In recent years, there’s been a noticeable uptick in the popularity of lever action firearms. These classic rifles, long associated with the American Old West, are experiencing a renaissance among modern shooters. But what’s driving this trend, and how have these traditional firearms adapted to the 21st century?
A Blend of Nostalgia and Innovation
Lever action rifles have always held a special place in American gun culture. Their connection to frontier history and their iconic status in Western films give them an undeniable appeal. However, today’s renewed interest goes beyond mere nostalgia.
Modern manufacturers and custom shops, especially Midwest Industries and Mad Pig Customs, have breathed new life into the platform, updating these classic designs with contemporary materials and features. Lightweight alloys with modern machining techniques, improved optics, and enhanced ergonomics have made lever guns more practical and versatile than ever before. We just had the pleasure of doing a “modernized” lever action. This particular one was a Henry Model X 45-70, customized with Midwest Industries parts, shown in the pics on this article.
The Mad Pig Customs Effect
One of the companies that’s played a significant role in this lever action revival is Mad Pig Customs, owned by Steve Tyliszczak. This innovative custom shop has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with lever action rifles, creating eye-catching and highly functional builds that have captured the imagination of gun enthusiasts.
Mad Pig Customs has become known for their unique approach, which often includes:
- Modern optics mounting solutions
- Custom cerakote finishes
- Enhanced furniture and ergonomics
- Improved action work for smoother operation
Their builds, showcased all over social media, and even making it onto the big screen in John Wick 3, have inspired both individual gun owners and other manufacturers to explore the potential of modernized lever actions. And let’s be honest, have caused a lot of drool on phone screens from gun guys who’ve stumbled across their awesome designs. Check out more about Mad Pig on their website and an article from Free Range American here.
Why Lever Actions Now?
Several factors contribute to the current popularity of lever action rifles:
- Versatility: Modern lever guns have became huge for hunting, target shooting, and we’ve even seen them used by some for home defense, although that’s not something we generally recommend in the age of semi-autos and higher capacity options.
- Legal considerations: In some regions with strict gun laws, lever actions face fewer restrictions than semi-automatic rifles.
- Ammunition compatibility: Many lever actions can use common handgun calibers, simplifying ammo logistics for some shooters.
- Shooting experience: The unique manual of arms provides a different and often enjoyable shooting experience compared to semi-autos.
As more shooters discover the potential of these updated classics, it’s likely we’ll continue to see innovation and growth in the lever action market. The fusion of Old West charm with modern firearm technology has created a category that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary shooting sports.
So while we here at Schiwerks can’t think of a reason we really NEED a modernized lever action, it’s more of a issue of want for us. And we definitely see one of these in our future. How about you?
~Sam