New S&W 1854 44 Magnum: A Rugged Lever Action Rifle With Modern Features

Published on January 22, 2024
Duration: 12:17

The Smith & Wesson 1854 is a modern take on the lever-action rifle, chambered in .44 Magnum and .44 Special. It features a durable polymer stock, M-LOK and Picatinny rails for accessories, and a reliable action tested in extreme cold. While generally accurate and well-priced, it exhibits sensitivity to shorter .44 Special ammunition lengths.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 1854 is a modern lever-action rifle in .44 Magnum and .44 Special, featuring M-LOK slots, a Picatinny rail, and excellent cold-weather reliability. While generally accurate and well-priced, it can be sensitive to shorter .44 Special ammunition lengths.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to S&W 1854
  2. 01:14Historical Context & Basic Specs
  3. 01:36Modern Feature Set
  4. 03:02Extreme Cold Weather Testing
  5. 03:47Ammunition Compatibility
  6. 05:42Safety and Trigger Mechanics
  7. 10:50Market Comparison & Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key modern features of the Smith & Wesson 1854 lever-action rifle?

The S&W 1854 includes M-LOK slots for accessory mounting, an integrated Picatinny rail for optics, a flat-face trigger, and a durable polymer stock, making it suitable for modern applications like home defense.

How did the S&W 1854 perform in extreme cold weather testing?

The rifle was tested in Iowa at temperatures as low as -25°F. Its weather-resistant coating and polymer furniture maintained reliability, performing well in these harsh conditions where other actions might falter.

What ammunition compatibility issues were noted with the S&W 1854?

While .44 Magnum cycled perfectly, some shorter .44 Special 'Cowboy Action' rounds experienced feeding issues due to case length sensitivity, a common characteristic in lever-action rifles designed for longer magnum cartridges.

How does the S&W 1854 compare in price to its competitors?

With an MSRP around $1,200, the S&W 1854 is positioned as a more affordable option compared to competitors like the Henry Big Boy X, which can retail for $300-$400 more.

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