Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Now Available In .45-70
Smith & Wesson has announced an addition to its Model 1854 series with two new variants chambered in bone-crushing .45-70 Government. The Model 1854 combines classic American lever gun aesthetics with enhancements to meet the needs of modern shooters. While the Model 1854 has been available in .44 Rem Mag, .45 Colt, and .357 Magnum, .45-70 is a welcome addition as you never know when you’ll run into an angry tyrannosaurus rex in the backcountry. Seriously, .45-70 means business.
Blending big game heritage with modern materials and manufacturing, the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 features a forged 416 stainless steel receiver coupled to a 20-inch 1:20 RH twist 410 stainless steel barrel with an 11/16-24 thread pattern and thread protector, because the only thing better than a .45-70 brush gun is a suppressed .45-70 brush gun. You’ll also find a large loop lever providing increased surface area for smooth cycling and faster running of the action with or without gloves. Combine that with a crisp, flat-face trigger for quick follow-up shots with no problem, except for your orthopedist.
Perhaps Smith & Wesson should have included an ice pack for your shoulder too, because you’ll need it if you’re speed-dumping .45-70 all day to see how fast you can go. Speaking of which, the Model 1854 in .45-70 features a 6+1 capacity fixed magazine tube. It comes equipped with a 5.75-inch Picatinny base for mounting optics, an adjustable ghost ring rear sight and gold bead front sight from XS Sights, and a cross-bolt manual safety.
Smith & Wesson has released two distinct variations of the Model 1854 in .45-70. The first is a stainless-steel model featuring a black synthetic stock with textured grip panels and a matching forend with three M-LOK mounting slots.
The version I’ll confess to having my eye on has a black Armornite finish on the receiver and barrel and walnut furniture front and rear with textured grip panels, making it one handsome harpoon.
If you’re looking for more power, energy, and versatility in thick brush and for big game, the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 in .45-70 may be the ticket. Speaking of the ticket, MSRP on the stainless model is $1399 while the traditional walnut will set you back $1499.
Alright, I’ll say it. I want one. I’m just a big lever action fan and as much as I like to joke about the recoil, I’ll admit that I think every outdoorsman needs a .45-70. Of course, there is no scientific basis for that, but I’m a gun guy who will find the necessity for anything that goes bang and delivers that type of thump. Don’t judge me!
What do you think of the new Smith & Wesson Model 1854 chambered in .45-70 Government? Has one version or the other caught your eye in particular? What do you think of .45-70 in general? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For more information on all Smith & Wesson products, visit smith-wesson.com.
