If you like your .40 caliber numbers to end in 5 then you’re in luck. Smith & Wesson just added .45 Colt to the chamberings offered in the new Model 1854 lever action rifle line up. Available in either black polymer and stainless steel or walnut and black Armornite finished the .45 Colt Model 1854 holds 9+1 rounds of big, fat .45 Colt slugs. It comes with XS iron sights as well as a Picatinny rail for mounting optics so you can make the most out of one of the best cartridges of the 19th Century, by using all the tech available in the 21st Century. MSRP on the stainless version is $1,279 while the Walnut one is $1,399.

Following is the press release they issued:

MARYVILLE, TN. (7/2/2024) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announces today the release of the new Model 1854, chambered in 45 Colt.

At the time Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 1854 series, .44 Rem Mag was the caliber offering of choice. Now, starting today, you can own one of these smooth lever guns in the iconic 45 Colt cartridge. The Model 1854 series is designed to strategically blend the classic aesthetic of the American lever gun while incorporating modern enhancements. This past year, the series received the 2024 Editor’s Choice Best All-Around Rifle, from Outdoor Life. Models are offered in a paired synthetic black polymer and stainless-steel finish, as well as a walnut furniture combination with Armornite finish.

These rifles are designed with a 9+1 capacity, include a threaded 19 ¼-inch barrel, and boast a crisp and smooth action that is also tough enough to stand up to use in the field. The Model 1854 comes with additional features out of the box like a 4 ¾-inch Picatinny base for mounting optics, an adjustable XS Sights® ghost ring rear sight, a gold bead front sight, flat-face trigger design, and removable magazine tube that allows you to safely unload the rifle.

Experience a blend of heritage and innovation with the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Series, now available in .44 Rem Mag and 45 Colt. For more information on the S&W Model 1854 Series, visit 1854 | Smith & Wesson (smith-wesson.com)

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38 COMMENTS

  1. I do not see how the .45 Colt is a good lever carbine round. .357, yes. .44 mag, yes.

    Semi auto PCC’s. 9, 10 yes. .45 acp, no.

    • You are matching a revolver is a good reason IMO. Potentially subsonic stuff since it has a threaded barrel.

      • No threaded barrels “allowed” in ILLANNOY. I completely agree with jwm🙄

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        • The only restriction on threaded rifle barrels I can find is connected to semi-auto rifles.

    • Wonder if it could handle .460 S&W pressures, if so seems an easy extending of the chamber would work.

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      • 454 casull would probably be the upper limit of might be ok pressure and even then would not want to be the test case when purpose built rifles for either caliber, anything Linebaugh, and even 500sw……but at higher prices past the 454 casull.

      • Even 454 Casull would probably be way too much. You’re talking 65,000PSI vs the original 45 Colts 14,000PSI.
        But, as a guy that shoots a lot of 454 Casull and 460SWM for African game, it’s pretty rare you can’t get what you need at 100 yards or under for North American deer and black bear with the 45 Colt, assuming “Ruger Only” loads of 20,000PSI (and maybe a little more). With those loads, and a carbine length barrel, you can expect to push a 280gr hard cast bullet to 1,300fps or more.

  3. I got a Marlin in .45-70 in stainless steel.
    This isn’t even a .45 Long Colt.
    I’ll pass.

    • Even though this particular rifle doesn’t particularly interest me, the version addressed in the article is .45 Colt which IS .45 Long Colt. Besides, I already have two Rossi lever guns in .45 Colt (one of which is a SS carbine) so, I don’t really need this one. The Rossi’s are well made, reliable, and accurate not to mention they’re about 1/2 the price. No more than I shoot them they are quite serviceable.

      • I would love to have one of these–alas they are too expensive in my world.

        I will have to look into one of the Rossi lever-action rifles. I fear, though, that even the Rossi’s are going to cost upwards of $800. If I could find one for $550, I would buy it so fast it would make your head spin.

        I have to think about caliber, though. I am thinking that .357 Magnum would be a nice choice. That caliber packs enough wallop for many tasks while sticking with the reduced cost and weight of .357 Magnum (versus .44 Magnum for example).

        • Uncommon, I’ve not seen any Rossi’s as high as $800. They usually run around 6 bills. And, they do come in .38 Spl/.357 Mag. I have one of those, as well. Quite fun to shoot. And, to round things out, I’ve got one in .44 Spl/.44 Mag, too although I’ve yet to fire that one but, I suspect it will be just as reliable as the others. Anyway, it’s worth the time to check out the Rossi’s. Just a suggestion.

          • PA NY out to ME all start at 700 for any Rossi lever action. Seen up to 900 for the 454 version. 1000 is the starting point for Henry and even higher for Marlin. But area and available options/alternatives and demand does have an influence.

            • I agree that area and options influence price but here in N. Alabama $600, or thereabouts, seems to be the going rate for a Rossi. And, yes, I have other lever guns besides the Rossi’s. My Henry .22 set me back about $300 several years ago and my Henry Big Boy in .327 Federal Mag was a little over $700, but I love .327 Fed Mag.

    • ” This isn’t even a Long Colt ”
      That’s OK, I have an AR-15 that isn’t even an assault rifle, so I guess I know how you feel.

      • I’d have figured you’d be looking for something that takes paper-patched boolits preloaded in used toilet paper tubes, in the 40 megawatt range.

  6. I think it would make a great home defense gun, loaded with cowboy action ammo and soft cast 200gr RNSP bullets. 900fps and a bullet that will mushroom and not run afoul of any “no hollow points “ allowed laws like in NJ. More than enough at across the room distances. Might have less over penetration too, less report, and negligible recoil.

  7. I like Marlin LAs. Owned many. Still own a couple. Not this one. Nothing to do with caliber. That stock sucks. The XS sights are a good idea though.

  8. I was dreaming of a Ruger wheel gun in .357 along with a new Marlin. Keep my ammo the same and the ability to use .38 special is a nice bonus.

  9. Seems great, but not for that price. i would take a Rossi or Marlin, much cheaper and I suspect just as reliable.

    • ……may want to double check marlin prices. And if I am wrong let me know where.

  10. If I had a .45 Colt revolver I would consider one of these in the wood stock.

  11. I would be interested in a Ruger/Marlin lever action is either .357 or .44 mag (probably both). In my opinion, better than the S&W, and no Hillary hole on the companion pistols. Price probably better too, and this fudd prefers walnut to synthetic.
    As long as S&W has the Hillary hole, I’m not interested.
    Besides, I think that I’m spoiled. I got my Marlin 336 in .30-30 in 1984 for about $200 new, and I still have it.

  12. Gun owners: “Please, make it in 357 Magnum!”
    Smith & Wesson: “Did you say 45 Colt?”
    Gun owners: “No, we said 357 Magnum! Make it in 357 Magnum, and we’ll buy it.”
    Smith & Wesson: “We’re trying to sell more 45 Colt handguns, so here’s a 45 Colt version instead.”
    Gun owners: “Argh!”

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