LEVER ACTION with KLSTRATEGIC: Old lady in new clothes.

01/12/2024By Redaktion

KLSTRATEGIC Kurse Lever Action Unterhebelrepetierer

What? Shooting like in the Wild West and "Tactical"? KLSTRATEGIC offers exclusive courses for lever-action rifles in a modern style in Germany. We wanted to know from head coach Khi Pa Landgraf what the magic of "lever action rifles" is for him.

I admit, I also long saw the Lever Action as a niche weapon for Western shooters; I acquired my "First" (a Henry) a few years ago in .22lr caliber, as I could buy it new and cheaply from the dealer along with my Tikka T3 Tactical, who wanted to get rid of it. But the first time on the shooting range showed me the potential that the Lever Action has.

Lever action rifles are currently experiencing a renaissance and are gaining an increasingly diverse user base. This is due in no small part to the fact that internationally these rifles were never really gone; especially in the USA, many children learned to shoot with small-caliber lever-action rifles.

In Europe, until recently, it was a bit different, as lever-action rifles have no traditional presence here and thus led a niche existence among Western shooters. That has now changed; thanks to the opportunity to adapt the traditional but still thoughtful technology in modern attire to the possibilities of the 21st century.

From the 19th century to the modern era

Lever-action technology is anything but new, but it still offers advantageous aspects that, when used correctly, allow a "lever action" to compete in many areas, both in hunting and sport, with bolt-action and even semi-automatic systems.

Especially the selection of calibers offers a wide range from .22lr to .45-70 Gov., covering a wide range of possible applications.

There is something here for everyone, both in hunting and sport!

Why lever-action rifles?

First of all, it's insanely fun to shoot a lever-action rifle. Anyone who has done it before can confirm that it's simply a great feeling to operate the Lever Action, not just the shot itself, but especially the levering action feels good and natural.

This leads me directly to the next aspect: the levering motion is completely different from bolt-action rifles. It starts with the fact that the shooting hand does not have to come off, but simply operates the lever. This allows for quick reloading cycles and the weapon is quickly ready to fire again.

This can be advantageous in hunting situations (driven hunts, stalking hunts] when the herd is moving quickly. But it can also be advantageous in sports when it comes to achieving rapid shot sequences.

Looking outside of Germany to our neighboring countries, there are further aspects speaking for lever-action rifles in rifle calibers. This includes the acquisition; since these rifles often have a lower minimum acquisition age than semi-automatic rifles or bolt-action rifles with chamber locks.

But what makes this new fascination?

It is the overall system, the myth, and certainly also the fact of shooting something that not everyone has and that is "different." The combination together with a rethink in the world of firearms has brought about this rediscovery of the weapon that conquered the American West. Not least also the possibility, thanks to companies like Rangerpoint Precision and also Midwest Industries, to modify the weapon with modern aftermarket parts so that it gets a modern look and at the same time becomes compatible with all the accessories of modern times.

An important aspect is certainly also the fact that lever-action rifles, in addition to many rifle calibers, are also available in handgun calibers, which is quite appealing if you don't have to stock up on ammunition for each weapon.

New outfit - modern shooting technique

With the rediscovery of a niche system like the "lever action rifle," the shooting technique for it must also be modernized. Like with all other systems, shooting technique evolves and must be adapted for the lever-action rifle.

Due to

different systems of cartridge feeding and case ejection
caliber-dependent, limited magazine capacity
different model variations
technical differences in internal operations
etc.

there are various aspects to consider in correct operation; as well as different sources of errors that can lead to malfunctions or even complete weapon failures if operated incorrectly.

One might think: Hey, pull the lever down and forward, then back and off you go...

That's where the difference lies, just as with the subtleties of other systems, whether bolt-action or semi-automatic, which distinguish professional shooters from simple machine operators, this also applies to the lever-action rifle.

Starting with loading through the respective loading port, feeding the first cartridge, opening and closing the breech, operating the internal mechanisms simultaneously up to the shot and the proper operation of the loading lever for quick and safe repeating movement, it takes some practice for an accurate second or third shot.

I have researched the various systems and traditional techniques for a long time, exchanged ideas with the pioneers of the scene in the USA, and finally adapted the results to the modern shooting technique that I have been teaching for over 20 years.

All of this has led to a modern firearms handling for lever-action rifles that is applicable both for sport and hunting, does justice to the lever action rifle system, and remains easy to learn and teach.

All of this culminates in the first professional shooting courses for lever-action rifles in all of Europe, starting this year - and you can be a part of it!