The Changing Face of Lever-Action Rifles

Above, new Smith & Wesson Model 1854 lever-action rifles. Photo by Smith & Wesson.

Lever-action rifles have been around since the 1800s, yet they are popular today.

It is interesting that lever guns are now being introduced in modernized configurations and calibers. This is what Grand View Outdoors calls "the changing face" of lever-action rifles.

They begin with:

“It’s wonderful! Lightweight, quick to point. A slick action. And bullets go right to the bead!”

You’d expect that reaction from a youngster with his first rifle. It came from a professional hunter in Africa, who’s handled rifles for 50 years and shot many tons of big game. He has killed lions, buffalo and elephants with his .458 and now backs up clients with a double in .500 Nitro Express. He was gushing over a lever-action .30-30 Win. carbine, a Winchester 94.

Born in the United States, lever-action arms are sustained by markets here. Oddly enough, veteran hunters on foreign game fields stand in line to fire them. Credit a link to our “cowboy” West. But these carbines are also practical: fast-handling, and with open sights now routinely left off bolt rifles. In Africa, hunters learn to shoot close, partly because brush often excludes long shots. Also, killing is more certain at short range. While tracking dangerous game, when shots can come at mere feet, no PH wants a scope.

Now, neither the .30-30 nor the .357 is suitable for big game where officially the term applies to really big beasts, such as buffalo. But for light plains game and predators such as the black-backed jackal, either cartridge works. The .30-30 Win. can down elk-size animals.

Lever-action rifles include not just “classics” whose forms and chamberings emerged during the late 19th century. Today they include stainless, laminate-stocked models, also those with polymer and carbon fiber stocks and “tactical” matte black finish. Barrels are threaded for brakes and suppressors. Some stocks adjust for length and comb position. Forends feature M-Lok slots. Picatinny rails up front beckon lights and other paraphernalia. 

To read more, go here.

Smith & Wesson Model 1854

The latest issue of Guns & Ammo (March 2024) arrived in today's mail.

While thumbing through it, one item caught my attention. It was an ad for Smith & Wesson's new 1854 lever-action rifle.

Here's the ad:

My curiosity aroused, I went to the Smith & Wesson website for some details. The rifle comes in two versions: Model 1854 and Model 1854 (Limited Edition). The regular edition has a synthetic stock, while the Limited Edition has a wood stock. 

According to Smith & Wesson's website: 

In 1854, Smith & Wesson patented their first lever gun, the Volcanic lever-action. Honoring that historic milestone, the classic American lever gun is reborn as the Smith & Wesson 1854 Series, the first to incorporate the feel of our revered large-frame revolver's smooth, crisp action, and clean craftsmanship. Experience the perfect blend of heritage and innovation - experience Smith & Wesson Smooth™

The rifles are only in 44 Magnum. I wonder how the kick is. 

The MSRP for the rifle are $1,279 for the Model 1854 and $3,499 for the 1854 Limited Edition. 

Of the two, I would go for the Limited Edition. But, the price is a bit more than what I would want to pay. I guess I'll stick with my Winchester 1894.

To read more, go here.