Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner TD, .45-70 Government
Pros & cons
What works
- 5/8×24 threaded barrel accepts standard .45 cal suppressors or brakes without adapter
- Takedown design reduces longest component to 22.5 inches for compact transport
- Matte chrome finish provides corrosion resistance superior to blued steel in humid conditions
- Enlarged 3.25-inch lever loop accommodates winter gloves for all-weather operation
Trade-offs
- At 8.2 pounds unloaded, it's 1.8 pounds heavier than a synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 in .308 Win
- No scope bases included — adds $40-$80 and installation time for optic mounting
- .45-70 Government ammunition costs $2.50-$4.00 per round, limiting high-volume practice
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner TD is a takedown lever-action rifle in .45-70 Government that combines 19th-century mechanical design with modern suppressor-readiness and corrosion-resistant finishes. It provides a 4+1 capacity from a traditional tubular magazine housed in a half-octagon barrel, with a drilled-and-tapped receiver offering optic mounting options absent on original models. The matte chrome finish and black soft-touch stock represent practical compromises between field durability and classic aesthetics.
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner TD used for?
This rifle is primarily a hunting and backcountry utility platform for medium to large game at ranges under 150 yards. Its .45-70 Government chambering delivers over 2,300 ft-lbs of energy with modern loads, sufficient for elk or bear in timbered terrain. The takedown feature reduces its longest dimension to just over 22 inches for pack or vehicle transport, while the 5/8×24 threaded barrel allows attachment of a muzzle brake or suppressor—key for hunting with hearing protection.
How does the 1886 Ridge Runner TD compare to the Stevens 334?
The Ridge Runner TD is mechanically and functionally distinct from the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, trading long-range precision for rapid follow-up shots and compact transport. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers a 20-inch barrel and likely sub-MOA potential with match ammunition, the Ridge Runner's lever action prioritizes a faster 37.5-inch overall package with traditional handling. The Stevens is better for disciplined, long-range shooting; the Ridge Runner excels in dense cover where quick handling and terminal energy matter more than extreme accuracy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.2 pounds unloaded and measures 37.50 inches in overall length with a 20-inch half-octagon barrel. Disassembled via its takedown mechanism, the longest component (the barrel/receiver group) reduces to approximately 22.5 inches for storage, fitting into standard rifle cases or backcountry packs more easily than a full-length rifle. The enlarged lever loop has a 3.25-inch internal clearance, accommodating gloved hands in cold weather operation.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision shooters demanding sub-MOA groups or those primarily engaging targets beyond 200 yards. The .45-70's rainbow trajectory and the peep rear sight limit precise holdovers compared to a scoped bolt-action like the Stevens 334. It's also not ideal for high-volume recreational shooting due to the cost per round of .45-70 Government ammunition, which typically runs $2.50-$4.00 per cartridge—significantly more than .308 Winchester or .223 Remington.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, a 5/8×24 thread-pattern muzzle brake, a matching thread protector cap, and the owner's manual. The rifle ships without a cleaning kit, scope bases, or a hard case—common omissions in this price segment. The takedown requires no tools, using a lever-activated lockup similar to the original 1886 design but with modern hardened steel interfaces. For information on proper storage and transport, see our guide on takedown rifle maintenance.
Is the Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner TD worth it at $1,978.99?
At just under $2,000, it occupies a specific niche where traditional mechanics meet modern utility, justifying its price against customizations to an original Winchester 1886. The cost covers the matte chrome corrosion resistance, factory threading, and takedown engineering you'd otherwise pay a gunsmith $600+ to add. If you need a suppressor-ready, packable .45-70 that honors the 1886 action, it's worth the investment. If you simply want a .45-70 lever gun, a standard Marlin 1895 SBL at around $1,300 may suffice.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003213 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 220090 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 11.75 |
| sights | Peep Rear | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded barrel compatible with my .45 caliber suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8×24 thread pitch is standard for .45 caliber muzzle devices and suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. You must verify your specific suppressor's rating for .45-70 Government pressures, as some pistol-rated .45 cans are not designed for rifle cartridges. Always consult your suppressor's manufacturer manual before mounting.
- Does the receiver come with scope bases installed?
- No, the receiver is drilled and tapped to accept standard #6-48 scope base screws, but bases are not included. You'll need to purchase separate bases, typically in a Weaver or Picatinny pattern, from companies like Warne or Leupold. Installation requires a torque wrench set to 15-20 in-lbs to avoid stripping the threads.
- Can this rifle fire +P .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, the action is built on the original 1886 design, which is robust enough for modern smokeless +P loads from brands like Buffalo Bore or Underwood. However, I recommend consulting Taylors and Company directly for specific pressure limits, as prolonged use of the heaviest loads may accelerate wear on the locking lugs. Standard-pressure loads around 28,000 CUP are ideal for longevity.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected FFL typically takes 3-7 business days from our warehouse, depending on your location. All firearms shipments require a valid copy of your FFL's license on file before dispatch. Once the carrier confirms delivery, you have 30 days to complete the 4473 background check and transfer at your dealer.
- Does it work with a Henry .45-70 magazine tube?
- No, the magazine tube and follower are specific to the 1886 pattern and are not interchangeable with Henry, Marlin, or other lever-action designs. The tube holds 4 rounds of .45-70 Government, with an overall capacity of 4+1. Replacement tubes and springs must be sourced from Taylors and Company or a licensed parts vendor like Numrich Gun Parts.