A bolt gun in a "scout type" set up. I don't adhere to the exact scout rifle concept but like the general idea with some tweaks that I think improve it. I have one each of these, but any compact bolt gun that uses a detachable magazine could work. Either irons or a low powered optic can work.
https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanch/specSheets/26965.html with a 2-7X scope on it and the ability to use 10, 20, and 30 round AR magazines
And if a bit more punch is called for I have this
https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26974.html with a 1-4X scope on it. along with several 3, 5, 6, and 10 round magazines.
Both of these are less expensive and lighter, even with optics, than a lever rifle. They are much faster to reload, more accurate especially at any range beyond 100 yards and hit a lot harder, and are much more rugged and reliable. Ammo, especially 223/5/.56, is much less expensive. And while it is possible to empty the magazine in a random direction faster with a lever action, there is no difference in rate of fire if you throw in the requirement that all of your shots must actually hit the target.
And that is only if you're firing a lever action off hand. From any type of supported position behind cover or prone a bolt gun is FASTER than a lever action for repeat shots. Remember the military had to choose between a bolt and lever action over 100 years ago and the bolt gun won out for all of the above reasons. Lever actions were only a better option in cowboy movies.
I don't see pump rifles as any better. Once again they are only faster if you're not aiming. A bolt gun is just as fast if you have to actually hit the target with each shot. They are still heavier, more expensive, less reliable and slower to operate in any type of supported position or prone. In the real world people don't stand up on their feet in the open and fire at someone who is firing back at them.
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