If you’re a fan of lever-action rifles and you’ve been watching the evolution of modern gun design, Smith & Wesson’s 1854 series is likely on your radar—and for good reason. While its name might jokingly reference a year that supposedly included “the invention of the wheel” and “the Germans bombing Pearl Harbor,” the truth is that 1854 was a formative year for lever-action innovation. Smith & Wesson is putting a modern twist on that legacy.
The latest iteration? The 1854 in .45-70 Government—a thumper of a rifle with features that are anything but outdated. Blending classic lines with contemporary materials and mounting solutions, this lever gun is as ready for the backcountry as it is for your range day lineup.
The original 1854 series launched in .44 Magnum, but with the introduction of the .45-70 variant, Smith & Wesson is going full send into the big-bore game. This isn't your granddad’s deer rifle—it’s a purpose-built tool for modern hunters, lever-action enthusiasts, and shooters who like a bit of recoil therapy.
Whether you’re after hogs, bear, elk, or just want to launch lead with authority, the .45-70 chambering gets the job done. And thanks to thoughtful design updates, it does so without punishing the shooter.
Out on the range, the 1854 .45-70 is just plain fun to shoot. It delivers power—serious power—but does so in a surprisingly manageable and enjoyable way.
“It’s probably the most pleasant .45-70 I’ve shot.”
Loading is smooth, cycling is fast, and those XS ghost ring sights paired with a brass bead make it easy to line up shots—even on fruit-sized targets at 100 yards. Whether you’re popping watermelons or putting lead into steel, this rifle makes it simple to shoot accurately and consistently.
And if you’re wondering how well it performs from 25 to 100 yards? It makes quick work of targets at every distance.
Everything about the 1854’s construction screams durability and utility. The polymer stock is rugged, the M-LOK slots let you attach slings, bipods, or lights, and the threaded barrel gives you the option to run it suppressed—turning this into one of the quietest big-bore lever actions you can build.
And that flat-face trigger? It’s clean, it’s predictable, and it’s better than you’d expect from a factory lever gun.
“Smith & Wesson really did a fantastic job with their 1854 rifles. Accuracy is fantastic. Easy to load. Smooth operation.”
The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 in .45-70 is proof that lever-action rifles are not only still relevant—they’re thriving. With modularity, power, and purpose-built design, this rifle isn’t just an homage to the past—it’s an accurate tool for today’s shooter.
“If you're looking for a lever gun, especially to hunt with, this is going to be your choice.”
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