There are times when the bleeding edge meets tradition in firearms design. Some of the finest armaments in the world are those that marry tradition and innovation. The Winchester Wildcat rimfire rifle and several lever guns from Marlin, Henry, and Rossi are just a couple of fine examples of this blend of innovation and tradition.
One such semi-automatic rifle chambered in a rimfire that has been on everyone’s radar is the Winchester Wildcat because of its forward-thinking ergonomics and features. Joseph von Benedikt calls it “possibly the coolest semiauto design ever to come down the pike.” Its polymer action framework in the Wildcat is similar to Gaston Glock’s groundbreaking work, whereby durability and rigidity are achieved. Going head to head, its success would be due to the compatibility of the Ruger 10/22 magazines and the easy-to-use magazine release system. Accuracy is guaranteed by the 18-inch chrome-moly steel barrel with precision button-rifling and a recessed target-style crown on this rifle. Besides, it came with an integrated peep sight, along with an optics rail situated somewhat further forward, which upped the ante on versatility and made it formidable for both novice and experienced shooters.
Starting from the Civil War onward, lever-action rifles have managed to capture the imagination of enthusiasts. The Henry Rifle, the invention of Benjamin Tyler Henry in 1860, finally entered into commercial success and found a niche with Union soldiers. The Winchester 1873 and Marlin 1889 further refined lever-action models.
Proof of evolution, the modern version of this historic model is the Marlin 1895 SBL. Chambered in .45-70 Gov, the 19-inch threaded barrel, laminate stock, and fiber optic sights make for a great combination. Ruger’s acquisition of Marlin kept the brand intact but improved on the manufacturing process for tighter tolerances and reliability. The Marlin 1895 Trapper offers maneuverability and precision with its shorter barrel along with sturdy construction.
Performance speaks to an era of fine craftsmanship with the lever-action Henry Golden Boy rifle in .22LR- it’s all anyone could want or need to be one with the outdoors. A visually striking offer, the 20-inch blued octagonal barrel, the American walnut stock, and the brass accents are an evocative call to an earlier time. The ultra-smooth action and adjustable buckhorn-type rear sight further complement its shootability and accuracy.
Rossi’s R92 and Rio Bravo models are epitomes of traditional design combined with modern features. The R92 was based on the model 92 lever action with a hardwood stock and blued finish parts. The Rio Bravo is a tactical derivative featuring an ergonomic polymer stock and M-LOK slots but still retains the classic lever-action mechanics.
Chambered in .410 shotgun shells, the Henry Side Gate lever-action shotgun represents tradition paired with innovation. Along with a hardened brass receiver, American walnut furniture, and a side loading gate, this shotgun screams durability with easy use. The semi-buckhorn rear and ivory bead front sights assure accuracy; equally capable of hunting and at the range.
Taking all that into consideration, the Winchester Wildcat and representative smatterings of lever-action offerings from Marlin, Henry, and Rossi illustrate a fascinating proposition: these iconic designs continue to elicit appeal even today, often in forms honed to modern tastes. Be it hunting, target shooting, or collecting, these rifles will meld historical significance with modern performance for those still enthralled by the firearm world.