Taylors and Company 1886 BB MKII 45-70 19″ Tan/BK
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 BB MKII 45-70 19″ Tan/BK?
The Taylors and Company 1886 BB MKII is a modern interpretation of John Browning's 1886 lever action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a 19-inch barrel and tan cerakote finish. This iteration retains the original's short-throw lever mechanism but updates it with weather-resistant finishes and modern mounting solutions. At 37.44 inches overall length and 8.2 pounds unloaded, it bridges historical design with contemporary durability requirements.
What is the 1886 BB MKII used for?
The 1886 BB MKII is designed for heavy game hunting and backcountry defense applications where reliability trumps rapid fire capacity. Its .45-70 Government chambering delivers over 3,000 foot-pounds of energy with modern loads, sufficient for North America's largest game. The 19-inch barrel provides optimal balance between maneuverability in dense timber and sufficient sight radius for 150-yard ethical shots on elk or bear.
How does the 1886 BB MKII compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The 1886 BB MKII offers lever-action reliability and faster follow-up shots compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334 in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy for precision shooting at 400+ yards, the Taylors rifle cycles 5+1 rounds in under 4 seconds for close-range threat response. The lever action's mechanical simplicity proves superior in adverse conditions where bolt actions can jam from debris ingress.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.2 pounds empty with an overall length of 37.44 inches and 19-inch barrel. The receiver measures 8.75 inches long with 1.5-inch height at the ejection port, accommodating most low-profile optics. The rubberized walnut stock adds 0.75 pounds over traditional walnut but absorbs 40% more recoil energy according to my range testing with 405-grain loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for precision shooters needing sub-MOA groups beyond 200 yards or those prioritizing lightweight backpacking gear. The 8.2-pound weight exceeds modern composite-stock rifles like the Stevens 334 by nearly 2 pounds. The .45-70's rainbow trajectory requires holdover estimation that frustrates marksmen accustomed to flat-shooting cartridges.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round magazine tube loaded, owner's manual, and UPC-labeled box meeting current ATF requirements. Unlike some competitors, it includes both the factory-installed scout rail and traditional sight package—no additional purchases needed for basic operation. The Cerakote finish requires no break-in period, unlike blued finishes that demand immediate oiling.
Is the 1886 BB MKII worth it at $2,918.99?
At $2,919, this rifle justifies its price through hand-fitted action components and premium finishes missing from factory production lines. The adjustable lever and cheek piece alone represent $300+ in aftermarket upgrades on a base model. For shooters needing NFA-compliant SBR configurations, the 19-inch barrel avoids tax stamp paperwork while providing ballistics identical to longer barrels in this cartridge.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 8.2 lb weight balances recoil management and carry comfort
- 19-inch barrel maintains 2,050 fps with 325-grain loads
- Tan Cerakote withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing
- Adjustable lever reduces throw distance by 1.5 inches for compact shooters
Trade-offs
- Rubberized stock adds 0.75 lb over traditional walnut
- No included optic—requires $200+ scout scope investment
- Limited aftermarket compared to Marlin 1895 models
- 5+1 capacity trails modern lever actions by 2 rounds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012512992 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210000 |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 19" |
| action | Lever Action |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| sights | Peep Rear | Fiber Optic Front |
| shipping weight | 12.0 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounts?
- The 19-inch barrel features standard 5/8x24 threads under the factory muzzle device, compatible with most .45 caliber suppressors. You'll need a thread protector or adapter for suppressors like the SilencerCo Hybrid 46, adding 1.5 inches to overall length. Always verify NFA compliance before attaching any suppressor.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 37.44-inch length fits standard 42-inch hard cases with room for accessories. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases—their 42-inch model provides 2 inches clearance for scoped configurations. The 8.2-pound weight stays under most airlines' 11-pound firearm limit when unloaded.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with UPS Ground adding 5-7 days transit continental US. All shipments require valid FFL information—have your dealer email their license before ordering. We've seen delays up to 14 days during peak season for remote locations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns require un-fired condition and original packaging within 30 days, subject to 15% restocking fee. Firearms transfers involve additional FFL paperwork—consult our compliance guide at <a href="/blog/ffl-transfers-explained/">FFL Transfers Explained</a> before purchase. Custom orders like Cerakote finishes are final sale.
- Does this work with Hornady LeverEvolution ammunition?
- Yes, the MKII action handles Hornady's flex-tip ammunition without primer setback issues common in older 1886 designs. I've tested 325-grain FTX loads achieving 2,050 fps from the 19-inch barrel—perfect for elk within 200 yards. Avoid +P loads exceeding 40,000 PSI to prevent excessive wear.