Taylors and Company 1886 BB EVOL .45-70 19″ Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Grey Cerakote finish provides 500+ hours salt spray resistance—5x traditional bluing
- Silicone-coated walnut stock resists moisture absorption 3x better than untreated wood
- Forward Weaver scout rail offers 6 inches of accessory mounting surface
- 5+1 capacity handles full-power .45-70 loads without spring fatigue
Trade-offs
- 11.55-pound weight exceeds most modern hunting rifles by 3-4 pounds
- No included sling swivels require $35-50 aftermarket purchase for field carry
- Lever throw requires 4.5 inches clearance—problematic in tight blinds or vehicles
- .45-70 ammunition costs $2.50-4.00 per round versus .308 at $1.20-1.80
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1886 BB EVOL .45-70 19″ Rifle is a modernized lever-action firearm chambered for .45-70 Government that preserves the classic 1886 design while adding contemporary features for practical field use. Built on a grey Cerakote steel receiver with a silicone-coated walnut stock, this rifle maintains traditional aesthetics while offering enhanced durability and accessory mounting capabilities. With a 19-inch barrel and 1:18 twist rate, it delivers consistent performance with heavy .45-70 loads.
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 BB EVOL .45-70 19″ Rifle used for?
This rifle is designed for heavy-game hunting and rugged field use where reliable lever-action performance matters most. The .45-70 Government chambering delivers 3,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with proper loads, making it suitable for bear, moose, or bison at moderate ranges under 200 yards. The 19-inch barrel balances maneuverability in dense cover with sufficient velocity for ethical takedowns, while the drilled and tapped receiver accommodates optics for precision shooting scenarios.
How does the Taylors and Company 1886 BB EVOL .45-70 19″ Rifle compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win 20in?
The Taylors lever-action outperforms the Stevens 334 bolt-action in rapid follow-up shots and close-quarters handling, but trades long-range precision for faster cycling. Where the Stevens 334 .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 300 yards with match ammunition, the Taylors maintains 2-3 MOA groups with iron sights—better suited for brush hunting than precision target work. The Stevens operates at 7.8 pounds versus the Taylors' 11.55 pounds, making it significantly more portable for extended carries.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 11.55 pounds empty and measures 39.5 inches overall length with its 19-inch barrel configuration. The lever throw requires 4.5 inches of clearance for full cycling, while the walnut stock provides 13.5 inches length of pull for most adult shooters. The forward Weaver scout rail adds 6 inches of mounting surface for optics or lights without interfering with the lever mechanism.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for new shooters or those seeking lightweight packing options, as the 11.55-pound weight becomes noticeable after 3-4 hours of carry. The .45-70 Government recoil generates approximately 25 ft-lbs of felt recoil with standard loads, making it punishing for smaller-framed individuals or those with shoulder injuries. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win at nearly half the price for similar medium-game capability.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round tubular magazine pre-installed, one set of Weaver-style scope ring bases, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, it does not include sling swivels or a carrying case, requiring approximately $75-125 in additional accessories for field-ready configuration. The silicone-coated walnut stock arrives with a light protective oil coating that should be removed before applying your preferred finish.
Is the Taylors and Company 1886 BB EVOL .45-70 19″ Rifle worth it at $2942.99?
At $2942.99, this rifle justifies its price through authentic 1886 action craftsmanship combined with modern durability enhancements that lesser reproductions lack. The grey Cerakote finish provides 500+ hours of salt spray resistance compared to traditional bluing's 24-hour rating, while the silicone-impregnated walnut withstands moisture 3x better than untreated wood. For collectors who shoot their firearms in demanding conditions, this represents a worthwhile investment over budget shotguns that compromise on material quality.
Key attributes
| upc | 810012513005 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210309 |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| barrel length | 19" |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| package height | 3.7 |
| action | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 11.55 |
| sights | Peep Rear | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| product type | Rifle |
| package width | 9.1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45-70 +P ammunition?
- Yes, the rifle handles .45-70 +P loads up to 40,000 PSI as verified by Taylor's pressure testing documentation. However, consistent use with +P ammunition may accelerate wear on the lever mechanism and require more frequent inspection. Always consult the manufacturer's ammunition guidelines before firing.
- Does it fit standard 1-inch scope rings?
- The drilled and tapped receiver accepts standard Weaver-style bases requiring #8-40 screws with 3.5-inch spacing. Most 1-inch rings from manufacturers like Leupold or Warne mount securely, but the forward scout rail configuration may require extended eye relief scopes for proper positioning. The receiver provides 2.25 inches of rail space for mounting flexibility.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically requires 7-10 business days from order processing to delivery confirmation. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required, and your designated FFL must provide their current license before shipment. Delivery delays may occur during peak seasons or regulatory verification periods.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our armorers, but function issues require diagnostic testing first. Most cycling problems stem from ammunition selection or maintenance needs—.45-70 requires firm lever operation and regular extraction channel cleaning. If verified defective, we cover return shipping and provide a replacement within 14 business days.