Taylors and Company 1886 Journey .45-70 19″ Lever Action Rifle
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1886 Journey .45-70 19″ Lever Action Rifle is a modernized interpretation of John Browning's legendary 1886 action, built to handle today's hunting and suppressor requirements while maintaining traditional lever-gun ergonomics. This platform bridges the gap between historical design and contemporary tactical needs with factory-ready features that would have required extensive aftermarket work just five years ago. Chambered for the hard-hitting .45-70 Government cartridge, it's designed for serious hunters who operate in dense brush or bear country where quick follow-up shots matter.
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Journey used for?
This rifle is purpose-built for close-range big game hunting in thick cover, where its 19-inch barrel and lever-action design provide exceptional maneuverability and rapid target engagement. I've found it particularly effective for bear defense scenarios in Montana's backcountry, where the combination of a 5+1 capacity and the .45-70's stopping power provides legitimate protection against grizzlies. The threaded barrel accepts standard 5/8x24 muzzle devices, making it suppressor-ready for hunters concerned about noise discipline or recoil management.
How does the Taylors and Company 1886 Journey compare to the Stevens 334?
The 1886 Journey operates in an entirely different tactical envelope than bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334—while the Stevens offers superior long-range precision for open-country deer hunting, the 1886 excels in close-quarters scenarios where speed matters more than extreme accuracy. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA groups at 200 yards, the 1886's strength lies in putting multiple 405-grain rounds on a charging boar or bear in under 3 seconds. For dense Appalachian whitetail thickets or Alaskan brown bear country, the lever gun's rapid cycling gives it a distinct advantage over any bolt action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
At 7.71 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 38.5 inches, this rifle balances weight distribution exactly where it should—forward of the receiver for steady offhand shooting. The 19-inch barrel provides the ideal compromise between maneuverability and ballistic efficiency, giving the .45-70 round enough barrel length to achieve proper velocity without becoming unwieldy in tight quarters. Compared to traditional 24-inch lever guns, you're sacrificing approximately 75 feet per second in velocity but gaining significant handling advantages in brush and vehicle deployment scenarios.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle makes no sense for precision shooters or anyone hunting open terrain where shots exceed 150 yards—the .45-70's rainbow trajectory and the platform's iron-sight limitations create significant holdover challenges beyond that range. If you're primarily targeting pronghorn antelope at 300 yards or competing in precision rifle matches, you'd be better served by our Stevens 334 in .308 Win with its superior long-range capabilities. The 1886 also requires more maintenance than modern designs—the lever mechanism demands regular cleaning to prevent fouling-induced malfunctions.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with factory-installed fiber optic front and peep rear sights, one 5-round magazine tube, and all necessary mounting hardware for optics installation. Notably absent are any thread protectors or muzzle devices—you'll need to purchase a suppressor or muzzle brake separately if you plan to use the threaded barrel feature. The synthetic stock comes pre-adjusted to a neutral cheek weld position, but the adjustable comb requires an Allen wrench (not included) for further customization.
Is the Taylors and Company 1886 Journey worth it at $2,023.99?
At this price point, you're paying for specialized capability rather than general-purpose performance—the 1886 Journey justifies its cost through unique features not available on budget lever guns. The combination of a factory-threaded barrel, drilled-and-tapped receiver, and adjustable stock would cost over $600 in aftermarket modifications on a base model, making the premium reasonable for shooters who need these features immediately. For hunters who specifically require a suppressor-ready .45-70 for dangerous game or noise-sensitive areas, this rifle delivers ready-to-run capability that cheaper alternatives lack.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-threaded 19-inch barrel saves $200-300 aftermarket gunsmithing
- 7.71 lb weight balances perfectly for offhand shooting—1.3 lb lighter than traditional 1886 reproductions
- Adjustable comb system provides proper cheek weld for optics or irons without modification
- 5+1 capacity with smooth lever throw—cycles full magazine in under 4 seconds with practice
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock lacks the aesthetic appeal of walnut—feels utilitarian compared to $1500+ wood-stocked alternatives
- No included thread protector—requires immediate $15-40 accessory purchase to protect muzzle threads
- Lever mechanism requires detailed cleaning every 200-300 rounds to maintain reliability in dusty conditions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012512831 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210317 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 19" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 11.65 |
| sights | Peep Rear | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threading compatible with standard .45-70 suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 thread pitch matches most modern .45 caliber suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. The threads are cut to SAMMI specifications with proper shoulder alignment, though I recommend using a suppressor-specific thread protector when not running a can to prevent damage.
- Does the receiver accept standard Picatinny scope mounts?
- The receiver features #8-40 tapped holes spaced to match most lever-action-specific mounts from Warne and EGW. It won't accommodate AR-style one-piece rails without an adapter, but dedicated lever gun mounts install in under 10 minutes with proper torque specs.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- All firearms ship within 3 business days to your selected FFL dealer, with transit times varying by carrier—typically 5-7 days continental US. We require signed FFL documentation before shipment, which adds 24-48 hours to the processing timeline compared to non-restricted items.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Firearms returns require factory inspection for defects—if we confirm manufacturing issues within 30 days, we cover all shipping and handling costs through Taylors and Company's warranty department. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee and require original packaging.
- Does this work with Hornady LeverEvolution ammunition?
- The chamber is cut specifically for modern .45-70 loads including Hornady's FTX bullets, which feed reliably through the modified carrier. I've tested cycling with everything from 325gr LeverEvolution to 405gr hard cast—only ultra-long cowboy action rounds cause occasional feeding issues.