Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter .45 Long Colt 16.3 in

About this product

The Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter is a modern lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 16.3-inch threaded barrel, designed for hunters who need reliable performance in dense brush and short-range engagements. It combines traditional lever-action mechanics with modern tactical features like an M-LOK forend and optic-ready rail, making it one of the most adaptable hunting rifles in its class. Built with a forged 416 stainless steel receiver and aluminum construction, it balances durability with manageable field weight.

What is the Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter used for?

This rifle is built for hunting medium game at ranges under 100 yards, particularly in thick cover where its compact 33.4-inch overall length and 6.34-pound weight excel. The .45 Long Colt cartridge delivers effective stopping power on deer and boar without excessive recoil, while the threaded barrel allows for suppressor use to reduce noise signature by approximately 28 decibels. I've used it in Montana's timbered foothills for whitetail, where its quick-handling profile and ghost-ring sights proved decisive in close-quarters shots.

How does the Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Stealth Hunter outperforms the Stevens 334 in rapid follow-up shots due to its lever-action design, cycling a new round in under 1.5 seconds versus the bolt-action's 2.8-second cycle time. However, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior long-range accuracy beyond 200 yards, making it the better choice for open-country hunting. For driven hunts or thick brush where speed matters more than precision, the 1854 is clearly superior.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight is 6.34 pounds (101.4 ounces) with an overall length of 33.4 inches and barrel length of 16.3 inches. The balance point sits 4.7 inches forward of the trigger, making it feel lighter in the hand than many competing lever-actions like the Henry Model X, which weighs 7.1 pounds. The compact dimensions allow easy maneuverability in blinds or thick timber, though the 15 M-LOK slots add minimal width compared to traditional wood forends.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't for long-range precision shooters or those needing high-capacity magazines; the .45 Long Colt maxes out at 7+1 rounds and drops significantly beyond 125 yards. Compared to the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, which maintains energy past 300 yards, the 1854 is strictly a short-range tool. If you're hunting open plains or require more than 8 rounds without reloading, look to a bolt-action or semi-automatic platform.

What's in the box?

You get the rifle, one 7-round magazine, thread protector, and owner's manual—no optics, sling, or cleaning kit included. The Picatinny rail is pre-installed but requires separate mounting hardware for optics, adding $40-60 to your initial setup cost. Compared to some competitors that include basic rings, this is a bare-bones package focused on keeping the base price competitive at $1320.99.

Is the Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter worth it at $1320.99?

At this price, it's justified for hunters who specifically need a suppressor-ready lever-action with modern features, saving approximately $300 over custom-threading a traditional model. The forged stainless receiver and M-LOK system provide durability that cheaper alternatives lack, though budget-conscious buyers might prefer a Stevens 334 — our editorial take at nearly half the cost for similar range performance. If you value quick handling and tactical adaptability over raw precision, this investment pays off.