Why You Should Upgrade Your Lever-Action Rifle

As lever-action rifles grow in popularity, so does the availability of aftermarket upgrades. Users can purchase lever-action accessories like handguards, stocks, scope mounts, sights, light mounts, enlarged levers, cartridge carriers, and other weapon accessories to make their lever gun just as capable as an AR. Aftermarket accessories allow an individual to customize and build a rifle that better suits the role they intended for it. This guide will go over the most common types of upgrades available to lever-action rifles and how they can be utilized for specific roles. 

Lever-Action Rifle Handguards

Most lever-action rifles come from the factory with a slick wood or polymer forend that doesn't allow for any aftermarket accessories to be equipped to the rifle. An upgraded forend or handguard with M-LOK or Picatinny rails allows the user to attach any gun accessory that might suit their needs. Bipods provide hunters with the stability they need to place perfect shots, and weapon lights, lasers, and grips are excellent additions for a home-defense lever rifle. In most cases, none of these additions are possible without equipping an improved handguard. Additionally, some handguards include an extended top rail that overhangs the receiver of the rifle, allowing you to install a rifle scope or other optic without having to purchase and install a scope mount. 

Lever-Action Rifle Stocks

The majority of lever action rifles use a fixed stock made primarily of wood or polymer. These stocks may not provide an adequate length of pull (LOP) for some shooters and may also offer a less-than-ideal comb height, especially when equipping optics to your lever gun. Upgrading to an aftermarket stock can provide the user with benefits like:

• A more durable, higher quality build
• Increased ergonomics
• Provide the ability to adjust the comb height
• Adjustable length of pull (in most cases, butt pads can be used to extend the LOP)
• Some stocks provide additional ammo storage

Other benefits some improved stocks provide include compatibility with monopods at the rear of the stock, lighter weight, and more comfortable handling. 

Lever-Action Rifle Scope Mounts

While some lever action rifles will come equipped with a Picatinny top rail, rifles that don't will require a scope mount in order to attach an optic. These mounts are essentially a piece of rail that fits to the top of the receiver after properly drilling. Once installed, the user can equip any lever-action rifle optic that suits their needs. 

Lever-Action Iron & Night Sights

The iron sights on a lever action rifle can be upgraded with tritium and fiber optic night sights for improved sight acquisition. Upgrading the iron sights is a cost-effective option compared to installing an optic since won't have to purchase an optic, and modification to your receiver is not required. Aftermarket iron sights are a great way to improve target acquisition and accuracy at a relatively low cost.

Lever-Action Rifle Triggers

Triggers on lever action rifles can also be upgraded in order to improve the pull weight and overall feel. Aftermarket flat, curved, and wide triggers can enhance the shooting experience and personalize your rifle with different color and style options. Unique components within the trigger mechanism such as the hammer spring can also be replaced to further upgrade the trigger. 

Other Accessories & Upgrades for Lever-Action Rifles

Many other upgrades for lever-action rifles are available such as enlarged levers. Enlarged levers are primarily designed to allow for more space in the loop and trigger guard when wearing gloves.

Cartridge carriers that can be attached to your stock or receiver are a convenient way of carrying additional ammunition on your rifle. As stated earlier, some aftermarket stocks will have the ability to store additional ammo with built-in cartridge carriers on the stock. 

Light mounts that clamp onto the barrel and magazine tube are a cost-effective way to mount a light to your rifle. Aftermarket handguards can also be used to equip lights and lasers but will be much more expensive than a barrel clamp mount. 

Benefits by Upgrading Your Lever-Action Rifle

With the popularity of lever-action rifles increasing, more aftermarket parts and upgrades are becoming available. Due to various laws that restrict the purchase of semi-automatic firearms, lever-action rifles provide another option for those looking for a rifle to use for self-defense, hunting, and plinking. Customizing and personalizing lever-action rifles has become easier and allows the user to set up their rifle for whatever purpose they intend. Check out our guide What Is a Lever Action Rifle? for more information on lever-action guns.