Taylors and Company 1886 Sporting Classic .45-70 26″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles +P .45-70 loads up to 28,000 PSI pressure — 3,000 ft-lbs energy
- 26-inch barrel provides 28.5-inch sight radius for precision shooting
- Eight-round tubular capacity exceeds most lever actions by 2 rounds
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts Williams WGS-1886 mounts directly
Trade-offs
- 9.8-pound weight limits mobility for extended backpack hunting
- No included optics mounting solution adds $150-300 to setup cost
- Traditional iron sights require aftermarket upgrade for low-light conditions
- .45-70 ammunition costs $2.50/round versus $0.80 for .308 Winchester
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Sporting Classic .45-70? This is a large-frame lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a 26-inch barrel and eight-round tubular magazine, built on John Browning's 1886 design that revolutionized heavy-caliber repeating rifles. It features traditional walnut furniture with checkered grip surfaces and a blued steel finish optimized for both historical authenticity and modern hunting applications.
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Sporting Classic used for?
This rifle serves big-game hunters and historical shooting enthusiasts requiring reliable performance with heavy calibers. The 26-inch barrel provides optimal ballistics for .45-70 loads reaching out to 200 yards, while the eight-round capacity handles multiple shots without reloading. It's particularly effective for elk, bear, and moose hunting where penetration matters more than velocity.
How does the Taylors and Company 1886 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The 1886 delivers significantly more stopping power but requires more deliberate shooting than bolt-action alternatives. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers faster follow-up shots and cheaper ammunition, the .45-70 generates over 3,000 foot-pounds of energy with heavy loads versus the .308's 2,600. The 1886 weighs 9.8 pounds empty compared to the Stevens' 6.5 pounds, making it better suited for stationary hunting positions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle balances at 9.8 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 45.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle. The 26-inch barrel contributes to a sight radius of 28.5 inches when using the factory sights, while the tubular magazine adds 1.5 inches of diameter to the forend. The walnut stock measures 13.5 inches length of pull with 1.5 inches drop at comb.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm isn't suitable for new shooters or those seeking lightweight packing rifles for mountain hunting. The 9.8-pound weight becomes noticeable after 5 miles of carrying, and the .45-70's substantial recoil requires proper technique to manage effectively. Budget-conscious shooters should consider that factory ammunition costs approximately $2.50 per round versus $0.80 for .308 Winchester.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself with factory-installed sights, one magazine tube, and basic documentation including ATF compliance materials. The package does not include optics, sling mounts, or cleaning kits that many modern rifles bundle. The receiver comes pre-drilled for aftermarket sight bases requiring separate purchase if you want optical mounting solutions.
Is the Taylors and Company 1886 worth it at $2,546.99?
At this price point, you're paying for authentic 19th-century engineering with modern manufacturing tolerances that deliver consistent 2 MOA accuracy with handloads. Compared to custom-built replicas costing over $3,500, this represents solid value for serious hunters who appreciate historical designs. The investment justifies itself if you regularly hunt dangerous game or participate in lever-action silhouette competitions.
Key attributes
| upc | 810012513128 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210117 |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government loads including +P offerings from Buffalo Bore and Garrett Cartridges. The action strength accommodates pressures up to 28,000 PSI for modern hunting rounds, though I recommend avoiding proprietary wildcat cartridges that exceed published specifications.
- Does it fit standard 1886 scope mounts?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard side-mount bases from manufacturers like Williams Gun Sight and XS Sights. You'll need specific base model WGS-1886 for proper fitment, and the 26-inch barrel requires extra-high rings for objective clearance with most 40mm scopes.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days, with transit times varying by carrier selection. Expect 5-7 business days total for ground shipping to most continental US FFL holders, excluding the mandatory 4473 background check processing time at your dealer.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects verified by their armorers. The warranty covers parts and labor for one year from purchase date, but you must initiate the process through their certified shipping protocol using approved carriers like UPS Freight.