Smith & Wesson Embraces Modern Lever-Action Revival with Model 1854 Stealth Hunter
Author: Nick Miles | Publish Date: Jan 11, 2025
The lever-action renaissance continues to gain momentum, and Smith & Wesson has now entered the arena with their contemporary take on this classic platform. Their latest offering, the Model 1854 Stealth Hunter, reimagines the traditional lever gun for today's hunting enthusiast.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter - 357 MAGNUM
Breaking from conventional lever-action aesthetics, the Stealth Hunter prioritizes practical functionality over nostalgia. The rifle features a tactical-inspired synthetic stock and aluminum forearm equipped with M-LOK attachment points. While the receiver and barrel are crafted from stainless steel, they sport a subdued black finish that's ideal for maintaining a low profile during hunts, whether you're stationed in an elevated blind or ground hide.
Sighting options blend heritage with innovation. The traditional front sight has been replaced with a high-visibility Hiviz H3 fiber-optic system, while the rear features a versatile combination of peep sight and Picatinny rail spanning 10.5 inches. This setup offers hunters the flexibility to mount their preferred optics while maintaining reliable iron sight capability.
The compact 16.5-inch barrel enhances maneuverability in dense cover and confined spaces. Modern amenities include a threaded muzzle compatible with various attachments, including suppressors (with appropriate documentation). The rifle's flat trigger promotes improved accuracy, and the innovative removable magazine tube design simplifies unloading compared to traditional lever actions – simply twist, slide, and clear.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Traditional Walnut Lever-Action Rifle - 45 Colt
For traditionalists, Smith & Wesson offers an alternative configuration featuring classic walnut furniture and extended barrel and magazine tube lengths, while retaining the modern mechanical improvements.
The tactical-styled Stealth Hunter currently retails at $1,399 MSRP and comes chambered in three calibers: .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, and .45 Long Colt, each with an eight-round capacity. The walnut-stocked variant is presently available exclusively in .45 Long Colt, featuring a nine-round capacity at the same price point.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Specifications
Specifications | S&W® MODEL 1854 STEALTH HUNTER™ 44 MAGNUM | S&W® MODEL 1854 STEALTH HUNTER™ 357 MAGNUM | S&W® MODEL 1854 TRADITIONAL WALNUT LEVER-ACTION RIFLE 45 COLT |
---|---|---|---|
SKU | 14193 | 14194 | 13811 |
Caliber | 44 MAGNUM | 357 MAGNUM | 45 COLT |
Capacity | 8 | 8 | 9 |
Frame Size | RIFLE | RIFLE | RIFLE |
Barrel Length | 16.3 | 16.3 | 19.25 |
Safety | CROSS-BOLT | CROSS-BOLT | CROSS-BOLT |
State Compliance | CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, VT, WA | CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, VT, WA | CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, VT, WA |
Weight | 102.9 oz | 104 oz | 113.6 oz |
Color Finish | BLACK | BLACK | WALNUT |
Width | 1.6 in | 1.6 in | 1.6 in |
Length | 33.4 in | 33.3 in | 36 in |