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, offering features like an optics rail and M-LOK slots for accessory mounting. It demonstrated reliability in extreme cold (-25°F) and boasts a competitive MSRP of around $1,200, making it a high-value option. While it cycles .44 Magnum rounds flawlessly, some shorter .44 Special loads may experience feeding issues due to case length sensitivity.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 1854 is a modern .44 Magnum lever-action rifle featuring an optics rail, M-LOK slots, and reliable performance in extreme cold (-25°F). It cycles .44 Magnum well but may have feeding issues with shorter .44 Special loads. With an MSRP around $1,200, it offers significant value.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction: S&W 1854 Lever Action
  2. 01:14Historical Context & Basic Specs
  3. 01:36Modern Feature Set: Optics, M-LOK, Trigger
  4. 03:02Extreme Cold Weather Testing (-25°F)
  5. 03:47Ammunition Compatibility: .44 Mag vs .44 Spl
  6. 05:42Safety & Trigger Mechanics
  7. 10:50Market Comparison & Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The S&W 1854 includes a polymer stock, an enlarged lever loop, a flat-face trigger, a factory-installed optics rail, and M-LOK slots on the handguard for mounting accessories like lights or lasers.

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

During testing in Iowa at -25°F, the S&W 1854 demonstrated reliable function thanks to its weather-resistant coating and polymer furniture, maintaining performance where other actions might falter.

Is the S&W 1854 compatible with both .44 Magnum and .44 Special ammunition?

Yes, the rifle is chambered for .44 Magnum and cycles it reliably. However, shorter .44 Special rounds, particularly 'Cowboy Action' loads, may experience feeding issues due to case length sensitivity.

What is the price point and market positioning of the S&W 1854?

With an MSRP around $1,200, the S&W 1854 is positioned as a high-value, rugged, and accurate modern lever-action rifle, offering a more affordable alternative to competitors like the Henry Big Boy X.

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