4 Best Legends Cowboy Lever Action Air Rifle of 2026 for Authentic Plinking

1

Umarex USA, Legends Cowboy, .177 Caliber, Lever Action, CO2 Air

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  8.2
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs3

Ammunition Type

.177 caliber steel BBs

Stock Material

Authentic wood stock

Power Source

Powered by CO2 cartridges to enable smooth lever cycling without the need to pump between shots. Check ambient temperatures before shooting, as CO2 performance drops in cold conditions.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• CO2 gas powerplant enables quick lever-action cycling without manual pumping between shots
• Wood stock construction offers a traditional Western rifle look and authentic feel
• Dedicated .177 caliber BB chambering designed for everyday backyard plinking

Cons

• Steel BB smoothbore setup lacks the target precision of a rifled pellet barrel
• Ongoing requirement for CO2 cartridges adds operating cost compared to multi-pump guns
• Velocity and shell feeding details are not listed and need verification before purchase

2

Barra 1866 .22 Cal/5.5mm Rifled Cowboy Series Lever Action Air

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  8.1
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs2

Barrel and Receiver Build

Features a rifled barrel paired with a metal receiver and barrel shroud. The rifled .22 bore stabilizes pellets for cleaner paper target groups than smoothbore BB barrels.

Caliber Compatibility

.22 caliber (5.5mm) pellets

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Rifled .22 caliber (5.5mm) barrel stabilizes pellets for superior target accuracy over BBs
• Metal receiver and metal barrel shroud offer sturdy, authentic cowboy-style build quality
• CO2 cartridge power source enables smooth lever cycling without tiring pumping effort
• Listed as suitable for both adults and kids wanting a realistic Western replica

Cons

• Restricted to .22 caliber pellets and does not chamber steel BBs or smaller .177 ammo
• CO2 power output can drop during rapid firing or in colder outdoor temperatures
• Velocity specifications and cartridge loading details must be verified by the buyer

3

Barra 1866 Cowboy Series Lever Action Multi Pump BB and

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  7.7
• Brand
  Bear River

Key specs2

Operating Mechanism

Uses a multi-pump pneumatic system instead of disposable gas cylinders. This eliminates recurring CO2 costs but requires manual pumping effort before every single shot.

Ammo Flexibility

Dual-ammo compatible: shoots BBs and pellets

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Multi-pump pneumatic design operates completely independently of CO2 gas cartridges
• Dual-ammo capability shoots both steel BBs and pellets for flexible ammo selection
• Authentic 1866 cowboy styling offers traditional Western aesthetics for target practice

Cons

• Manual pumping mechanism slows down shooting cadence compared to CO2 repeaters
• Pumping effort between each shot can tire out younger shooters during extended sessions
• Exact pump count limits and specific pellet calibers require verification before purchase

4

Legends Saddle Gun Cowboy Rifle 6mm Lever Action BB Gun

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  7.5
• Brand
  Elite Force

Key specs2

Ammunition Type

6mm plastic airsoft BBs

Platform Purpose

Built strictly as a 6mm airsoft replica rather than a metal BB or lead pellet rifle. Verify your intended use before ordering so you do not mistake this airsoft gun for an air rifle.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Authentic lever-action saddle gun styling built specifically for the 6mm airsoft format
• Uses lightweight 6mm plastic BBs suited for recreational airsoft games and skirmishing
• Distinct Western carbine profile sets it apart from standard modern tactical airsoft guns

Cons

• Fires 6mm plastic airsoft BBs only and cannot shoot .177 steel BBs or lead pellets
• Low-impact plastic ammunition is completely unsuitable for hunting or pest control
• Specific power source and FPS ratings are not stated in listing and must be verified

Last update on 2026-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How can you avoid accidentally ordering a 6mm airsoft replica instead of an air rifle?

Check the caliber designation in the product specifications before purchasing. Models like the Legends Saddle Gun Cowboy Rifle are built as 6mm lever action airsoft guns rather than standard plinking airguns. If you want to shoot standard metallic projectiles, confirm that the model listing explicitly specifies .177 caliber for BBs or .22 caliber (5.5mm) for pellets. Reviewing the caliber label prevents mistaking an airsoft skirmish gun for a backyard target rifle.

Can cowboy lever action air rifles fire .22 pellets or only steel BBs?

Cowboy rifles can fire .22 pellets if you select a dedicated rifled model. The Barra 1866 .22 Cal/5.5mm Rifled Cowboy Series lever action replica is designed specifically as a pellet gun powered by CO2 cartridges. Meanwhile, the Umarex USA Legends Cowboy is a .177 caliber air rifle built for BBs, and the Barra 1866 multi-pump model accepts both BB and pellet ammunition. Confirm the bore size and projectile type on the box or manual before choosing your ammunition.

Is CO2 power better than a multi-pump pneumatic system for lever action shooting?

CO2 power allows authentic rapid cycling because the lever cocks the action without requiring repeated pumping between shots. Rifles such as the Umarex USA Legends Cowboy and the Barra 1866 .22 Cal replica use CO2 cartridges to deliver quick repeating fire right from the lever stroke. In contrast, the Barra 1866 Cowboy Series multi-pump air rifle avoids the recurring need for gas cylinders but requires pumping the forearm to build pressure for each shot. For shooters prioritizing fast lever handling, a dedicated CO2 BB gun provides the most authentic repeating cadence.

Which cowboy lever action rifles feature real wood stocks or metal components?

Stock materials and receiver construction vary across different replica designs. The Umarex USA Legends Cowboy lever action CO2 air rifle features a wood stock for a classic appearance. If you want metal structural parts, the Barra 1866 .22 Cal CO2 replica includes a metal barrel shroud and receiver. Always check the exterior materials listed on the manufacturer product page to confirm whether a rifle uses authentic wood and metal or synthetic finishes.

How do you verify whether a cowboy air rifle uses cartridge shells?

Verify the loading mechanism in the manufacturer specifications, as shell usage varies by individual model. Some lever action designs feed ammunition through realistic ejecting cartridge shells, while other variants use an internal reservoir or direct loading port. Check the included accessories list to see if reusable cartridges are supplied with the rifle. If you also shoot modern platforms, you can compare these historical mechanisms against a standard tactical air rifle to decide between cartridge realism and internal magazine convenience.