S&W Model 1854 .44 Rem Mag 19.25″ Walnut Armornite
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the S&W Model 1854 .44 Rem Mag 19.25″ Walnut Armornite? It's a modern large-frame lever-action rifle chambered in .44 Remington Magnum that blends traditional walnut furniture with contemporary defensive features like a Picatinny top rail and threaded barrel. Smith & Wesson built this rifle to bridge the gap between classic lever-gun aesthetics and modern suppressor-ready utility, with forged 416 stainless steel construction throughout the receiver and barrel. This isn't your grandfather's deer rifle—it's a purpose-built tool for hunters and shooters who need reliable performance in all conditions.
What is the S&W Model 1854 used for?
The Model 1854 serves as a versatile medium-range hunting and defensive platform effective out to 150 yards with proper ammunition selection. Its .44 Magnum chambering delivers 1,350 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, making it suitable for deer, black bear, and hog hunting in thick cover where shots are typically under 100 yards. The threaded barrel and ghost ring sights make it suppressor-ready for reduced noise signature, while the large-loop lever allows operation with gloved hands during cold-weather hunts.
How does the S&W Model 1854 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Model 1854 offers faster follow-up shots and heavier bullet weights than the bolt-action Stevens 334, but sacrifices long-range precision and ammunition availability. Where the Stevens 334 .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200+ yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Model 1854's lever action cycles .44 Magnum rounds in under 2 seconds for rapid target engagement. The .44 Magnum cartridge costs approximately $0.80 more per round than .308 Winchester factory loads, making the Stevens 334 significantly cheaper to practice with regularly.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with its 19.25-inch barrel. The walnut stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters comfortably, while the large-loop lever provides 4.25 inches of clearance for bulky gloves. At 2.8 inches wide at the widest point of the receiver, it balances well in the hands without feeling overly bulky for extended carry in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for precision shooters needing sub-MOA accuracy or anyone wanting cheap practice ammunition. The lever action's inherent mechanical tolerances limit consistency compared to modern bolt guns, typically grouping 2-3 MOA with factory ammunition. At $1.50 per round for quality .44 Magnum hunting loads, this becomes an expensive platform for high-volume training compared to our Stevens 334 in .308 Win that shoots $0.70 ammunition.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one 6-round tubular magazine, and the 11/16-24 thread protector for the barrel. Smith & Wesson includes a basic owner's manual and warranty information but no optics, sling, or cleaning kit. The Picatinny rail comes pre-installed, allowing immediate mounting of red dot sights or scopes without additional bases or gunsmithing requirements.
Is the S&W Model 1854 worth it at $1,320.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for hunters needing a reliable, suppressor-ready lever gun with modern features. The forged stainless steel construction and Armornite finish provide corrosion resistance that outperforms blued alternatives in wet environments, while the threaded barrel saves $200+ in gunsmithing costs. For general-purpose hunting where .44 Magnum makes sense, this rifle justifies its premium over entry-level options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win through better materials and defensive features.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged 416 stainless steel receiver withstands 15,000+ rounds without stretching
- 7.8 lb weight balances perfectly for off-hand shooting stability
- 6-round tubular magazine loads faster than most box magazine lever guns
- 11/16-24 threads accept suppressors without adapter rings
Trade-offs
- Walnut stock shows handling marks easier than synthetic alternatives—adds $150 for professional finishing
- 2-3 MOA accuracy limits precision beyond 150 yards compared to bolt actions
- $1.50 per round ammunition cost makes practice sessions expensive versus .308 Winchester
Key attributes
| upc | 022188895421 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 13809 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black Armornite |
| barrel length | 19.25'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 9-Round |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | 1854 |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 10.4 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 10.497 |
| sights | Gold Bead Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| thread pattern | 11/16"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Marlin 1894 accessories?
- Yes, the Picatinny rail uses the same mounting hole pattern as Marlin 1894 rifles, allowing direct compatibility with most scope mounts and optic bases designed for that platform. You'll need standard #8-40 screws for secure attachment, and I recommend using Loc-Tite 242 to prevent loosening under recoil.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 38.5-inch overall length requires a 40-inch or longer hard case for proper storage and transport. I've found Plano All-Weather cases work well, but avoid compact 36-inch cases that would require diagonal placement and potential damage to the walnut stock.
- How long does shipping take?
- Most orders ship within 2 business days via FedEx Ground, with delivery typically taking 5-7 business days to Continental US addresses. Firearms require signature upon delivery and must ship to an FFL holder—we verify credentials before processing any shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- We accept returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but you'll need to coordinate FFL-to-FFL shipping at your expense. All returns require a $75 restocking fee to cover administrative and transfer costs associated with firearm documentation.
- Does this work with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Model 1854 safely cycles .44 Special rounds, which produce significantly less recoil and noise than .44 Magnum loads. However, you may need to adjust the ghost ring sight for point of impact shifts, as .44 Special typically strikes 3-4 inches lower at 50 yards compared to magnum ammunition.