I must live under a rock, but I just saw these. They look pricey and a bit non-traditional. Who has one that can give us a report?

I got to handle one recently here at the gun shop in Salmon Idaho
A fellow was writing out a check for just over $1,200 with tax for one.

Quality seemed good and I believe it had Skinner sights.

Funny because I have been trying to sell a Winchester "Trapper" in .44 Magnum for a short time for under $900 and so far no takers!

Not sure I would take a plunge for the S&W for the price they are asking....but that said, Henry is getting similar money for their versions!

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

The rear sight on the 1854 is from XS Sights.

I just picked one up today. I have to admit, she's purty. I'll probably take her out on Friday.

I finally got a chance to try it out. My initial impression so far is ... ehhh.

The action is very clunky. My worst Henry is 100x butter smooth compared to it. Maybe it will get better over time, but for $1200, should it have to get 1000 cycles?

The barrel thread size is odd with 11/16" threads. Most other .45 (ish) guns come with 5/8". It took me a with while to find a 3-lug adapter in this thread size (Rugged). With it, I was able to run a Silencerco 45 Octane. With 180 and 240 grain JSP, it ran pretty quiet.

The Safety is a design I don't care for. It's one of those designs that lets the hammer fall even when on safe. I prefer a safety that prevents the hammer from falling at all, giving me instant feedback of "Dummy, it's on Safe"/ if I ever have it on accidentally. Does a Lever Action gun even need a Safety?

When shooting suppressed. the cocking lever would pop out of the latched position every time, regardless of bullet weight. This didn't happen without the suppressor, so I guess it has something to due with pressures.

Overall, I really wished that I tried out someone else's rifle first. If I had, I probably wouldn't have bought this one. I won't get rid of it, but I won't move my Henrys out of the way to get to it for a range day. either.

You are correct about the cause. Suppressors create back pressure, which is also why gun actions get dirty faster when you run a suppressor.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I learn something new here every day.

I have 12 suppressors and 6 lever guns. I've never had one pop the lever open.

I'm trying not to **** on the gun. It's nice, but it isn't a Henry.

I bought one and I like it a lot. I only have a couple hundred rounds thru it so far. It hasn't been finicky with ammo yet. I do have some semi wad cutters to try and a Sig Romeo5 to zero too.

I just got first hands-on with one yesterday. I am not the biggest fan of the marlin with a curve in the wrist, preferring the straight stock. However, I didn't seem to mind it on the Smith. As noted above, it's certainly not as smooth as a box-stock Henry...but neither is the new Marlin, I believe. I REALLY appreciate the man-sized trigger blade used on the rifle, almost as large as a Winnie. The stubby little thing on the Marlin has always grated on me, LOL.

From those who've shot it....Does the loading gate bite you in any way whilst shoving them in there?

My neighbor bought one last month. Been to the range with him several times and its an OK rifle. Doesn't shoot any better than his Rossi 92. And the trigger is completely different, floppy and overly wide.
I guess it's simply a product of S&W getting on the lever gun band wagon. Sorta like Henry making revolvers now... nothing new, just different.
Personally, I'd go with a Rossi 92 at 2/3 the price.

John