Gunner Quinn
Compared to handguns, long guns have taken a bit of a back seat in terms of popularity with consumers, but there are still plenty of options out for 2025, including a few throwback nods to classic designs of yesteryear. One clear trend that continues to build, though, is a focus on lever-action platforms of all kinds. Here are a few standouts from the show:
Cimarron Nueces 1873 Lever-Action
Cimarron introduced a great variation on a legendary rifle action with its Nueces 1873 design. Based on the Winchester Model 1873, the famous “gun that won the West,” the Nueces model is loaded with classic, traditional features and also includes a subtle nod to one of the greatest groups of lawmen in American history: the Texas Rangers. Atop the blued, 24” barrel is a T*S stamp that replicates the marking found on guns in Texas Ranger service during the late 19th century. While Texas Ranger rifles were chambered for Winchester cartridges like the .44-40, this particular model is chambered for the accessible, yet still classic, .45 Colt cartridge. Cimarron-firearms.com
Savage Arms Revel DLX
Savage Arms introduced its affordable Revel lever-action rimfire platform late last year, and the line has been expanded with an upgraded DLX model that features textured, satin-finished walnut furniture. One of the hallmarks of the Revel design is its easy takedown feature, which allows the rifle to separate into two halves for easy transport or storage. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, and adjustable iron sights top the 18” barrel. The rifle is available in .22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR and .17 HMR. Guns chambered for .22 LR have a 12-round capacity in the tubular magazine, while the other two chamberings have a nine-round capacity. Barrels are also threaded ½-18 TPI for suppressor use. savagearms.com
Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber
While the Ruger 10/22 has always been a lightweight, handy firearm, Ruger has taken weight-savings to an entirely new level with its Carbon Fiber edition in 2025. Thanks to the combination of a cold-hammer-forged barrel wrapped in a carbon-fiber sleeve, along with a lightweight Magpul MOE X-22 stock, this rifle weighs in at just 3.5 lbs., unloaded. A one-piece Picatinny scope rail tops the receiver, and the gun includes Ruger’s BX-Trigger. A separate model using a Grey Birch chassis stock is also available, which weighs 4.2 lbs., unloaded. ruger.com
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter
Even though Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 launch in 2024 built in many modern, innovative features, the design has been raised to a truly tactical level with the new Stealth Hunter. Available in .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum and .45 Colt, the Stealth Hunter features an all-black finish and makes use of an aluminum handguard with 15 M-Lok accessory attachment points. An elongated Picatinny optics rail provides plenty of real estate for a mounted optic, and the gun is outfitted with an XS Sights adjustable rear sight, along with a HIVIZ H3 front sight. smith-wesson.com
Heckler & Koch MR556 A4
Fans of the HK416 platform now have a way to get as close to the real thing as is possible on the commercial market, thanks to the launch of the MR A4. This new MR556 A4 uses as many HK416 components as possible while remaining legal for commercial sale, including the use of HK’s iconic adjustable short-stroke gas piston operating system. The lower receiver provides complete ambidexterity in terms of controls, and Heckler & Koch includes a 1-m.o.a. guarantee on its MR556 A4 barrels, as well as a lifetime guarantee against wear. According to KelTec’s website: “You shoot it out, we replace it. Period.” hk-usa.com
Henry Special Products Division Prototype 1
In 2025, Henry Repeating Arms marked the launch of its Special Products Division, an internal section of the company dedicated towards making unique designs based on Henry’s firearm designs. The first design from the company, which has yet to be officially named, has been referred to as “Prototype 1” or even the “Ultimate Suppressor Host.” To create the design, Henry has trimmed as much weight off the front portion of the gun as possible, mostly through the use of a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel. This design makes it possible to maintain a similar balance, as well as similar handling capabilities, to a traditionally constructed, unsuppressed lever-action rifle when a suppressor is mounted. Final texturing and styling is still being determined, and the sample seen above is only a prototype, but there’s more to come from Henry’s Special Products Division. henryusa.com
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