Potential options for a tactical lever build?

[u/_Connor]

Have a nice bonus coming from work in the next couple weeks, want to buy a polymer "tactical" lever like a S&W Stealth Hunter in .357/.38.

This is going to be a firearm I'm going to want to build up (skeletonized stock, cartridge quiver, light, optic, etc).

Looking for options on a good base rifle to start with. The S&W is great obviously but I'm looking at $2k for just the rifle plus extras. Want to consider my options for good base rifles to start with that have good aftermarket support.

[u/Lumindan]

Henry and Marlin are your other options

Both of them have Midwest/Ranger point furniture.

Henry supreme is also an option if you want better ballistics (and a rifle that takes 233/556).

[u/Relevant_Diver_3228 → u/Lumindan]

Came here to say Henry Supreme 

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/Relevant_Diver_3228]

Honestly probably the coolest tactical lever action. Even  throw a handguard on it and it will look sweet

[u/Goliad1990]

>like a S&W Stealth Hunter in .357/.38.

This is probably the best and most available base rifle you can start with right now. The only thing you'd actually consider changing out of the box is the stock, because it's just a bare-bones polymer sporting stock with zero features - but even then, I just throw a BFG sling adapter on mine and call it good.

Everything else you'll need on the rifle is just a bolt-on attachment.

>The S&W is great obviously but I'm looking at $2k for just the rifle plus extras

All good leverguns are expensive, especially once you start throwing mlok forends and accessories on there. There's no way around that problem. If you went with a more basic model, you'd end up in exactly the same place because you'd have to spend more for a modern aftermarket forend.

[u/Hot_Cheesecake_905]

S&W Stealth Hunter in .357/.38.

I have a normal S&W 1854 .357 with Midwest Industries furniture, I'm pretty happy with it. It is built very well.

The total build was around $4,500: $2,000 for the rifle, $1,200 for the furniture, $350 for a trigger, $100 for a muzzle device, and $450 for the optics and rings (Vortex Scout Scope and PA red dot).

[u/Massive_Expression_2]

The guts of the Henry Big Boy .357 would be an affordable platform and leave more cash for your mods.

[u/syspak]

Check rdsc.

They offer fully built tactical lever actions with 9" barrels in 5.56 or 300 black out

They offer longer barrel lengths as well but 9" is the shortest available.

Both have detachable magazines.

[u/Slowjuke]

Citadel levtac r92 has a metal mlok front rail on it and a picatinny for a sight and will take rossi r92 or Winchester 1892 stocks

[u/Iokua_CDN]

I've really really enjoyed my Citadel  Levtac.

Plastic stock,  but actually a really good aluminum  handguard with mlock to add all your accessories. That alone saves you a ton in not having to buy a new handguard.  It also has a great rail for red dot, so again saves you money on buying a rail. 

Best part, you can often find them for $800 on sale.  So you have plenty of extra cash to spend on upgrades.

It's a Rossi r92 underneath, so any r92 or winchestor 1892 stock will fit,  so it's easy to get a skeletonized stock.  I personally went the other route and did a black leather buttcuff and kept the original stock.

So that's my recommendation. You'll likely need to tighten some screws and work in the springs,  but it's a great place to start and build up.

Downside of course is it's a top eject, so no traditional scopes. Red dots or scout scope, or I've seen folks use a lpvo on a cantilever that looks a little weird. But for a 357, red dot or irons work really well.