Smith & Wesson Model 1854 America 250 Limited Edition – .45-70 Govt, 6+1 (14970)

The .45-70 Government is a cartridge from 1873 that refuses to be obsolete, and it belongs in a lever gun. This is Smith & Wesson's modern take — a forged 416 stainless receiver and a 20" threaded stainless barrel, both Armornite finished, walnut furniture, an XS Sights adjustable ghost ring rear, and a factory Picatinny rail — wearing a laser-engraved receiver for America's 250th birthday. 6+1 rounds. S&W SKU 14970, UPC 022188909777.

Big Bore, Modern Build

A .45-70 lever gun is a serious tool — bear country, timber whitetail, hogs, anything where a heavy bullet at close range is exactly the right answer. What S&W brings to it is modern construction: stainless steel throughout, an Armornite finish that shrugs off weather, a threaded muzzle, and a Picatinny rail for glass. It is a traditional cartridge in a rifle that doesn't require traditional maintenance.

Sights That Suit the Job

A gold bead front and an XS Sights adjustable ghost ring rear. On a big-bore lever gun used at close range in bad light, a ghost ring is the right sight — you look through the aperture rather than at it, and the eye centers the bead automatically. Faster than a buckhorn, more precise than a bead alone.

The Details

• Large loop operating lever, Armornite finished.
• Flat-face trigger and a cross-bolt safety.
• 11/16 x 24 threaded muzzle with a thread protector included.
• 1:20" twist, 8-groove.
• Walnut stock and forend with textured grip panels.
• 7.1 pounds, 37.8 inches overall.

S&W Model 1854 America 250 Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes it the America 250 edition?
A laser-engraved receiver commemorating America's 250th birthday. Mechanically it matches the Model 1854 Traditional Walnut in .45-70.

Is it a limited run?
S&W describes it as a limited edition available for a limited time, but publishes no production quantity or serial range.

Can I suppress it?
The muzzle is threaded 11/16 x 24 with a thread protector included.

How does the .45-70 compare to the .44 Magnum version?
The .45-70 (this rifle) is 6+1 with a 20" barrel and 37.8" overall; the .44 Magnum (SKU 14969) is 9+1 with a 19.25" barrel and 36" overall. Both weigh 7.1 lbs. The .45-70 hits substantially harder; the .44 Magnum holds three more rounds and is cheaper to shoot.

What other calibers does the 1854 come in?
S&W offers the Model 1854 in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .30-30 Win, .360 Buckhammer, and .45-70 Govt. The America 250 edition is offered in .44 Magnum and .45-70 only.

All firearm purchases must ship to a licensed FFL dealer. Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.