In 1854, Smith & Wesson founders Horace Smith & Daniel Wesson patented their first lever gun. It's been 170 years, and (as we've noted already this year), everything old is new again. It seems that everyone is making lever guns these days, but not everyone has 17 decades of experience backing it up. Now for 2024, the classic American lever gun is reborn as the Model 1854 Series, the first to incorporate the feel of Smith & Wesson’s revered large-frame revolvers, smooth action and iconic craftsmanship. These new rifles blend the classic aesthetic of the American lever gun with modern and tactical enhancements.
Currently available in the pistol-caliber .44 Rem. Mag., the Model 1854 is suitable for hunting, plinking and home defense alike with its 9+1 ammunition capacity. Built with 19¼" barrels and an overall length of 36", the 1854 weighs 6.8 lbs. unloaded.
There are currently two entries in the 1854 line; the "base" model is the one with the more modern look and feel. (It also features a lower price tag.) With a synthetic black and stainless-steel finish across the stock, receiver, forend and barrel, it also includes M-LOK slots in the forend and a 4¾" Picatinny base for mounting optics. Want to put a can on your lever gun? With an 11/16-24 threaded muzzle, suppressor mounting is a cinch. A large loop lever and a flat-face trigger make for better shooting, even when gloved. Additionally, these rifles contain a side loading gate, utilize side ejection and include a removable mag tube for improved ease of unloading.
The Model 1854 Limited Edition shares the same feature set, but instead of the M-LOK-capable forend, it boasts a classic high-grade satin walnut finish on both the stock and forend and a polished black PVD finish on the receiver and barrel. (Don't be too fooled by its classic looks--it also has a threaded muzzle for suppressors.) Both rifles ship with an XS Sights adjustable ghost ring rear sight and a gold bead front sight.
“Today, as we proudly unveil the Model 1854 Series, we embark on a journey that pays homage to this timeless design. Meticulously crafted, these rifles fuse the classic craftsmanship of the iconic lever-action with modern engineering to deliver a platform built on reliability and performance. Our new Model 1854 rifles are a nod to tradition and a testament to Smith & Wesson’s legacy as an American firearms manufacturer,” said Mark Smith, President & CEO.
Model 1854 Series rifles are now available through authorized dealers and have an MSRP of $1,279 and $3,499 (Limited-Edition). Smith-Wesson.com.
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