Taylors and Company 1886 Far West .45-70, 26″ Octagonal Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Action strength—twin vertical locking lugs handle sustained 28,000 PSI .45-70 loads better than most modern lever designs.
- Period-correct details—26″ octagonal barrel, color case hardening, and checkered walnut meet historical reenactment standards.
- Solid weight—9.81 lbs (4450g) significantly dampens felt recoil from heavy .45-70 bullets.
Trade-offs
- Loading/unloading procedure—emptying the 8+1 tube magazine requires manually cycling all rounds, a 45-second process versus a detachable box.
- Front-heavy balance—the octagonal barrel creates a distinctly muzzle-heavy feel, unsuited for rapid offhand target transitions.
- No included mounting solution—drilled and tapped receiver requires purchasing a separate, model-specific scope base.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1886 Far West .45-70 with a 26″ octagonal barrel is a modern reproduction of the historic Winchester 1886 lever-action rifle, chambered in .45-70 Government and built to period-correct specifications with contemporary manufacturing tolerances. This rifle blends 19th-century aesthetics with 21st-century metallurgy, offering a platform that appeals to both traditional shooting enthusiasts and hunters pursuing large game in dense timber. The ATF model designation is 1886 SPORTING, manufactured by Pedersoli specifically for Taylors & Company, placing it firmly within the category of modern sporting rifles despite its historical lineage.
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Far West .45-70 used for?
The 1886 Far West is primarily a heavy-caliber hunting rifle for elk, moose, and bear, or a traditional silhouette and target rifle. Its 45.7-inch overall length and 9.81-pound weight make it a stable, deliberate platform, not a quick-handling brush gun. The octagonal barrel adds significant forward weight, aiding in recoil management for the potent .45-70 cartridge, which can push 300-grain bullets over 1800 feet per second.
How does the Taylors and Company 1886 Far West compare to a Marlin 1895 SBL?
The 1886 Far West is mechanically superior for durability under heavy loads and more historically accurate, whereas the modern Stevens 334 or a Marlin 1895 SBL is a lighter, faster-handling utility rifle. The 1886's twin vertical locking lugs (vs. the Marlin's single bolt) better contain the .45-70's peak pressure of 28,000 PSI, making the Taylors action inherently stronger and suited for extended use with modern smokeless loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.81 pounds (4450 grams) and measures 44.88 inches (1140 mm) in overall length, with a 26-inch (660 mm) octagonal barrel. This weight distribution is front-heavy, with the octagonal barrel profile adding approximately 1.8 pounds versus a comparable round barrel. The 13.5-inch length of pull and checkered walnut furniture provide a solid, traditional grip.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time shooter, someone seeking a lightweight mountain rifle, or anyone unwilling to manage its substantial recoil and manual-of-arms. It is a specialized tool—its 8+1 tube capacity requires unloading via cycling the lever repeatedly, a process taking roughly 45 seconds, unlike a detachable magazine. For a more general-purpose, lighter-recoiling option, consider a Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the firearm, a standard set of buckhorn and bead sights installed, and the receiver drilled and tapped for a #8-40 scope base. You will not find a manual or warranty card specific to Taylors; documentation is typically the generic Pedersoli manual. No tools, sling swivels, or optics bases are included—plan for those as separate purchases.
Is the Taylors and Company 1886 Far West worth it at $2581.99?
At $2581.99, it is worth it for the shooter who values historical authenticity, mechanical strength for stout loads, and premium fit and finish over pure utility. You are paying for the color case hardening, the hand-fitted walnut, and the precise machining of a Pedersoli-made action, not just a functional .45-70. For half the price, you get a functional hunting rifle; at this price point, you are buying into a specific tradition and level of craftsmanship.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665000427 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210116 |
| barrel length | 26" |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| action | Lever Action |
| package height | 3.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| package width | 9.2 |
| shipping weight | 13.85 |
| sights | Buckhorn Rear | Bead Front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45-70 smokeless powder loads?
- Yes, the Pedersoli-manufactured action is proof-tested for modern SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government smokeless loads up to 28,000 PSI. However, I recommend consulting the specific load data from manufacturers like Hornady or Buffalo Bore, as some ultra-heavy +P loads may exceed recommended pressures for any lever-action platform.
- Does the drilled and tapped receiver accept a Picatinny rail?
- No, not directly. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a traditional #8-40 screw pattern, typically used for a Weaver-style or specific OEM scope base. You will need to purchase a base specific to the 1886 receiver profile from a manufacturer like EGW or Taylors & Company directly, which then may accept a Picatinny adapter.
- How long does assembly or zeroing take out of the box?
- From unboxing to a functional, zeroed rifle requires about 90 minutes if you are mounting optics. This includes degreasing the bore, mounting and torquing the scope base to 15-18 inch-pounds, installing rings and optics, and firing a 10-15 round break-in and zeroing procedure at 50 yards.
- Can I return it if the fit or finish is defective?
- Returns for manufacturer defects are handled through Taylors & Company's warranty process, not typically through the retailer. You must contact Taylors & Company directly and initiate an RMA; the process from claim to resolution averages 4-6 weeks, including shipping time to and from their Virginia facility.