Pairing the terms tactical and lever action might seem wrong to those who love the Western platform for its old-school blued steel and American walnut. Yet, we’d be remiss not to welcome new lever-driven fans into the cowboy gun world. 

With more lever actions hitting the market every year, so comes expanding options in what one might label “tactical” models. Here’s a look. 

BOND ARMS LVRB

We’ve yet to pull the trigger on the much-anticipated LVRB, but from what we’ve seen, the AR-meets-lever-action design will make it one of the hottest tactical levers. Bond Arms' LVRB seemingly mates a modern sporting rifle with a cowboy gun, the result being  an AR-15 upper paired with a uniquely lever-driven lower. 

Fed by standard 30-round AR magazines, the LVRB wears Magpul brand, Remington 870-pattern furniture. Theoretically, shooters will be able to customize many aspects of the rotating bolt design, ranging from stocks and magazines to the lever itself and likely even chamberings. 

The rifle displayed at SHOT Show 2024 was chambered in .223 Wylde, itself ideal for both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO. Future chamberings are already listed in .300 Blackout, .450 Bushmaster, and .350 Legend. The LVRB is expected to begin shipping in Q2 of 2024.

To be fair, several other manufacturers are playing in this same space of bringing new engineering to the lever gun, including the POF-USA Tombstone and Fightlite Herring, both with fresh designs powered by a lever.