Smith & Wesson is now chambering its new Model 1854 lever action rifle for the potent 45-70 Govt cartridge in a pair of models that blend heritage and innovation. The Model 1854 may be Smith & Wesson’s first foray into modern lever actions, but the company has spent years designing, testing and perfecting the Model 1854 into a platform that gives today’s shooters what they want.
With the Model 1854 45-70 Govt, you can have things your way with a choice of two models. If you’re looking for a lever gun that provides ultimate weather resistance and durability, the Model 1854 is available with a black synthetic stock and stainless-steel barrel. If you prefer a more traditional appearance, Smith & Wesson also offers the rifle in a walnut-stocked version with a black Armornite finish on a stainless barrel and receiver.
Both models incorporate modern features. In addition to an adjustable XS Sights ghost ring rear sight and a post/gold bead front sight, both guns have a 5 ¾-inch Picatinny rail atop the receiver for mounting optics. Barrels on both models are threaded 11/16-24 to accept suppressors or muzzle brakes, and the forend of the synthetic/stainless model has M-LOK slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions to mount accessories.
The rifles are built tough around a forged 416 stainless steel receiver with a side-loading gate that makes it easy to keep the tubular magazine topped off. The design employs a lever loop that’s oversized, but not garishly so, for ease of cycling and to accommodate a gloved hand. The lever cycles with exceptional smoothness for a side-loading gun, which must work a lifter to chamber cartridges from the magazine. The lever snaps crisply back into position, signaling that the rifle is in battery. A supplied hammer spur extension can be added to the external hammer for easier access when a scope is mounted on the Picatinny rail.
The Model 1854 features a flat trigger design that allows for consistent finger placement to support accuracy. After some initial take-up, the trigger breaks at a pull weight of about five pounds. Safety is enhanced with a crossbolt safety.
Both models are equipped with 20-inch barrels made of 410 stainless-steel. The crowned barrels have eight-groove rifling with a 1:20 RH rate of twist. The barrel on the walnut-stocked gun has a protective Armornite finish, while the barrel on the synthetic-stocked gun has a shine-reducing, glass-bead finish. Barrels come with a thread protector in place.
Under-barrel tubular magazines have a 6+1 capacity. Unlike some Model 1854 variations in other chamberings, there is no removable magazine tube, so rounds are unloaded by cycling through the action.
Stocks on both models have ample texturing for a sure grip in wet weather. They are also adorned with a substantial rubber recoil pad that will be much appreciated when shooting some of the stoutest 45-70 Govt loads. There’s a traditional sling swivel stud on the bottom of the buttstock and a recessed sling stud beneath the steel forend cap.
Thanks to its beefy construction, the rifle tips the scales at a just-right weight of 7.1 pounds. That’s light enough for carrying, yet heavy enough for stable shooting. Going much lighter with a rifle in 45-70 Govt might produce recoil that would be excessive for some. Overall length with the 20-inch barrel is 37.8 inches.
Notably, the Model 1854 accepts Marlin Model 1894-pattern stocks and rails. This gives you ready access to a host of aftermarket options should you wish to customize the gun. Happily, you need only remove one screw to take the rifle down for cleaning. The process lets you easily remove the bolt so you can use a cleaning rod to clean the barrel properly from the rear of the receiver.
Best of all, the Model 1854 is relatively affordable. The walnut-stocked gun has a MSRP of $1,499, while the synthetic-stocked gun is priced at $1,399. That’s a bargain for such a feature-rich, high-quality, big-bore lever action rifle.