Lever Gun Shootout: Marlin vs Smith & Wesson

The Marlin Dark Series 1895 and the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 are two exemplary lever action rifles that we tested this year. Read our review of the full field of the rifles of 2024 and see how we tested them here: www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best...
Marlin Dark Series 1895 Specs
• Action: Lever action
• Stock: Synthetic butt with aluminum handguard
• Cartridge: .45/70 Gov’t
• Capacity: 5+1
• Weight: 6 pounds, 13 ounces (measured)
• Trigger: 6 pounds, 4 ounces (measured)
• Barrel: 16.17 inches, 1:20 twist, threaded 11/16-24
• Length: 35 1/2 inches
• Price: $1,429
• 5-Shot Group Average: 1.284 inches, 24 total groups (50 yards)
• Accuracy Notes: As with the other lever-actions the data here is from 50 yards shooting from the standing position off a support bag on a tripod. We were all really impressed with how well the Barnes 300-grainers shot. In .45/70 it delivers a devastating wallop, whether you’re chasing a deer in the timber or trying to stop a grizzly charging at you from a willow thicket.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Specs
• Action: Lever action
• Stock: Synthetic
• Cartridge: .44 Magnum
• Capacity: 9+1
• Weight: 6 pounds, 12 ounces (measured)
• Trigger: 4 pounds, 7 ounces (measured)
• Barrel: 19.25 inches; 1:20 twist; threaded 11/16-24
• Length: 36 inches
• Price: $1,279
• 5-Shot Group Average: 1.80 inches, 30 total groups (50 yards)
• Accuracy Notes: The data here is with groups shot at 50 yards. With a mean radius of .5 inches you can be confident in tackling any game within the effective range of a .44 Magnum. This rifle more than meets the standard of the lever-action platform.

[@scottsullivan7176]

I love my 1854 😎

[@REDNECKROOTS]

S&w got a tall order to throw henery and marlin off the top 2 spots in the lever action relm. Very tall order. Personally id buy the Marlin dark 336 30/30 or 1895 45/70 and not look bak.

[@adriandeshazo7291]

Did anyone else see the s&w eject 2 rounds in the slow mo

[@tylerfreel85]

That was operator error

[@hawkeye1376]

Marlin all the way

[@michaelbarfield528]

Awaiting a "Recall" from Smith & Wesson with their track record on Quality Control recently 10 MM Auto issue, Shotgun issue and FPC issue....

[@eduardoolaechea]

Why would anyone buy a lever action that looks like an AR-15?