New: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Chambered In .45-70 Gov't

Smith & Wesson adds .45-70 Gov't variant to Model 1854 series.

by
posted on April 16, 2025
** 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. **
SW 1854 45 70Govt 1
On top is the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70 Gov't with synthetic black polymer furniture and receiver with stainless-steel finish (MSRP: $1,399). Below it is the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70 Gov't with walnut furniture and a stainless-steel receiver sporting an Armornite finish (MSRP: $1,499).
Photo courtesy of Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson is expanding its Model 1854 lever-action lineup with a new model chambered in .45-70 Gov't. Two variants are available, one in synthetic black polymer with stainless-steel finish and the other in walnut with an Armornite finish.

Model 1854 black
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70 Gov't black polymer lever-action rifle. (Photo courtesy Smith & Wesson)

 

Boasting a 6+1 capacity, these new .45-70 Gov't lever-action rifles have a forged 416 stainless-steel receiver and 20-inch 410 stainless-steel barrel, plus an 11/16-24 thread pattern for suppressor use. Additionally, the large loop lever is constructed for smooth operation, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, while the flat trigger design allows for consistent finger placement.

The new Model 1854 rifles chambered in .45-70 Gov't also feature a 5¾-inch Picatinny base for optics mounting, adjustable XS Sights ghost ring rear sight, gold bead front sight and a fixed magazine tube. In addition, both variants incorporate mounts for the addition of a sling, and the fore-end on the stainless-steel model sports three M-LOK compatible slots for attaching accessories.

Model 1854 walnut
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70 Gov't traditional walnut lever-action rifle. (Photo courtesy Smith & Wesson)

 

More about the Model 1854 from Smith & Wesson: “Crafted to combine the classic aesthetic of the American lever gun with modern enhancements. Smith & Wesson first introduced the series in a paired synthetic black polymer and stainless-steel finish, as well as an Armornite and walnut furniture combination, across several pistol calibers including .44 Rem. Mag., .45 Colt and .357 Magnum. Starting today, you can own one of these smooth lever guns chambered in the time-honored .45-70 Gov't rifle cartridge.”

According to the Smith & Wesson website, the weight of the black polymer and stainless-steel Model 1854 chambered in .45-70 Gov't, as well as the walnut furniture variant is 113.6 ounces.

S&W Model 1854
Whether you’re hunting big game in deep woods or looking for a more modern lever-action platform, Smith & Wesson Model 1854 lever-action rifles provide a solid blend of heritage and innovation. (Photo courtesy Smith & Wesson)

 

MSRP is for the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Gov't with the black polymer furniture and stainless-steel-finished receiver is $1,399, while the walnut furniture model with Armornite-finished receiver is $1,499.

Go to smith-wesson.com to learn more.

Latest

1980 Nationals 3
1980 Nationals 3

Champions & Change: 1980 National Matches

New records, historic wins and lasting legacies marked the 1980 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships—a landmark year for American marksmanship

Back-to-Back: Just Days After NRA Triumph, Shue Wins CMP Pistol Title

Jon Shue wins the 2025 CMP National Pistol Championship just three days after capturing his third NRA title in a row

Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference Gears Up for 2025-26 Season

Mount Aloysius returns as reigning champ as Mount Aloysisus, MIT, Norwich, Army, Coast Guard and more ignite the 2025-26 Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference season

New: Silent Steel USA Streamer Suppressor Family

Silent Steel USA launches three baffle less suppressors using Flow IQ gas rotation tech—lower backpressure, easier maintenance and a Finnish engineering pedigree

2025 NRA World Shooting Championship Preview

12 stages, 3 days and a $250K prize purse. The 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship returns to Camp Atterbury Oct. 1-4 to crown the best all-around shooter

Fox Wins 2025 CMP National Rifle Title

James Fox claims the 2025 CMP National Rifle title after a razor-thin battle, beating Army marksmen by just one point in the 2400 Aggregate

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.