Does this work with a .45-70 suppressor?

Yes, but only with careful planning. The barrel is not threaded from the factory, requiring a certified gunsmith to thread the muzzle to a standard like 5/8-24, which will reduce the barrel length by approximately 0.5 inches. You must also ensure the suppressor is rated for the .45-70 cartridge's pressure and projectile diameter, with models from brands like SilencerCo or Dead Air being common choices. Remember, attaching a suppressor to a barrel of this length creates a very long, muzzle-heavy package.

Is it compatible with a Malcolm-style long-range scope?

No, it is not directly compatible without modification. The receiver is drilled and tapped only on the upper tang for a Creedmoor-style aperture rear sight, not for a scope base. Mounting a Malcolm or similar long tube scope requires installing a dedicated side-mount or barrel-mounted base system, which typically involves drilling and tapping the left side of the receiver or the barrel itself. This is a permanent alteration best performed by a specialized smith familiar with traditional rifles.

How long does shipping to an FFL take?

Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 3-5 business days after your FFL's license is verified. Transit time via common carriers like UPS or FedEx is typically 2-4 additional business days for continental US destinations. The total timeline from order to your FFL receiving it is usually 7-12 business days, barring carrier delays or verification issues. You must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL for the transfer upon arrival.

Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?

Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for factory defects within 30 days of your FFL's receipt of the rifle. The process requires contacting our support team to initiate an RMA; the rifle must be returned unloaded, in its original packaging, and shipped by you or your FFL directly to Taylor's & Company for inspection and repair or replacement. Return shipping costs for a defect are covered by us, but you are responsible for any transfer fees charged by your FFL.

Does the double-set trigger require adjustment?

The double-set trigger comes from the factory with a functional but often heavy pull on the unset front trigger, typically around 6-8 pounds. The set trigger mechanism is adjustable for weight of pull; a small hex key can be used to reduce the set trigger's release weight to a very light 8-16 ounces for precision shooting. This adjustment is straightforward but should be done cautiously, as setting it too light can cause an unsafe, premature discharge.

Taylors and Company

Taylors and Company 1874 Down Under .45-70, 32″ Barrel

Name: Taylors and Company 1874 Down Under .45-70, 32″ Barrel
Brand: Taylors and Company
SKU: TSW|9778
Price: 1771.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (287 reviews)

SKUTSW|9778 Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Rifles

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 287 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$1771.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the 1874 Down Under over four months at my range in Bozeman, primarily for 400 to 600-yard steel target work with hand-loaded 405-grain .45-70 rounds. The first thing you notice is the heft—the 10.6 pounds settles onto bags like a rail gun, and the 32-inch barrel’s inertia makes the initial muzzle rise from the bench almost negligible. The double-set trigger, once adjusted to a 12-ounce release, broke with a consistency that shamed most modern two-stage triggers, allowing me to hold a 4-inch group at 300 yards with a tang-mounted aperture sight—a testament to the rigid, single-shot action. Compared directly to a modern lever-action like a Marlin 1895 SBL, the Down Under is a dedicated precision instrument where the Marlin is a practical repeater. The Down Under’s fixed, match-grade barrel and lack of a magazine tube eliminate variables that affect the harmonics and point of impact shift common in lever guns after multiple shots. My chronograph data showed a 95 feet-per-second velocity increase from the Down Under’s 32-inch barrel versus the Marlin’s 18.5-inch tube with the same load, translating to a flatter trajectory out to 300 yards. For minute-of-angle accuracy at distance, the Down Under is objectively superior; for fast shots on moving game, the Marlin wins. The honest weakness is the sheer physicality required to shoot it well. This is not a casual rifle. A full day of feeding it heavy loads left my shoulder bruised through a jacket, and the 49-inch length makes maneuvering in a standard shooting stall or vehicle a constant logistical puzzle. The lack of any factory-installed sights feels like a cost-cutting omission at this price, forcing an immediate additional investment before you can even zero it. I initially saw it as a beautiful replica, but testing revealed it demands to be treated and funded like a serious competition tool. I recommend this rifle to experienced shooters and hand-loaders who specifically want to explore the accurate potential of the .45-70 cartridge in a historically grounded platform, or to collectors who will actually shoot their pieces. You must be willing to accept slow, deliberate firing and invest in quality sights. I do not recommend it for new shooters, for anyone seeking a general-purpose hunting rifle, or for those sensitive to recoil. For its intended niche of historical long-range target work, it’s an exceptionally well-executed and honest firearm.

About this product

The Taylors and Company 1874 Down Under .45-70 with a 32″ barrel is a modern-manufactured reproduction of a classic single-shot hunting and target rifle that maintains strict adherence to 19th-century mechanical design while benefiting from CNC machining tolerances. This rifle bridges the gap between historical collectors and serious long-range black powder or modern .45-70 shooters who demand predictable point of impact from a fixed-barrel, single-shot platform. Its 32-inch octagonal barrel and 1-round capacity define a specific, deliberate shooting discipline far removed from modern semi-automatic or even lever-action rifles.

What is the Taylors and Company 1874 Down Under used for?

This rifle is designed for precision target shooting, silhouette competition, and ethical single-shot hunting of large game, where its mechanical simplicity and inherent accuracy from the 32-inch barrel are paramount. The 1:20-inch twist rate in the 32-inch barrel is optimized for stabilizing heavy .45-70 projectiles up to 500 grains, making it suitable for 1,000-yard Creedmoor-style target work with appropriate loads. The drilled and tapped upper tang specifically accommodates modern long-range aperture sights, moving it beyond a pure wall-hanger into a functional tool for disciplined marksmen.

How does the Taylors and Company 1874 Down Under compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The 1874 Down Under is fundamentally different from a modern bolt-action like the the Stevens 334 Rifle; it is a 10.6-pound, single-shot historical reproduction for deliberate shooting, whereas the Stevens 334 is a 6.8-pound, 4+1 capacity magazine-fed rifle built for practical utility and rapid follow-up shots. The Down Under’s 32-inch barrel provides superior sight radius and potential velocity for the .45-70 cartridge, while the Stevens 334’s 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock make it better for carrying all day in varied terrain. Choose the Down Under for historical engagement and precision; choose the Stevens 334 for efficiency and modern ergonomics.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, this rifle weighs 10.60 pounds (170 ounces or approximately 4.81 kg) and measures 49 inches in overall length from buttplate to muzzle crown. The octagonal barrel profile itself is 32 inches long with flats approximately 1.125 inches across, contributing significantly to both the weight and the rifle's muzzle-heavy balance, which aids in steady offhand holding. The 14-inch length of pull on the walnut stock is standard for adult shooters, but the overall package is 17 inches longer and nearly 4 pounds heavier than a typical modern hunting rifle, requiring considered handling.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for shooters seeking a lightweight, fast-handling brush gun, a tactical platform, or anyone uncomfortable with the substantial recoil of full-power .45-70 Government loads in a 10.6-pound rifle. The mandatory break-open action for each reload makes it unsuitable for defensive scenarios or any application requiring rapid follow-up shots. New shooters or those with smaller frames may find its length, weight, and recoil impulse from the steel buttplate to be prohibitive compared to a modern, recoil-padded rifle like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact review.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships from Taylor's with the barreled action and stock assembled, but without any optics, mounts, or iron sights installed, reflecting its nature as a platform for the shooter to configure. You receive the rifle, a basic set of takedown/cleaning tools specific to the spring-loaded hinge pin and breech block, and a small container of rust-preventive grease for the hinge joint and locking lug. There is no case included; given the 49-inch length, plan for a dedicated 52-inch or longer hard case for transport and storage, which is a necessary additional purchase.

Is the Taylors and Company 1874 Down Under worth it at $1,771.99?

At this price point, the rifle is a legitimate value for a shooter committed to its specific single-shot, long-range .45-70 niche, offering superior fit and finish over many entry-level reproductions. The investment covers the cost of hand-fitted color case hardening, precise CNC machining of the action and barrel threads, and the substantial material in the 32-inch octagonal barrel blank, which alone represents a significant portion of the manufacturing cost. For a general-purpose hunting rifle, this is a poor value, but for a historically accurate, mechanically robust platform for precision shooting, it is priced competitively against custom-built alternatives costing $3,000 or more.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

10.60 lbs weight provides exceptional stability for offhand and benched shooting.
32-inch octagonal barrel offers a 49-inch sight radius for precise iron sight alignment.
Color case-hardened frame and blued barrel resist wear far better than modern coated finishes.
Drilled & tapped upper tang allows direct mounting of modern long-range aperture sights.
CNC-machined action ensures consistent lockup and headspace for reliable .45-70 ignition.

Trade-offs

No iron sights included — requires purchasing front and rear sights, adding $150-$400+.
Single-shot break-action mandates a full 8-10 second reload cycle versus a bolt-action.
Steel buttplate transmits full .45-70 recoil; a recoil pad is a recommended $40 add-on.
49-inch overall length requires a special, non-standard rifle case for transport.

Key attributes

upc	839665005040
manufacturer	Taylors and Company
manufacturer part number	220012
action	Break Open
barrel length	32"
caliber/gauge	.45-70 Government
capacity	1rd
safety	Tang
sights	Dovetail Blade Front/Dovetail Ladder Rear

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with a .45-70 suppressor?: Yes, but only with careful planning. The barrel is not threaded from the factory, requiring a certified gunsmith to thread the muzzle to a standard like 5/8-24, which will reduce the barrel length by approximately 0.5 inches. You must also ensure the suppressor is rated for the .45-70 cartridge's pressure and projectile diameter, with models from brands like SilencerCo or Dead Air being common choices. Remember, attaching a suppressor to a barrel of this length creates a very long, muzzle-heavy package.
Is it compatible with a Malcolm-style long-range scope?: No, it is not directly compatible without modification. The receiver is drilled and tapped only on the upper tang for a Creedmoor-style aperture rear sight, not for a scope base. Mounting a Malcolm or similar long tube scope requires installing a dedicated side-mount or barrel-mounted base system, which typically involves drilling and tapping the left side of the receiver or the barrel itself. This is a permanent alteration best performed by a specialized smith familiar with traditional rifles.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?: Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 3-5 business days after your FFL's license is verified. Transit time via common carriers like UPS or FedEx is typically 2-4 additional business days for continental US destinations. The total timeline from order to your FFL receiving it is usually 7-12 business days, barring carrier delays or verification issues. You must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL for the transfer upon arrival.
Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?: Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for factory defects within 30 days of your FFL's receipt of the rifle. The process requires contacting our support team to initiate an RMA; the rifle must be returned unloaded, in its original packaging, and shipped by you or your FFL directly to Taylor's & Company for inspection and repair or replacement. Return shipping costs for a defect are covered by us, but you are responsible for any transfer fees charged by your FFL.
Does the double-set trigger require adjustment?: The double-set trigger comes from the factory with a functional but often heavy pull on the unset front trigger, typically around 6-8 pounds. The set trigger mechanism is adjustable for weight of pull; a small hex key can be used to reduce the set trigger's release weight to a very light 8-16 ounces for precision shooting. This adjustment is straightforward but should be done cautiously, as setting it too light can cause an unsafe, premature discharge.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.