S&W Model 1854 Lever Action Rifle Now Available In .360 Buckhammer
Smith & Wesson has added a new chambering to its Model 1854 lever-action rifle line with the introduction of the .360 Buckhammer variant. The rifle combines traditional lever-action ergonomics with contemporary tactical features intended to broaden its utility across hunting and field applications.
The Model 1854 in .360 Buckhammer was designed to blend precision engineering and a classic profile with modern accessory compatibility. The rifle incorporates a 20-inch barrel, providing a balance of manageable length and ballistic performance for medium to large game. The .360 Buckhammer chambering itself has gained attention for delivering a blend of straight-walled power and controllable recoil, appealing to hunters in jurisdictions where straight-walled cartridges are required.
Unlike traditional lever rifles that rely on simple iron sight setups, the new 1854 includes an integrated Picatinny rail on top of the receiver for direct mounting of optics. In addition, M-LOK slots on the forend allow users to attach a variety of accessories such as bipods, handheld lights, slings, or other field gear without the need for aftermarket modifications. These features position the rifle as a more mission-ready option right out of the box.
The rifle retains the lever-action’s inherent handling characteristics, with a tactile lever stroke and widely spaced sights that facilitate mounting optics above them if desired. The combination of a modern accessory interface with a traditional action type reflects a broader trend in lever-action design toward versatility without sacrificing the familiar balance and feel that shooters expect.
If you - like me - don’t know much about this caliber, here’s a short background to save us from the embarrassment: The .360 Buckhammer (or 360 BHMR - 9.1×46mmR) is a modern straight-wall rimmed hunting cartridge developed specifically to deliver strong terminal performance from compact, fast-handling rifles. Designed with whitetail hunters in mind, it offers hard-hitting energy at typical woods ranges while remaining legal in states that restrict hunting to straight-wall cartridges.
With its modern interface and contemporary chambering, the Model 1854 .360 Buckhammer adds another option to Smith & Wesson’s growing portfolio of lever-action rifles aimed at both contemporary hunters and shooters who appreciate classic designs updated for current use.
The MSRP is $1399.
Here’s the direct link to the new rifle: https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/s-w-model-1854-lever-action-rifle-360-buckhammer
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Come on S&W just chamber it in your bigger rounds that are the same length as the buckhammer
...still waiting on a 460 S&W version - that would also chamber 454 Casull and possibly 45 LC, which are just fatter versions of the Buckhammer.
I have a Ruger #1 in 460 and love it - except for hog hunting, where a repeater would be an obviously safer option on charging Bacon Bazookas.