Lever Action Rifle vs Semi Auto AR-15 Range Review & Speed Test

Published on June 8, 2017
Duration: 15:44

This video provides a practical, objective comparison between lever-action rifles and AR-15 platforms, focusing on speed, reload efficiency, and handling in various positions. Honest Outlaw, an experienced reviewer, demonstrates that while lever actions have a certain appeal, AR-15s offer significant advantages in terms of speed and magazine capacity for rapid engagements. The review also touches on the legal optics of each platform.

Quick Summary

In a speed test comparing a Henry Lever Action .22 and a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, the AR-15 demonstrated roughly double the speed in target transitions and split times. Reloading the lever action took over 40 seconds, while the AR-15 reloaded in under 4 seconds. The AR-15 also proved easier to operate from the prone position.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction & Caliber Choice
  2. 01:31Historical Context & Prone Shooting Theory
  3. 02:16Ballistics & Magazine Design
  4. 04:29Speed Tests: Standing Engagement
  5. 06:44Reload Comparison: Tubular vs. Box Mag
  6. 10:29Prone Shooting Test Results
  7. 12:26Final Assessment & Legal Optics

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in speed between a lever-action rifle and an AR-15?

During timed drills, an AR-15 platform like the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 was approximately twice as fast in target transitions and split times compared to a lever-action rifle such as the Henry Lever Action .22. This speed advantage is primarily due to the semi-automatic action.

How do reload times compare between lever-action and AR-15 rifles?

Reloading is a significant point of difference. The Henry Lever Action .22, with its tubular magazine, took over 40 seconds to reload, whereas the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, using a detachable box magazine, was reloaded in under 4 seconds. This makes the AR-15 far more efficient for sustained engagements.

Is a lever-action rifle easier to shoot from the prone position than an AR-15?

No, the AR-15 is generally easier to shoot effectively from the prone position. Operating a lever action requires breaking cheek weld and lifting the body to cycle the action, while the AR-15 allows for a continuous sight picture and faster follow-up shots from a stable prone stance.

Are there any advantages to a lever-action rifle over an AR-15?

While the AR-15 excels in speed and capacity, a lever-action rifle may have an advantage in terms of legal perception. Its traditional appearance can be perceived as less aggressive by a jury compared to a modern tactical rifle like the AR-15.

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