Were Lever Action Rifles Used in World War II?

During the tumultuous period of World War II, the use of various firearms became a necessity for nations engaged in combat. Lever action rifles, known for their simplicity and reliability, were initially obsolete by the early 20th century. However, historical evidence suggests that these rifles were not completely eliminated from military arsenals. One notable example is the use of Winchester Model 1895 lever action rifles by the Russian Empire during World War I, and their limited use by Soviet forces during World War II.

The Russian Military's Arsenal and the Winchester Model 1895

By 1915, the Russian Army was equipped with 300,000 Winchester Model 1895 lever action rifles. Designed by renowned firearms inventor John Moses Browning, these rifles were chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge and featured a stacked box magazine. Unlike other models, they included charger guides for reloading with stripper clips, a design innovation that was also used with the 1891 Mosin-Nagant rifles.

Post-WWI and the Soviet Union

Following World War I, the Russian military continued to use these rifles. As the Soviet Union formed and collected vast amounts of military equipment from various sources, some Winchester 1895s may have been adapted for use during World War II. The Soviet Union, known for its penchant for maintaining outdated equipment, likely retained some of these rifles for niche roles such as training, security, or in regions where newer arms were scarce.

Various reports suggest that the Soviet military issued lever action rifles to partisan units, militia, and defense units during the war years. These were often used for secondary security roles, such as patrolling, guard duty, or as backup weaponry for mainline infantry units. In these roles, the reliability and simplicity of lever action rifles provided a significant advantage.

Other Lever Action Rifles in Military Inventory

While the Winchester Model 1895 was a notable example, other lever action rifles saw limited use in various military contexts. The US Army, for instance, last purchased Model 1895 Winchester rifles just before the Spanish-American War. These rifles, chambered in .30–40 Krag, saw no overseas service and were eventually replaced by more modern bolt-action models such as the M1903 and M1917. The M1916 rifles, while also bolt-action, were used in the Russian intervention during the Russian Civil War, marking a brief return to lever action rifles in a military context.

It is worth noting that lever action rifles were primarily relegated to support and rear roles. The severe limitations of these firearms, such as their single-shot capability and the difficulty in rapid firing, made them less desirable for front-line combat. However, their simplicity and reliability made them valuable in less demanding roles.

Modern Insights and Historical Significance

Today, lever action rifles continue to find a place in hunting and civilian use. Many collectors and shooters appreciate the functionality and reliability of these older designs. My own experience with lever guns as a hunter has shown that they can be just as effective and quick to cycle as modern bolt-action rifles. With the correct practice and familiarity, lever action rifles can be a lethal and safe firearm for sporting use.

In conclusion, while lever action rifles may not have been widespread during World War II, they played a significant role in various capacities for certain military units. Their use highlights the adaptability of these classic firearms to different military and civilian needs, even in the face of advancing technology.