In a nation where most have access to semi-auto's, a lever action rifle isn't what I'd want to be arming myself with. A guy with only half assed skills and a 20 rnd semi-auto can suppress you, then eliminate you. I've done it myself and seen it done time and time again in force on force training. Big advantage to semi-auto in the hands of even a semi-competent rifleman; just ask any WWII Japanese vet. Had to suck to be on the receiving end of a squad of M1's when armed with an Arisaka.
Now with that being said, a lever action rifle beats no rifle at all by a long shot.
