First Look: Smith & Wesson 1854 Rifles in .45-70 Gov't

Smith & Wesson is releasing a new model of the Model 1854 lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Gov’t. Crafted to combine the classic aesthetic of the American lever gun with modern enhancements, the rifle is now available in one of the most popular choices for lever-action rifles. Smith & Wesson first introduced the 1854 series in a paired synthetic black polymer and stainless-steel finish, as well as an Armornite and walnut furniture combination in .44 Mag. It expanded the offerings to add other pistol calibers including .45 Colt and .357 Mag. Now you can own one of these smooth lever guns chambered in the time-honored .45-70 Gov’t rifle cartridge.

The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Series provides a blend of heritage and innovation, with the .45-70 Gov’t version having a six-round magazine, a forged 416 stainless steel receiver and 20-inch 410 stainless steel barrel with an 11/16-24 thread on the muzzle for suppressor use. The large loop lever on the action is built for smooth operation, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and use in all sorts of weather, while the flat trigger allows for consistent finger placement to support accuracy.

The Model 1854 .45-70 rifles come equipped with other out-of-the-box features such as a 5.75-inch Picatinny base for optics mounting, an adjustable XS Sights ghost ring rear sight, a gold bead front sight and a fixed magazine tube. The fore end on the stainless-steel model offers three M-Lok compatible slots for mounting a light, laser or other accessory and both variants incorporate mounts for the addition of a sling.

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70 Gov’t Specifications