Description
Smith & Wesson jumped back into lever guns with the Model 1854, and this 360 Buckhammer version might be the smartest chambering in the whole lineup. The cartridge was built from the ground up for straight-wall hunting country, pushing a .358 caliber bullet with plenty of authority for whitetails out to sensible woods distances. Pair that with a 20-inch stainless barrel and a 6+1 tube magazine fed through a side loading gate, and you have a deer rifle that feels right at home in a shooting house or still-hunting a hardwood ridge.
Built Like a Modern 1854, Not a Museum Piece
The receiver is forged 416 stainless steel, and the furniture is black synthetic with textured grip panels, so a wet November morning is not going to bother it. Up top there is a Picatinny-style rail for a scope or red dot, and the forend carries M-LOK slots for a light or sling mount. The muzzle comes threaded 5/8×24 with a protector installed, so adding a suppressor or brake is a five-minute job. XS ghost ring sights with a gold bead front come standard, and they are quick to pick up in low light when deer actually move.
Running the 1854 in the Field
The large loop lever earns its keep once gloves go on, and the action cycles noticeably smooth right out of the box, which matters when a follow-up shot needs to happen fast. The flat trigger breaks clean, the cross-bolt safety is simple and positive, and at around 7.35 pounds with a 37.8-inch overall length, it carries and points like a lever gun should. If you hunt where straight-wall cartridges are the name of the game, or you just want a tough, low-maintenance lever rifle chambered in something with real punch and mild recoil, this one deserves a hard look.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 14206
- UPC: 022188901719
- Model: 1854
- Caliber: .360 Buckhammer
- Action: Lever Action
- Capacity: 6+1
- Barrel Length: 20 inches
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Twist Rate: 1:12
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8×24 with Thread Protector
- Receiver: Forged 416 Stainless Steel, Picatinny Rail
- Stock: Black Synthetic with Textured Grip Panels
- Forend: M-LOK Slots
- Sights: Gold Bead Front / Adjustable XS Ghost Ring Rear
- Safety: Cross-Bolt Manual
- Overall Length: 37.8 inches
What’s Included
- S&W Model 1854 lever action rifle
- Thread protector (installed)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Model 1854 in 360 Buckhammer use a detachable magazine?
No, this one feeds from a fixed tube magazine under the barrel with a 6+1 capacity. You load it through the side gate on the receiver, classic lever gun style. It keeps the rifle slim, balanced, and easy to top off without breaking your shooting position.
Can I mount a scope or red dot on the S&W 1854?
Yes, the receiver comes with a Picatinny-style rail already in place, so mounting a scope, red dot, or low-power variable is straightforward. If you prefer to keep it simple, the adjustable XS ghost ring rear and gold bead front sights are fast and very usable on their own, especially in thick cover.
What is the 360 Buckhammer cartridge best suited for?
The 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall cartridge based on the 30-30 case, designed specifically with deer hunters in mind. It throws a .358 caliber bullet with solid energy and manageable recoil, making it a great whitetail round out to a couple hundred yards. It has become a favorite in regions where straight-wall cartridges are the go-to for deer season.
Is the barrel on the Model 1854 threaded for a suppressor?
It is. The 20-inch stainless barrel comes threaded 5/8×24 and ships with a thread protector installed. That pattern fits a wide range of suppressors and muzzle brakes, so you can set the rifle up however you like without any gunsmith work.







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