrals for used rifles, gun shops, or individuals․

• Background check 

You’ll fill out federal forms and wait for the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System)  system to clear you – usually takes minutes.

• Know your local laws

Some states have waiting periods, registration requirements, or other obstacles to navigate.  

In the US, firearm laws vary significantly between states, so check your specific state requirements before purchasing. In Canada, you’ll need a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) and must follow federal storage and transportation regulations.  

In Europe, firearm regulations are strictly controlled with most countries requiring hunting licenses, club memberships, or specific permits before purchase.

• Negotiate the price

Especially on used guns or at gun shows, many vendors expect some back and forth on price.

• Have the basics covered

Buy a cleaning kit, correct ammo, and figure out safe storage ahead of time before you take it home.

Make sure you can actually shoot and maintain the rifle once you buy it, and not just display it in the safe.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t be in a rush with these last few steps – they will cost and hassle you less in the long term.

• Experiment with a few rifles before deciding if you can – each will feel different, and you require the right fit for you.
• Don’t be rushed – good lever actions hold their value, so make sure you take your time to obtain exactly what you want.
• Buy from quality dealers who’ll still be in business if the scope breaks and know about legal laws.
• Keep all documentation for warranty and resale – you’ll regret it someday for repairs or resale.
• Invest in a quality scope if you’re going to hunt at farther ranges – iron sights work okay at close range, but farther hunting needs optics.

Do it the first time and you’ll have a rifle that will do you for decades.

To wrap up

If you are considering buying a lever action rifle, this article can be your guide in this journey.

Follow our tips and start from choosing your goals to selecting the caliber and inspecting before purchase.

This will help you find the perfect lever action rifle that fits your needs and budget. Take your time, buy quality, and you’ll have a reliable rifle that serves you well for decades.