Smith & Wesson is paying homage to an important early part of the company's history in a modern way by introducing a modern .44 Magnum lever-action rifle. 

The new gun, dubbed the Model 1854, will be available in both an all-stainless steel format with a synthetic stock – the standard model – as well as a limited run of 1,854 rifles with a deep-blued finish and wooden furniture. The standard 1854 will be a 9+1 capacity lever gun with a 19.25-inch barrel and an overall length of 36 inches. Weight will be 6.8 pounds. 
 

The model's name is a salute to the Feb. 1854 U.S. patent (No. 10,535) secured by Horace Smith and Daniel B Wesson for a "magazine firearm," which cycled via a lever action. The action – later known as the Volcanic after the company that was later formed to sell carbines, rifles, and pistols that used it – helped launch an iconic brand. It was an important stepping stone for Smith & Wesson on its way to begin making the revolvers that soon became its bread and butter for the rest of the 19th century and first half of the 20th. 
 

We got a chance to shoot the new S&W 1854 at a range event on Sunday night and will have more to this story from SHOT Show this week.