When you think about lever-action rifles, the image of wood stocks and blued steel is probably what pops into your head. Typically, that is what you see when a new lever gun hits the market, and then companies may come out with other variations down the road. Well, when Smith & Wesson released the new .44 Magnum Model 1854 at SHOT this year they skipped that step and went right to stainless steel and M-LOK equipped polymer stocks. It’s a slick, modern rifle, but if you like something a bit more traditional, then S&W has you covered with their latest release.
S&W just dropped a Model 1894 with walnut stocks. It’s still a stainless steel barrel and receiver, but they’re coated with a black Armornite finish, which has the look of a deep, matte blueing. The walnut stocks have some neat aesthetic touches like the way the textured inlays are broken into sections and the S&W logo on the bottom of the grip. MSRP on the walnut version of the Model 1854 is $1,399, but it’s a slick option for folks who want the modern touches like a threaded barrel, ghost ring sights and stainless steel construction, but who still want a traditional look.
Model 1854 Walnut Specifications:
- 11/16-24 Threaded Barrel
- Accepts mounts compatible with Marlin® 1894 hole patterns
- Walnut stock with textured grip panels
- Walnut forend with textured grip panels
- Gold bead front sight
- XS Sights ghost ring rear sight
- 1:20-in. RH Twist 8-Groove Rifling
- Large loop operating lever
- Forged 416 SS receiver with Armornite finish
- 19.25-in. 410 SS barrel with Armornite finish
- MSRP: $1,399
