Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Review: A Modern American Classic

Estimated studying time: 10 minutes

Smith & Wesson’s legacy in firearm craftsmanship spans generations, starting with founders Horace Smith & Daniel Baird Wesson. Their revolutionary spirit laid the inspiration for the corporate’s 170-year journey. Not too long ago debuted at SHOT Present 2024, the Mannequin 1854 Collection pays tribute to this heritage, providing a contemporary twist on basic lever motion rifles, seamlessly mixing custom with up to date design. That includes a threaded barrel, M-LOK slots, and a Picatinny rail, the Mannequin 1854 is meticulously engineered to supply each fanatics and collectors with an genuine taking pictures expertise rooted in historical past.

S&W Mannequin 1854 Specs:

Motion: Lever Caliber: 44 MAGNUM Capability: 9 Optic Prepared: Sure Threaded Barrel: Sure Width: 1.6 in Size: 36 in Weight: 108.8 oz Measurement: Rifle Barrel Size: 19.25 Barrel Materials: 410 SS Body: Stainless Metal

Mannequin 1854 Out of the Field

Within the realm of lever actions, equipment typically take a backseat. The Mannequin 1854 arrives from the manufacturing unit with the naked necessities: an proprietor’s handbook, a pre-installed Picatinny rail, and a gun lock. It’s a minimalist method, however actually, all you require apart from a few containers of ammunition.

The Mannequin 1854 and all included equipment

Barrel

This 19.25″ 410 stainless-steel barrel shot effectively and options 11/16”-24 threads for utilizing different muzzle brakes or suppressors. The 1:20″ RH twist 8-groove rifling had no downside stabilizing 200-300gr projectiles. I fired this rifle practically 100% suppressed and with out a difficulty. Using a threaded barrel actually helps convey a lever gun into the trendy period, and taking pictures one suppressed was a fantastic expertise. I’ll say the added ahead weight made the Mannequin 1854 a little bit front-heavy, however that is the case for any suppressed rifle.

I discovered that some muzzle brakes might block the detachable journal tube. I used to be utilizing a Silencerco ASR muzzle brake, which was simply vast sufficient to entice the magazine tube from being eliminated. In any other case, this prompted no points.

muzzle brake on a rifle — Silencerco ASR muzzle brake is to massive to take the journal tube off

Sights On the Mannequin 1854

For these making an attempt to run the Mannequin 1854 proper out of the field, it includes a gold bead entrance and XS ghost ring rear sight. Nonetheless, for many who need to actually convey this lever gun into the trendy period, it makes use of a high Picatinny rail. This permits for mounting scopes, or purple dots such because the Vortex Defender-ST which I instantly put in when this rifle arrived. The receiver is drilled to simply accept any mounts suitable with Marlin 1894 gap patterns.

Looking down the sights of a Smith & Wesson Model 1854 — XS ghost ring rear sight

One factor to notice is that the highest Picatinny rail needs to be torqued down upon arrival. Whereas mine felt tight initially, after taking pictures it, the highest Picatinny rail had labored free. I heard of another person having this subject as effectively, so keep away from the headache and torque it down whenever you get it.

Picatinny rail with XS ghost ring on rifle — Picatinny rail with XS ghost ring rear sight

Inventory

The black artificial inventory is simplistic and glossy. It’s skinny and light-weight, but nonetheless gives a strong cheek weld. There’s a rubber butt pad about 1/2″ thick and gives nice padding for taming 200-300 gr projectiles getting launched out of the Mannequin 1854. Close to the set off, the grip makes use of what I might name aggressive texturing. It isn’t as rugged as some pistol grips, but it gives for a nice non-slip maintain.

synthetic stock on the Model 1854 rifle — Artificial inventory with aggressive grip texturing

The inventory includes a single sling swivel stud, and the forend cap additionally has a glossy sling swivel gap machined proper into it. At first look, I used to be questioning how I might mount a sling, however I respect the mixing of a sling swivel into the steel forend cap.

cool steel grey rifle next to a big tree — Machined sling swivel gap within the forend cap

Handguard

This lever motion is as useful as it’s glossy. The polymer furnishings stays light-weight coming in at solely 6.8 lbs. The forend options M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for ease of mounting equipment like bipods and weapon lights. This made mounting up my Valhalla Tactical weapon mild fast and straightforward. Whereas the mount I had positioned the lights tail cap additional again than I might have most popular, a cantilever mount would resolve this downside.

mounted weapon light on a Smith & Wesson Model 1854 rifle — The flat M-LOK slots make mounting weapon lights such because the Valhalla Tactical straightforward

The handguard and inventory are simply interchangeable and suitable with Marlin 1894 sample forends and shares. This permits for a number of customization choices, nevertheless I discover the Mannequin 1854 to be configured completely proper from the manufacturing unit.

texturing on the side of a lever action rifle on some gnarly sticks — M-LOK slots and aggressive texturing

Set off

Smith & Wesson makes use of a flat-faced set off with the Mannequin 1854, and it feels good. The slack is clear, and the wall is well-defined. Pulling previous it, the rifle I obtained has the tinniest slip of creep earlier than breaking, however that is hardly noticeable. I measured the set off weight to interrupt at 3.75 lbs constantly.

Smith & Wesson flat-faced trigger — Smith & Wesson Mannequin 1854 flat-faced set off

The set off guard is massive to permit to be used with gloves, and even the loop is enlarged for faster weapon manipulations. One factor I discovered fascinating is that there’s ahead spring stress on the set off aside from previous the wall as soon as fired. Which means that it kinda flops round with or with out the hammer cocked. S&W let me know that is regular, however it’s simply not one thing I’m used to.

Mannequin 1854 Precision

All through this evaluation, a lot of the ammunition used was both an assortment of Hornady or Magtech equipped by Ammuntiontogo.com. They’re the official ammo sponsor for this evaluation and supply a wide array of competitively priced ammunition. For this evaluation, I ordered some ammo and it was on my doorstep throughout the week. Simple to make use of on-line web site, insanely fast delivery, and aggressive costs. Go examine them out!

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 on a wooden table with six boxes of ammo — Testing out some varied Hornady 44 Magnum ammunition

Aiming to check the precision of the S&W Mannequin 1854, I used an assortment of assorted Hornady ammunition. I proceeded to shoot 3-round teams from 50 yards. I acquired a number of sub-inch teams with Hornady 200gr XTP which appears cheap for a rifle chambered in 44 Magnum. Additionally, to assist present what kind of velocities I used to be getting when taking pictures suppressed, I used a Garmin Xero C1 chronograph and listed my leads to the desk under: