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Outdoor Life published its 2026 guide to lever-action rifles on Oct. 27, focusing mainly on models available new rather than ranking only historic classics. The report points to a wider selection from makers including Marlin, Henry and Smith & Wesson, while warning that quality lever guns often command premium prices.
Outdoor Life published its 2026 list of the best lever-action rifles on Oct. 27, with the roundup weighted toward models buyers can order new. The report highlights established manufacturers and newer offerings as the publication says the market has expanded, while noting that quality lever actions are no longer inexpensive.
The report divides its selections between rifles being produced, or expected to be produced, in significant numbers and models that may require a specialty order or a search of the used market. Outdoor Life says Senior Staff Writer Tyler Freel and the author have shot, handled or owned most of the rifles listed; newly announced models are an exception. The publication also cites the rifles’ histories and reputations as part of its selection process.
Among the featured current-production rifles is the Ruger-made Marlin 1895 SBL, chambered in .45/70 Government and listed with a 6+1 capacity. Outdoor Life gives it a listed price of $2,110 and describes the modern SBL as its leading factory-produced Marlin. The article also names the Smith & Wesson Model 1854, first introduced in .44 Magnum in 2024, with additional chamberings following in 2025.
The Model 1854 family includes .45/70, .30/30 Winchester and .45 Colt versions, according to the report. Its listed .44 Magnum configuration has an 8+1 capacity and a price of $1,299. Outdoor Life says the rifle supports both side-gate and magazine-tube loading and comes in different materials and finishes. The roundup also lists rifles from Henry, Winchester, Browning, Savage and Rossi, among others, but the supplied report excerpt does not provide full evaluations or specifications for every entry.
More New Lever Guns Reach Buyers
The roundup reflects a market in which buyers have more newly made lever-action options than the article says were available during a period when Henry was producing quality rifles in meaningful numbers. Outdoor Life credits Ruger’s ownership of Marlin with putting the brand in a position to grow, and points to Henry’s new models and cartridges, including the .360 Buckhammer, as signs of continued product development.
That expansion matters to readers deciding whether to buy new or search for an older rifle. The guide favors new models, but notes that classic rifles remain available on the used market and that buyers should not expect bargains. Prices in the article vary widely by model and configuration, so its list is a starting point rather than a single price benchmark.
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A Modern Market for Classic Rifles
Lever-action rifles have a long place in American firearms history, and Outdoor Life frames its selections around a practical question: whether to rank the most notable rifles of all time or focus on firearms available to buy today. The publication chose the latter emphasis, while acknowledging that older classics can still be found used.
The report describes the current supply as having improved after what it characterizes as a difficult period for Marlin. It says Ruger has revived the brand, while Henry continues to introduce new models and chamberings. Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 is another relatively recent addition: its initial .44 Magnum version arrived in 2024, with other chamberings reported in 2025. These details provide the roundup’s market context; they do not establish how many rifles are available or how sales are changing.
““The lever action is one of America’s most cherished designs, and it’s not going anywhere.””
— Outdoor Life
Prices and Availability Vary
The roundup does not establish current inventory, local availability or transaction prices; listed prices in the report may not match what buyers find at retailers. It also does not provide enough detail in the supplied material to compare every named rifle, explain the full scoring method or show how the selections rank against one another across specific uses.
Outdoor Life says some rifles are specialty orders, newly announced, or more readily found used. The availability and production status of individual models may change. Readers should check manufacturers and retailers for current specifications and stock, and consult applicable laws before purchasing or using a firearm.
Check Model Details Before Buying
The next step for prospective buyers is to compare the complete roundup’s model-by-model specifications with their intended use, budget and local availability. For rifles that are newly announced or produced in limited quantities, manufacturer updates and retailer listings will clarify when they can be ordered and at what price.
The report does not announce a future review or a new industry milestone. Its immediate value is as a 2026 buyer’s guide; the market picture will depend on manufacturers’ production and the availability of both new and used rifles.
Key Questions
What is the main news in Outdoor Life’s 2026 lever-action rifle report?
Outdoor Life published a roundup on Oct. 27, 2026, emphasizing lever-action models that are currently produced or expected to be produced in significant numbers.
Which rifles receive specific attention in the supplied report?
The excerpt gives detailed attention to the Marlin 1895 SBL and the Smith & Wesson Model 1854. It also lists models from Henry, Winchester, Browning, Savage and Rossi.
Does the guide say lever-action rifles are inexpensive?
No. Outdoor Life says quality lever actions often command a premium and cautions readers not to expect bargains on the used market. Prices depend on the rifle and configuration.
Are all the rifles in the roundup readily available new?
No. The report separates rifles produced, or expected to be produced, in significant numbers from specialty-order or used-market options. Availability can change, so buyers should check current manufacturer and retailer information.
Source: outdoorlife.com
