Smith & Wesson just made a big move in the lever-action world. They’ve officially added the powerful .45-70 Gov’t chambering to their Model 1854 lineup for 2025. If you're a fan of classic firearms with modern features, this is a rifle you'll want to check out.
A Nod To History
Most people don’t realize that the founders of Smith & Wesson—Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson—were part of one of the earliest lever-action rifle ventures. That legacy came full circle last year when the company launched the Model 1854 series in pistol calibers. Now, they’ve taken things up a notch by adding the legendary .45-70 Gov’t cartridge.
Classic Meets Modern
The new .45-70 Model 1854 keeps all the great features of its pistol-caliber siblings. You get a forged stainless-steel receiver and a 20-inch barrel with eight-groove rifling and a 1:20” right-hand twist. The under-barrel magazine tube holds six rounds.
There’s also a large-loop lever, crossbolt safety, and flat-faced trigger—perfect for gloved hands or fast cycling in the field.
Optics-Ready and Suppressor-Friendly
On top of the receiver is a 5.75-inch Picatinny rail, ready for optics. But if you prefer iron sights, you’re covered too. The rifle has a gold bead front post and a rear XS “ghost ring” aperture.
Another great feature? The muzzle is threaded 11/16x24 TPI. That means you can easily attach a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
Two Models, Two Looks
Smith & Wesson offers this rifle in two distinct versions:
Matte Stainless with Black Synthetic Furniture: This version includes M-Lok slots in the fore-end, perfect for mounting accessories. MSRP is $1,399.
Traditional Walnut Model: Classic wood stock with a matte black Armornite finish on all stainless parts. MSRP is $1,499.
Both versions weigh about 7.2 lbs. and measure 37.8 inches overall.
Final Thoughts
The addition of the .45-70 Gov’t to the Model 1854 family is a smart move by Smith & Wesson. It's a powerful round in a beautifully made lever-action platform. Whether you're into hunting, collecting, or just want a reliable lever gun with modern touches, this rifle deserves a spot on your wishlist.
For more details, head over to the Smith & Wesson website.
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