Linear actuators are described herein. In particular embodiments, a linear actuator includes an everted ball screw assembly comprising a hollow screw shaft with internal threads, a ball cylinder concentrically positioned therein and having external threads, and a plurality of bearing balls sized to fit in a substantially contiguous series along a working pathway defined by the space between the internal and external threads. The linear actuator may include a support bearing for rotatably supporting the screw shaft in a housing. The ball cylinder in particular embodiments includes an internal return path along which the balls return to the working pathway. The everted ball screw assembly may include a lash reduction assembly and one or more scoop inserts that are sized and shaped to guide the balls into the internal return path and back onto the working pathway.