Lever-Action Handguns

Lever-action handguns are firearms built on lever-action rifle mechanisms but manufactured from the factory with shortened barrels and cut-down stocks, classifying them as pistols or “firearms” under federal law rather than rifles. The Mare’s Leg is the dominant platform in this category — a lever-action pistol based on the Winchester 1892 or Henry pattern, produced today by Henry, Chiappa, and GForce in calibers ranging from .22 LR through .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and even 12 gauge.

Read our full Lever-Action Handgun Buying Guide ↓

What Is a Lever-Action Handgun?

A lever-action handgun uses the same lever-cycling mechanism as a traditional lever-action rifle — cycle the lever, eject the spent case, chamber a fresh round — but in a compact form factor with a barrel under 16 inches and an abbreviated stock or bird’s head grip. Because these firearms were manufactured from the factory with short barrels and no rifle-length stock, they are not short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and require no NFA registration. They transfer on a standard 4473 like any other handgun or firearm.

The Mare’s Leg: The Standard Lever-Action Handgun

The Mare’s Leg is the iconic lever-action handgun design, made famous by Steve McQueen in Wanted: Dead or Alive and available today from multiple manufacturers. It’s the lever-action handgun most people picture and the platform with the widest selection of calibers and configurations. See our dedicated Mare’s Leg page for the full model guide.

Lever-Action 12 Gauge Handgun

Chiappa produces a 1887 Mare’s Leg in 12 gauge — a lever-action shotgun pistol based on the Winchester 1887 platform. It’s the most unusual lever-action handgun configuration and one of the most distinctive firearms in any category.

Available Calibers

Lever-action handguns are available in the classic lever-action calibers: .357 Magnum/.38 Special (the most popular — shares ammo with lever rifles and revolvers), .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .45 Colt, .22 LR, .22 WMR, and 12 gauge. The .357 Magnum variants are the most versatile, firing both .357 and less-expensive .38 Special for range use.

Legal Classification

Lever-action handguns manufactured with barrels under 16 inches and overall length under 26 inches are classified as pistols or “firearms” under federal law, depending on the specific configuration. They are not NFA items and transfer on a standard 4473. Some states have additional restrictions on overall length or barrel length — check your state’s laws before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lever-action handguns legal?
Yes — they were manufactured from the factory as handguns/firearms (not cut down from rifles), so they are not SBRs and require no NFA registration.

What’s the difference between a lever-action handgun and a Mare’s Leg?
A Mare’s Leg is a specific type of lever-action handgun based on the Winchester 1892 or Henry lever-action pattern. It’s the most common lever-action handgun design. The terms are used almost interchangeably in the current market.

What caliber should I get?
.357 Magnum for versatility (also shoots .38 Special), .44 Magnum for power, .22 LR for cheap plinking, 12 gauge for the most unique option.

Who makes lever-action handguns?
Henry, Chiappa, and GForce are the primary manufacturers. Rossi has produced the Ranch Hand in the past.

Browse: Mare’s Leg Pistols

See Also: Lever-Action Rifles • Revolvers • Old West Guns • .357 Magnum Ammo • .44 Magnum Ammo