New Rifles & Shotguns for Defense & Sport

If even five years ago I told you the one of the hottest items at the 2024 SHOT Show was lever guns, I can guarantee you would laugh at me. The fact of the matter though is that is reality, and lever guns seemed to have overtaken SHOT Show this year. It seemed like every booth I walked into had some form of a lever gun. Whether it was an optics company showing off their new optic that they designed for a lever gun, a company that customizes lever guns, or a manufacturer that is trying their hand in the lever-gun market, these classic rifles and shotguns were literally everywhere. Being a big lever-gun guy myself, naturally I started seeking these revamped classics out. Here is a list for some of the best lever guns that came out of SHOT Show 2024.

Best Lever Guns From Shot Show

AERO Precision Lever Gun

Yeah, you read that correctly, Aero Precision came out with a Lever Gun. This one was very much still in the prototype stages for SHOT Show, but it is coming to market. The Aero Lever Gun has a 16-inch threaded barrel to allow installation of muzzle brakes and suppressors, as well as a machined aluminum handguard with M-LOK slots and QD sockets. The handguard extends into a full-length Picatinny top rail with a ghost ring rear sight and fiber-optic front sight. The receiver is finished with an upgraded loading gate, aftermarket trigger, and a uniquely shaped lever that matches the rifle’s grip shape.

The Aero Precision lever-action stock is a skeletonized aluminum design that looks very familiar to some of the popular aftermarket options on the market. It features an adjustable cheek riser, attachment points for sidesaddle ammo carriers, and QD sling points. The stock is topped off with a rubber buttpad and a spacer for length-of-pull adjustment. The rifle will be offered in .30-30 and .45-70 to start with other calibers coming soon after. Pricing is estimated at $1,700 to $1,800, but that may also change as the gun goes into production. (aeroprecisionusa.com)

Bond Arms LVRB

The Bond Arms LVRB is another one that was at the show as a prototype, but after talking with Bond Arms it is almost ready to launch and is anticipated to be available for sale in the second quarter of 2024, with an estimated MSRP of $1,599. The LVRB boasts compatibility with the AR-15 platform in components critical to changing calibers, including barrels, bolts, and magazines. While there is also compatibility with AR-15 upper receivers and handguards, there is an additional opportunity to optimize these components for this application by eliminating the gas system and moving sighting systems almost a 1/2-inch closer to the bore.

The Lever Loop and Stock is user configurable both for personal preference, and to match readily available Remington 870 stocks. Think of this thing as a lever-action AR-15, which is very exciting to me. (bondarms.com)

Smith & Wesson 1854 Series

This is over 170 years in the making. Smith & Wessons first lever gun, the 1854 Series rifle melds precision engineering and timeless design with modern features, which include M-LOK slots across the forend, textured grip panels, a Picatinny rail for optics, black synthetic stock, and full stainless-steel construction. In the receiver you will find a modern, flat-faced trigger with an oversized loop to help speed up shooting. The barrel is threaded and ready to take your favorite muzzle device or suppressor. The barrel is equipped with a gold front bead sight with a XS Sights ghost ring rear. Smith & Wesson made everything compatible with Marlin 1894-hole patterns for easy customization. The 1854 is packed with features with an MSRP of $1,279. (smith-wesson.com)

Henry Lever Action Supreme Rifle (LASR)

Henry wasn’t going to let the spotlight be taken by their competition and unveiled the Lever Action Supreme Rifle (LASR), a sub-moa-capable lever gun with a match-grade trigger that feeds from AR-style detachable box mags and is chambered in .223 and .300 Blackout. The rifle features a free-floating barrel and has ambidextrous controls to accommodate right- and left-hand shooters. On the top of the receiver is a small strip of Picatinny rail for simple mounting of an optic. The lever is designed to have a short, fast throw, and a shortened bolt and internal hammer helps set this lever gun apart from the competition. The package is estimated to come in at around $1,400 and will be available at dealers very soon. (henryusa.com)

Marlin 1895 Dark Series 

The Dark Series rifles feature a strong, nylon-reinforced polymer stock and an anodized aluminum handguard with M-LOK attachment slots for mounting of accessories. The stock has a cheek riser, QD sling swivels, and a generous recoil pad. The barrel is threaded and comes equipped with a muzzle device to help mitigate recoil. The Dark Series gives the gun a more tactical, modern look. This 1895 model is chambered in .45-70 Gov’t and boasts a reasonable MSRP of $1,429. (marlinfirearms.com)

Winchester Ranger

The new Winchester Ranger is a .22 LR rifle that is loaded with features and designed to be used for hunting rabbits and squirrels, as well as punching holes in paper at the range. What makes the Ranger different is the receiver, which is precision machined from a billet of solid aluminum and durably black anodized. The receiver is lightweight and contributes to the balanced feel of the rifle between the hands. The top of the receiver is grooved to accept optics mounts. The Ranger features a 15-round tubular magazine and an adjustable trigger.

It separates into two pieces by removing one action screw to allow for easy cleaning of the action. The Ranger wears a straight-grip Walnut stock with a durable satin finish. The 13-inch length of pull is comfortable for a wide range of users. Up front, the carbine-style handguard is secured with the traditional steel barrel band. Winchester slapped a very reasonable price of $419.99 on this plinker, making it perfect for nearly anyone looking for a fun lever gun. (winchesterguns.com)

Citadel Levtac

The Citadel Levtac is chambered in .410 and comes with three different chokes to ensure accuracy and efficiency, depending on your use for this lever-action shotgun. The Levtac features a 20-inch threaded, blued barrel with a blade front sight and a Picatinny rail on top. The tough, synthetic stock has a model 92 large loop-style lever attached underneath, and a modular aluminum M-LOK forend tops the package off. This tactical lever shotgun is one of the coolest setups I saw and has an MSRP of $699. (citadelfirearmstore.com)

Chiappa Wildlands 92 Angled Eject

The new Chiappa Firearms Wildlands 92 Takedown .44 Magnum lever-action rifle is exciting to me. I loved the original Wildlands, and the updated version definitely doesn’t disappoint. Chambered in the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge, it is very lightweight thanks to the skeletonized, black polymer stock with adjustable cheek riser and rubberized buttpad, and by the triangular-shaped M-LOK machined aluminum handguard. Like many other lever-action rifles from Chiappa Firearms, it can be easily stripped into two parts for more convenient transport or safe storage, and just as easily and quickly brought back to a working rifle in seconds and ready for action.

The magazine tube holds five rounds, plus one in the chamber and three more in a spare ammunition holder on the stock. The Wildlands features a set of studs for QD sling swivels, a Paracord-wrapped wide lever, and a round or octagonal profile 16.5-inch threaded barrel to allow for the installation of flash hiders, muzzle brakes, compensators, or suppressors. The ejection window of the new Wildlands 92 Takedown rifle is now angled instead of top eject like previous models. This clears the room for two portions of Picatinny rails integrated over the receiver, allowing the use of top-mounted optics. The new Chiappa Firearms Wildlands 92 Takedown lever-action rifle will hit the market with an MSRP of $1,850.37. (chiappafirearms.com)

Midwest Industries Lever Stock Series

Midwest Industries is known for their lineup of custom lever-action parts that enhance your lever guns. At SHOT Show they introduced their newest lineup of lever-action accessories for Marlin, Rossi, Winchester, and Henry rifles, the Lever Action Stock Series. This new series is designed to give greater personalization, customization, and adjustability, while still retaining the old-school feel that lever action enthusiasts love. The new ambidextrous stocks allow you to fully adjust from stock iron sights to the optic of your choice, along with adding a mess of accessories, from G10 M-LOK Grip Panels to an M-LOK Shell Holder, a Shell Holder Plate, and a Spacer Plate for a longer length of pull. Combine this with the M-LOK handguard, adjustable Ghost Ring Rail, Muzzle Brake, and Extended Sight System. The Midwest Industries lineup of Lever Action parts makes it easy to create your ultimate lever-action build. (midwestindustries.com)

Rock Island Armory LA410 

There is nothing like a lever-action .410 shotgun. I just love these things. The Rock Island LA410 is equipped with a classic-looking Walnut Wood Stock and forend. This 20-inch barrel, compact lever-action shotgun is perfect for hunting or home defense. With 5+1 magazine tube capacity, white dot front and adjustable rear sight, sling attachment, oversized loop, and a Picatinny rail, this lever-action 410 has a classic feel with modern performance. MSRP is $799. (rockislandarmory.com)

Davide Pedersoli 86/71 BoarBuster Mark2 

This Italian Made rifle model is characterized by an aggressive line and refined finishings. They took their top-of-the-line rifle and made it even better with the new Mark2. The BoarBuster features an interchangeable loop lever, a beautiful walnut stock with adjustable cheek piece protected with a special Silicon Grip film, and metal parts with a beautiful brown Cerakote finish. The model comes equipped with a Picatinny rail with a ghost ring sight, front blade sight, and a threaded barrel. Plus, you easily can accessorize your gun with a bunch of different option that can be purchased separately. The MSRP for this rifle is $2,350. (davide-pedersoli.com)

Rossi Triple Black

The dark, tactical age of lever guns is upon us and taken the market by storm. Naturally, Rossi is has jumped on the bandwagon, showing off its Triple Black model that is based on the M92 action. The rifle is fitted with a 16-inch threaded barrel, chambered in either .44 Mag or .357 Mag, and dressed in traditional wood furniture that has been painted with what the company calls “durable all-weather black-on-black splatter paint.” I am not sure what that means, but it looks great. The receiver and other metal parts are Cerakoted in black as well. The rifle features a Picatinny rail, adjustable rear peep sight, threaded barrel, and thumb safety. The Triple Black carries an MSRP of $1,060.99. (rossiusa.com)

Fightlite Herring Model 2024

This one I have been wanting to see for a while now. Another AR -tyle lever gun. This one, by Fightlite, is literally an AR-15 upper with a modified lower. This all-black, modular, lever-driven system is pretty remarkable, honestly. The Herring Model 2024 can be modified as far as calibers, barrel lengths, sight options, and much more.  Many AR-15 parts will work with the platform. The Herring uses a rotating bolt design similar to an AR. It feeds from AR-15 magazines. The initial rifles will be available in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout. Suggested retail is $1,299.99. (fightlite.com)

Heritage Settler Mares Leg

Nothing screams Western like a chopped down Mares Leg lever gun. Heritage feels like the perfect company for a 2024 Settler Mares Leg for sure. This little beauty features a 12.5-inch barrel with a simulated case-hardened receiver and wood furniture. The large, oversized loop tops the package off. This Mares Leg is chambered in .22 LR, making it just an incredible little plinker or small-game rifle, with an MSRP of $484.99. (heritagemfg.com)

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