New Product Highlight: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 in .45 Colt

When Smith & Wesson pulled the cover off the Model 1854 earlier this year, we were psyched to see another high-end lever gun hit the market. There was just one problem: it only came in .44 Rem Mag.

There’s nothing wrong with the cartridge – in fact, it’s a classic in the world of big game hunting – but being boxed into one option feels painfully limiting these days.

Now, Smith & Wesson is offering the 1854 in another straight-walled cartridge: .45 Colt.

Most .45 Colt shooters choose it for cowboy action shooting. Loads vary widely, though, so you can get everything from soft-popping rounds for competitive shooting to hunting rounds that deliver more energy than a standard .44 Rem Mag.

If I had to guess, I’d say Smith & Wesson is catering to action shooters who want to run the same ammo in their lever guns and revolvers.

The company might as well roll out a few more variations while they’re at it, though; I’m sure 1854s in .30-30, .360 Buckhammer, or .45-70 would practically fly off the shelves. One in .500 Smith & Wesson might not, but it would sure be a sight to behold.

As before, this Smith & Wesson Model 1854 gets an oversized loop, flat-faced trigger, threaded barrel, and a 9-round magazine tube. A bead front sight and XS Sights ghost ring rear sight come standard, as does a Picatinny rail for mounting an optic.

If you opt for the synthetic stock, you’ll also get M-LOK attachments on the forend.

The addition of .45 Colt to the mix is nice, but the price should get you excited, too. Back when we first put our hands on the Model 1854 at SHOT Show 2024, the exquisite Walnut stock cost an eye-watering $3,500. As pretty as it was, that’s simply not attainable for most shooters.

Now, an 1854 with a walnut stock costs less than half that amount. Smith & Wesson used a higher grade of wood for the initial batch and switched to more cost-effective timber for the long run. As far as I can tell in photos, it still looks great.

Smith & Wesson lists an MSRP of $1,279 for the synthetic stock 1854 and $1,399 for the walnut stock.

What do you think of the new Smith & Wesson Model 1854? Let us know below. For more cowboy guns, check out our guide to the best lever-action rifles.