Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, and the metallic clink-clank of a lever action cycling cuts through the usual pop of semi-autos. Heads turn. That’s the presence of the Taylor’s 1860 Lever 45LC 24.25″ Octagon Hardwood Stock Brass Rcvr Blued Barrel. It’s not just a rifle; it’s a statement piece that bridges the 19th and 21st centuries with pure mechanical theater.
So, what is it? The Taylor’s 1860 is a modern-made, faithful reproduction of the classic Henry rifle, chambered in the timeless .45 Colt. It features a 24.25-inch octagon blued barrel, a genuine American hardwood stock, and a distinctive, polished brass receiver that catches the light and every eye in the room. It’s a tangibly historic design built for today’s shooter, blending classic aesthetics with reliable modern manufacturing.
I’ve put a few boxes of .45 Colt through this rifle, and the first thing you notice is the heft and balance. That long, octagon barrel comes in at just over 24 inches, giving it a forward weight that makes offhand shooting surprisingly steady. The action is stiff out of the box—as most replicas are—but it smooths out noticeably after the first 50 rounds. You’re not going to win any speed competitions, but the deliberate, solid throw of the lever is a big part of the charm. Here’s the thing—it’s a simple, robust design. I found it to be drop-in ready with standard .45 Colt ammo from brands like Winchester and Remington, with no gunsmithing required to start enjoying it.
The heart of its appeal is in the details. The polished brass receiver isn’t just for show; it develops a unique patina with handling, making the rifle truly yours over time. The deep, rich bluing on the octagon barrel is classic and durable. The hardwood stock has a straight-grain finish that feels solid in the shoulder, not overly glossy or fragile. It feeds from a tube magazine under the barrel with a capacity that hovers around 10 rounds of .45 Colt, depending on the specific load. Weighing in at roughly 9 pounds, it’s a substantial firearm, but that mass soaks up the already mild recoil of the .45 Colt cartridge, making for a pleasant, low-pressure shooting experience.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt) |
| Barrel | 24.25″ Octagon, Blued |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 9 lbs |
| Receiver | Polished Brass |
| Stock | American Hardwood |
| Action | Lever |
| Price | $1239.66 |
Pros & Cons
On the plus side, you get undeniable style and range presence. The build quality is solid for a reproduction, and it’s an incredibly fun and social gun to shoot. The .45 Colt is a versatile cartridge, effective from the range to the hunting field. On the downside, it’s a niche firearm. It’s heavy, the action will never be as slick as a Winchester 94, and at $1239.66, it’s an investment in nostalgia and craftsmanship over pure utility. Modern optics mounting is also a challenge without specialized gunsmith work.
Who is this for? This rifle is for the collector who appreciates historical lines, the cowboy action shooter looking for a base model to tune, or the hunter who wants a distinctive lever gun for woods hunting at moderate ranges. It’s for someone who values the journey of shooting—the ritual of loading the tube, working the lever, and connecting with a fundamental piece of American firearm history—as much as the destination on the target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use modern .45 Colt +P ammunition in this rifle?
A: I would exercise caution. This is a replica of a 19th-century design. While modern metallurgy is better, it’s built for standard-pressure .45 Colt loads. For hot, modern “Ruger-only” or +P loads, a stronger, modern-made firearm like a Rossi R92 or a Marlin 1894 is a safer choice. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Q: Is the brass receiver durable or just decorative?
A: It’s fully functional and durable for the intended use. Brass is softer than steel, so it will scratch and dent more easily, and it will develop a patina. That’s part of its character. It’s not a tool for hard field abuse, but it’s plenty strong for normal shooting and handling.
Q: What’s the process for purchasing this firearm?
A: Like all firearms from our shop, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. We can ship to Missouri and compliant US states. The process involves selecting your local FFL dealer during checkout, us shipping the rifle to them, and you completing the necessary paperwork and background check upon pickup.
If the idea of owning a piece of shooting history, built to last and guaranteed to start conversations, appeals to you, this Taylor’s 1860 is waiting. See its full details and availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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