Why Lever Actions Still Rule the Deer Woods

Ultra-specific rifles have their place, but for most hunters, especially those on a budget, a good generalist makes the most sense. In most deer country east of the Mississippi, that rifle, I would argue, is a lever action. Lever actions have been a mainstay in America’s hunting history, and the resurgence of popularity in brands like the Ruger-made Marlin 336 and 1895, the new Smith & Wesson 1854, or any number of Henry rifles suggests that lever actions are just as relevant today as they were in the previous century. Here’s why they still rule the deer woods.

Quick Action

There’s no denying the speed of a lever action. With generous magazine space, they were designed to make multiple, quick shots without having to break the shooting position. I don’t care how quickly you can maneuver a bolt, a lever action will naturally provide the edge here. Of course, if you want to become proficient at making successful follow-up shots, you’ll have to practice. If you can’t shoot at running game, it won’t matter what type of rifle you carry.

Close Quarter Cartridges

Unless you hunt the Plains or Western states, most shot opportunities don’t extend beyond a few hundred yards. In the timber, shots are even closer. Aside from the Savage M99, lever actions were limited to round nose cartridges like the .30-30 Win., .35 Rem., or .45-70 Govt., which lack the ballistics of spitzer style bullets (.270 Win., .30-06 Sprng., etc.). However, these round nose cartridges, or renowned “brush” guns, are more than capable of taking down a whitetail in the timber, and current ammo offerings have even made the .30-30 deadly out to 200 yards.

Made to Carry

Sure, you could put a sling on a lever action, but there’s nothing better than toting one by the bottom of the receiver/forend. Most lever actions have a natural balance for this, but none better than the Savage M99. This balance makes lever actions ideal for still-hunting or in-season scouting when you might have the opportunity to take a quick off-hand shot. These features have made them go-to rifles for the big woods trackers of the North, to the deer-dog hunters of the South, and everything in between.

They’re Just Plain Cool

From their polished receivers to checkered wood grain, classic lever actions sport an aesthetic appeal that modern synthetic rifles lack. I’d be lying if I said this didn’t factor into my gun choice when rifle season rolls around. Drop-dead looks and nostalgia might play a role in the century’s worth of success for lever actions, but so have their practicality and reliability.

Even customized or tacti-cool lever actions have contributed to this resurgence. Picatinny rails, LPVO scopes, or red dots make lever actions even more utilitarian than they already are. For instance, I know several deer-dog hunters who’ve swapped their traditional scopes for reflex sights. I can’t think of a better example that blends traditional hunting practices and weapons with new technology, at least, not in a way that maximizes both. Even in a world of synthetic stocks and lightweight barrels, the lever action remains relevant, and thankfully, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.