First Shots: Smith & Wesson 1854 Series Lever Action Rifle

Smith & Wesson applies a little leverage in the rifle market.

by
posted on January 24, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Smith & Wesson has released its first lever-action rifle, terming it the Model 1854 in an homage to Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson's first lever-gun patent. Things have changed quite a bit since 1854, however, and the Model 1854 does an excellent job of blending classic lines with modern features. 

The standard Model 1854 Series is geared toward shooters who want the most modern enhancements. Featuring a synthetic black stock, it includes M-Lok slots in the fore-end, a 4.75-inch Picatinny base for mounting optics, a large-loop lever and a flat-face trigger. The Limited Edition, meanwhile, boasts a classic high-grade satin walnut finish on both the stock and fore-end, for those looking for a more traditional piece. 

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Features: 

  • 11/16-24 Threaded barrel
  • Accepts mounts compatible with Marlin 1894 hole patterns
  • Black synthetic stock with textured grip panels
  • M-Lok synthetic fore-end with textured grip panels
  • Gold bead front sight
  • XS Sights ghost ring rear sight
  • 1:20-inch, right-hand twist with 8-groove rifling
  • Large loop operating lever
  • Forged 416 stainless steel receiver
  • 19.25 inch 410 stainless steel barrel

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Limited Edition has many of the same features, but instead of a stainless steel finish and a synthetic stock and fore-end, it has a black polished PVD finish and a high-grade walnut stock and fore-end. 

For more information on the rifles in the 1854 Series or any of the other products made by Smith & Wesson, please visit smith-wesson.com

Latest

Big Horn Tactical Model 89 Takedown Lever Gun
Big Horn Tactical Model 89 Takedown Lever Gun

First Look: Big Horn Armory Tactical Model 89 Takedown Lever Gun

Big Horn Armory's new takedown is chambered in .500 S&W Magnum and has a 16-inch barrel.

First Look: XS Sights for Diamondback SDR and Walther PDP

XS Sights introduces new offerings for the Diamondback revolver and Walther PDP pistol.

First Look: Sons of Liberty Gun Works Special USMC-Finish Rifles

SOLGW offers two new "frogskin" finishes to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon Compact 9 mm Pistol in a Mission First Tactical Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Springfield Armory Echelon Compact 9 mm pistol carried in a Mission First Tactical Ambi IWB holster with a Burris FastFire E enclosed-emitter red-dot sight.

St. Louis County Police Department Adopts Springfield Armory Echelon Pistol

The St. Louis County (MO) police department, with nearly 1,000 officers, has adopted the Echelon as its duty pistol.

Straight Talk: Fits and Starts

As with clothing and footwear, serious consideration should be given when choosing a handgun for self-defense.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.