Hunting

Smith and Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter 44 Magnum

By: Dave Bahde

Welcome to the dark side, we have M-LOK

One of the trends that has surprised me the most over the last few years has been the high-speed/low-drag lever-action platform. Not because they are of no use — nothing could be farther from the truth — they just do not fit the overwhelming narrative pushing high-capacity semi-automatic rifles/carbines for defensive purposes. Having used lever-action rifles for decades, they have always been one of my favorite firearms to shoot … kind of like the revolver of the carbine world. They’ve always been a fast and effective hunting tool, and have been protecting ranches, farms, and homes for nearly 200 years now. Lever actions in proven handgun calibers have gained popularity in recent years, and one of the latest additions is Smith & Wesson’s new modernized 2025 On Target Editors’ Choice Award-winning 1854 Stealth Hunter, chambered in .44 Magnum, one of the most versatile handgun calibers ever created.

The Stealth Hunter model is all about the ability to customize, and the aluminum M-LOK compatible handguard sits at the heart of that plan. The rifle’s 16.3-inch stainless-steel barrel is threaded to 11/16×24 for mounting a suppressor (Dead Air Primal shown here; www.deadairsilencers.com) or muzzle brake. A removable magazine tube allows rounds to be dumped out the front without cycling them through the action. A bright-green fiber-optic HIVIZ H3 handles front sight duty.

S&W 1854 Stealth Hunter in 44 Magnum

Smith and Wesson introduced the 1854 in January of 2024. Initially chambered in .44 Magnum, it is now also available in .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .45-70 Govt. Along with the original configuration, there are traditional models and the newly introduced Stealth Hunter model. Made from 410 stainless steel, the Stealth Hunter is coated in a durable black finish, featuring a black synthetic stock and a new aluminum handguard with ample M-LOK real estate. Its barrel measures 16.3 inches long with a threaded muzzle (11/16 x 24) that’s capped with a thread protector. Sights consist of an XS Sights adjustable ghost ring rear sight and a bright-green fiber-optic HIVIZ H3 front sight. The magazine tube holds eight rounds of 44 Magnum, loaded through the receiver’s side gate, which can be quickly dumped out the front of the tube if needed. The action features a flat-faced trigger, an oversized lever loop, and a cross-bolt safety. An extended Picatinny optic rail permits the use of a red-dot sight, standard magnifying riflescope, or extended eye relief scout-style scope. My test rifle was equipped with a Trijicon (www.trijicon.com) Huron 1-4 power scope featuring the BDC Hunter Holds reticle, mounted in a set of LaRue Tactical (www.larue.com) 30mm two-piece QD rings with windows that allow co-witnessing with the iron sights.

Built on a forged 416 stainless-steel receiver, the 1854 uses the same round-style bolt you would find on larger big-bore platforms, such as 45/70. Highlights of the receiver include a flat-faced trigger, a mid-sized lever loop, an easy-to-operate cross-bolt safety, and a side-loading gate. Capacity is 8+1 rounds. We utilized the M-LOK to mount a Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holder, which holds two .44 Magnum shells at the ready, and Trijicon’s Huron 1-4x24mm riflescope during testing.

Range Time

Accuracy was about as good as it gets from a lever action, and in talking with colleagues who have also tested the 1854, they all indicated the same. My best 50-yard group was around 1.25 Inches using Hornady 165-grain FTX Critical Defense 44 Special. Recoil with this load was minimal at most, and it’s my preferred load for my 44 Magnum revolvers. Moving up to the 225-grain FTX, downrange precision was still impressive, printing a 1.40-inch best group. Even running 240-grain hotter loads, it was plenty accurate and comfortable to shoot — one of the reasons why this caliber is one of the most versatile out there, especially in a lever gun. As a flat-trigger fan in general, this rifle’s light and crisp suited trigger my preference.

A black synthetic buttstock adds to the all-weather, hard-use capabilities (and the stealth factor) of the 1854 Stealth Hunter — you won’t think twice about tossing this rifle in the truck and taking it out in inclement weather. Texturing, which we found to be perfect in its abrasive levels when both wet and dry, can be found on the pistol grip. A soft rubber buttpad helps take the sting out of hotrod 44 Mag loads.

The 1854 action is smooth and precise, making it fun to run through its cycle. Ejection was consistent and positive with no stoppages experienced during testing. Oversized lever loops like the one on the 1854 are a point of argument amongst most lever-action shooters, but with large hands and a tendency to glove up in the winter, they’re a definite positive for me. Traditionalists seem to decry them, but unless it’s an obnoxiously large loop, I don’t see the downfall, and the Stealth Hunter’s loop seems to reside in the “just right” size category. A larger loop is also convenient if you plan to wrap your lever in either leather or paracord.

The 1854 Stealth Hunter, as has been our experience in the past, did not disappoint from the bench. The best downrange precision during testing was achieved with Hornady’s 165-grain FTX 44 Special load, which produced a 1.30-inch five-shot group at 50 yards. All of the 44 Magnum loads, in 225- and 240-grain weights, were close on its heels with 1.40 to 1.50-inch best groups.

Final Thoughts

Although a hunter by name, Smith and Wesson’s Stealth Hunter certainly meets the defensive role with ease. Balanced, accurate, and reliable, this is one of the most versatile rifles on the market today. No matter your end use(s), either way, it certainly deserves a hard look if you are interested in a modern lever-action rifle. See the 1854 Stealth Hunter ($1,399) at your nearest dealer, or for more information, contact Smith & Wesson; Tel: (800) 331-0852; Web: www.smith-wesson.com.