Why do I even bother keeping my S&W 1854?

[Oldsalt66]

That rifle isn't locking up properly and may have headspace issues as well.

It's unsafe, glad you're sending it back.

 

[George W]

I bought a very early production model. I'm not sure if they got sloppy ramping up production or what, but you'd think early models would be scrutinized more. I'm a brand whore for certain gun types. S&W revolvers, HK semiautos, and every lever action rifle I have is a Henry, except this one. How SW handles this POS will determine if it's the last.

 

[Minshooter]

I have the two (Ruger) Marlins mentioned above; also the Henry X's in .44 and 45-70.
Shoot everything suppressed only, sub and full power, including with the mentioned Octane 45.
(Octane is maxed out at full power 44M; use others including a Hybrid 46 and TBAC Fly 45, for full power 45-70).
Have never had the slightest issue with actions "popping open"/unlocking, etc.
Have handled but not shot three examples of the S&W .44, and didn't notice any particular roughness,
but, one new in the store rack had the follower pop loose and jam the action, as mentioned in the "Support" post.
-the store sent it to Smith for repair; came back in about ten days -seemed to be ok.
The Henry's do feel best to my hands (in terms of smooth edges) and cycle the smoothest of the lot.

 

[George W]

I got a return label notification from FedEx this morning, so I assume it's headed back to me soon. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing they're turning it back to me so fast. I'm fully expecting: "Couldn't duplicate issues. Return to customer." I don't think they're replacing the rifle. The last time S&W replaced a gun rather than fixed it, it had to go through an FFL for a new 4473.

 

[Cotis]

George,
Have you received the rifle yet? Interested to hear about what they "fixed". The negative reports on these 1854s definitely have me leary of purchasing one until they get the kinks worked out.

 

[George W]

George,
Have you received the rifle yet? Interested to hear about what they "fixed". The negative reports on these 1854s definitely have me leary of purchasing one until they get the kinks worked out.

I was just about to post about this. All the paperwork says is "Replaced Lower". My guess is that means the lever and related parts.


I took it to the range yesterday. It fed flawlessly. When I ran it suppressed 47/50 times with .44 Mag, the action didn't unlock. The three times it did were mild, not flagrantly flying open like before.

I'm still not sure if I'll keep it.

 

[3/4Flap]

I have a policy:
"Don't purchase a new model gun until it's no longer a new model gun".
Having learned the hard way, I now enjoy the benefits of this policy.
I do hope you get the thing fixed.

 

[mauser9]

Rather have the Ruger/Marlin 1894 myself.

 

[George W]

If I wasn't adamant about running everything suppressed, I wouldn't give keeping this rifle a second thought. As is.... anyone want to swap me even up for a Henry X in .44?

 

[Punisher911]

I have a half dozen Henry rifles. Most are X models that I immediately swap the handguard to RPP, put muzzle devices on for suppression, and add Picatinny rails to. I figured getting the S&W would actually save me from spending anything extra after initial purchase as they already have a rail and an M-Lock rail. I bought my 1854 in .44 Rem Mag right after they were released.

The action is clunky compared to my Henrys which are butter smooth. Not a show stopper as "I'm sure it'll smooth out eventually." Well, I'm in about 400 live rounds, and at least 1000 dry cycles. It still feels like I am rowing through a box mixed with bolts and nuts... maybe 10% better.

It feeds like crap. Unless I slam the action open and closed, it misfeeds probably 25% of the time, jamming under the feed gate. I've left the range the last three outings with the gun jammed up so bad, I have to disassemble it to get it unjammed.

Lever actions are usually great to shoot suppressed. S&W made these to run quiet out of the box. Mine blows the freaking open every round. It doesn't matter what ammo I run, even .44 Specials do it. Initially, I thought the problem may be the Octane .45 suppressor, even though SilencerCo says it's fine. I recently bought an Omega 46M that is rated to run with much less backpressure. Same problem.

Did I just end up with a lemon, or is this normal?

I’m selling mine if they ever give it back after warranty repair. 5 months and counting for a rifle I’ve never even fired. From the factory the follower left the tube mag and locked up the action.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I’ve been shooting lever guns for 48 years. Never once had one pop open after a shot was taken. Does dry firing it make it pop open? This sounds stupid, but is it supposed to pop open….like a pump shotgun?

I have an 1892 Win/Miroku in 44 mag. It’ll handle specials just fine. If you’ve tried 4 different factory loadings along with a special, and it still doesn’t work, yeah it needs to go back.

Maybe the 2 problems, along with the rough action are all indications of a single “mistake”.

Something is not right with that one.

Te suppressor does increase back pressure.........BUT If any normal human grips the stock correctly with ya thumb over the top of the grip...............Shouldn't happen........I see people shooting lever guns with their thumb laying along side the stock........And I think. What cats they are.

 

[George W]

Te suppressor does increase back pressure.........BUT If any normal human grips the stock correctly with ya thumb over the top of the grip...............Shouldn't happen........I see people shooting lever guns with their thumb laying along side the stock........And I think. What cats they are.

I've run a Henry X in .45-70 with the same can. I can shoot it without it coming unlocked no matter how little pressure I put on the wrist/cocking lever.