Smith & Wesson 1854
The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 brings lever-action reliability into the modern era — chambered in hard-hitting pistol calibers and available in both traditional and tactical configurations. Whether you're hunting, running suppressed, or just want a uniquely capable lever gun, the 1854 series delivers.
Read our full S&W Model 1854 Buying Guide ↓
What Is the Smith & Wesson Model 1854?
The Model 1854 is S&W's pistol-caliber lever-action rifle — a platform with deep American roots updated for modern shooters. Named after the year Smith & Wesson was founded, the 1854 features a steel receiver, walnut or synthetic stock depending on configuration, and chambers popular revolver calibers that let you share ammunition with your handguns.
Caliber Options
.44 Magnum — The most popular 1854 configuration. Hits hard at hunting distances, manageable in the lever platform, and pairs naturally with a .44 Magnum revolver. Effective on deer, hogs, and bear country carry.
.45 Colt — Classic Western chambering with a wide range of modern load options. Excellent for cowboy action or anyone who prefers the .45 Colt platform. Hotter loads push the performance envelope significantly.
.357 Magnum / .38 Special — The most versatile option. Shoot cheap .38 Special for practice, step up to .357 Magnum for serious work. High capacity, low recoil, and excellent accuracy make this a natural pairing with a .357 revolver.
Model Variants
Standard / Traditional — Walnut stock, polished finish, classic lever-action aesthetics. Built for hunters and collectors who want modern S&W quality in a traditional format.
Stealth Hunter — Tactical configuration with threaded barrel, M-LOK handguard, adjustable stock, and matte finish. Suppressor-ready out of the box. Pistol calibers make the 1854 an excellent suppressor host — especially in .45 Colt with subsonic loads.
Why a Pistol-Caliber Lever Action?
The lever-action pistol-caliber carbine fills a unique space: legal in states where semi-auto rifles face restrictions, compatible with your handgun ammo, naturally suppressor-friendly, and simply enjoyable to shoot. The 1854 brings all of that together with Smith & Wesson's manufacturing quality and warranty.
Running It Suppressed
The Stealth Hunter ships with a threaded barrel making suppressor mounting straightforward. As of January 1, 2026, the $200 NFA tax stamp has been eliminated — a suppressor now requires only a standard background check. The 1854 in .45 Colt with subsonic loads is one of the quieter rifle-format hosts available.
FAQ
What calibers does the Smith & Wesson 1854 come in?
The 1854 is available in .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .357 Magnum / .38 Special — all pistol calibers that pair with revolvers.
Is the S&W 1854 suppressor ready?
The Stealth Hunter variant has a threaded barrel and is designed for suppressor use. As of 2026, no tax stamp is required to purchase a suppressor.
How does the 1854 compare to a Henry or Marlin lever action?
The 1854 competes directly with the Henry Big Boy and Marlin 1894 in pistol-caliber lever actions. The Stealth Hunter differentiates with tactical features — M-LOK handguard, adjustable stock, threaded barrel — that neither Henry nor Marlin offer in standard configurations.
What is the magazine capacity of the S&W 1854?
Capacity varies by caliber and barrel length but typically runs 7–9 rounds in the tubular magazine.
Questions about the Model 1854 or which caliber is right for you? Call us at 800-917-7137 or use our live chat.