I make leather for lever guns, I can tell you they are far from dead. For me the Marlins are the most popular. I start with a Pre 64 Winnie, then an 1895 Marlin in 45-70, now a Texan in 30-30. If run across a .357 1894 Cowboy I'll probably pay to much for it. Did I mention I'm in my early twenties?