In the world of rifles, the .45-70 Gov’t cartridge might as well be a prehistoric behemoth that dates back to a time before dinosaurs roamed the earth. This straight-wall rimmed cartridge is a product of the early 1870s: 1873 to exact; the .45-70 Gov’t is old enough to predate the invention of modern smokeless rifle propellants. It was originally charged with 70 grains of black powder and a soft-lead 405 grain bullet. These days, the .45-70 Gov’t still enjoys relevancy as commercially produced rifle cartridge while also enjoying all the amenities of a modern existence including the latest in smokeless rifle propellants and projectile technology.
Likewise, .45-70 Gov’t rifles and carbines are a far cry from the old “Trapdoor” Springfield single-shots, Sharps falling blocks or Browning’s early big-bore Winchester 1886. While the spirit of today’s modern lever guns remains intact with those of the past, the lever action rifles of today enjoy modern materials, designs and manufacturing techniques. None of these “repeaters” are going away any time soon.
Henry Brass Lever Action (MSRP: $1,187)
It would be a tragedy if one couldn’t purchase a brass-colored receiver Henry in 2025. The first lever actions from the mid-1800s after all, were brass-receiver, .44-caliber rimfire Henry repeaters. If it wasn’t for that particular firearm, there would have never been a levergun revolution in the first place. The current-day Henry company offers a modern closed-top and side-loading lever-action .45-70 Gov’t with a brass-colored receiver and an octagonal barrel. It combines the traditional aesthetic of the Old West with modern manufacturing and materials.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70 Gov’t (MSRP: $1,399)
Smith & Wesson expanded its Model 1854 lever-action product line by adding a .45-70 Gov’t option in 2025. This modern-designed “closed top” lever action rifle sports a 20-inch barrel and is available in either a stainless steel and synthetic furniture variant or a more traditional black-and-walnut model. Smith & Wesson 1854 lever-action rifles include modern touches like an integrated Picatinny optics mounting base, XS Sights peep sights, flat triggers and threaded muzzles. By default, they also come outfitted with easier-to-cycle larger loop levers. .45-70 Gov’t models have a tubular-magazine capacity of six cartridges.
Rossi R95 Triple Black (MSRP: $1,363)
The Brazilian-produced Rossi R95 can be had in different trims. The newer Rossi R95 Triple Black addition is Rossi’s answer for a modern .45-70 Gov’t lever action carbine. True to its name, this-all black lever action is furnished with black textured wood. Like the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 design, its receiver is also closed-top and the R95 Triple Black includes an extended scout-style Picatinny optics mounting base. The R95 Triple Black also includes a low-profile rear peep sight and its muzzle is threaded for ⅝x24-tpi threads, which is a common pattern for rifle muzzles.
Marlin 1895 SBL (MSRP: $1,479)
Besides names like Henry or Winchester, there is little doubt that Marlin is also one of the biggest names in lever guns. When you think of Marlin lever action designs, you’re likely thinking of post-1972 modern Marlins. The closed-top Marlin lever action pattern dates back to the very late 1890s and remained Winchester’s rival for many years. Marlin lever guns arguably help set the tone for what modern lever action rifles are supposed to be. Marlin went bankrupt in 2020 and Sturm, Ruger & Co. purchased the company. With Ruger support, Marlin lever guns are back and being manufactured in North Carolina. The Marlin 1985 SBL is the current all-around general purpose .45-70 Gov’t lever action model whose soul has been going strong since 1895.
Taylor’s & Co. 1886 Sporting Classic 26-inch Rifle (MSRP: $2,391)
The Winchester Model 1886 was John Moses Browning’s first big-bore lever action rifle design. Like nearly every other lever action design of its day, this open-top repeater had tangent sights ahead of the receiver and used the straight-drop stock that was the style of the time. Browning added a pair of reinforcing tabs to the action in order to better contain the pressures and potency of the .45-70 Gov’t cartridge which was considerably larger than say, a .44-40 Win. cartridge being fired out of a Winchester 1873. This modern-manufactured Taylor & Co. 1886 Sporting Classic is a faithful reproduction of a big-bore repeater that would have been highly useful in the western territories of the United States circa the last quarter of the 19th century.
Chiappa 86 Wildlands Take-Down (MSRP: $2,458)
The Chiappa 86 Wildlands Take-Down rifle is probably the most visually interesting rifle featured in this roundup. Like the Taylor & Co. mentioned above, the Chiappa 86 Wildlands is also based on Browning’s original Winchester 1886-pattern, big-bore, open-top, lever-action rifle. However, the Chiappa 86 Wildlands is also a modern take-down rifle with a laminated wooden furniture set. This lever gun is outfitted with a forward-mounted Picatinny scope base and rear sights which will accept either a long-eye relief scope or a reflex optic. The 86 Wildlands does a good job at blending the past with the future: modern features and versatilities paired with the original action for big-bore lever guns.
Read the full article here
