Video Review
Two features that I do not like are the heavy trigger pull and the cross-bolt safety. It takes a lot of concentration to aim and squeeze a trigger that breaks at over 5 pounds. Any good rifle should have a trigger break around 1 to 2 pounds for best accuracy.
Lever guns did not have cross-bolt safeties in the old West. The half-cock setting of the hammer is adequate to prevent the trigger from being pulled. I smell a lawyer somewhere involved in these two features!
Specifications
- Overall length: 33.25 inches
- Weight: 6.4 pounds without optic
- Length of Pull: 13.5 inches
- Trigger: 5 pounds, 2 ounces; flat-faced target style
- Barrel: 16.3 inches, 1:16 RH twist rifling, threaded muzzle
- Calibers: .45 Colt (tested), .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45-70 Gov’t
- Stock: Black synthetic with textured grip panels, pistol grip, and soft butt pad
- Forearm: Aluminum M-LOK slots
- Picatinny Rail: 10.5 inches
- Sights: XS rear ghost ring with front HIVIZ green fiber optic
- Magazine: 8-round capacity (.45 Colt), quick removable unloading tube
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Safety: Cross-bolt receiver mounted
RANGE TIME
I loaded my range in Arizona with root beer soda jugs and steel at distances ranging from 25 to 50 yards to test accuracy and reliability. Ammunition was primarily Federal 225-grain jacketed soft points along with my reloaded 260-grain powder-coated bullets loaded to higher velocity.
The side loading gate is effective and fast but requires a bit of effort to load that final eighth round. The cross-bolt safety effectively blocks the rifle from firing, as does the half-cock hammer. The little carbine feels great as it comes to my shoulder. Its short length of pull and low-power scope make it come on target quickly.
The 2-liter soda jugs disappeared in a cloud of foam, and steel targets were hit with authority. The heavy trigger was tough for me to learn. I missed the 50-yard target on my first shot and pulled low. Once learned, I could squeeze through and hit the remainder of the soda jugs.
No malfunctions were encountered, and ejection of empty cases was positive through the wide ejection port. The big loop lever gave me added leverage to load and eject spent cases while looking cool!
SUMMARY
The new 1854 Smith & Wesson Stealth Hunter is an old idea with a modern twist. Short, light, and fast, it comes up to my shoulder with accuracy in mind every time. Its M-LOK-equipped forearm will mount a sling, light, vertical grip, laser, or bipod.
I highly recommend the .45 Colt chambering as a brush-busting close-range hunting or self-defense round. Add a scope and boost your accuracy. The Stealth Hunter honors the past as it represents the future – so check one out.
