Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner 45-70 18.50″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner 45-70 18.50″? It's a takedown lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a compact 18.50-inch barrel optimized for modern field use. This configuration bridges traditional lever-action mechanics with practical upgrades like a threaded muzzle and fiber-optic sights, making it suitable for hunters who need portability without sacrificing the stopping power of a full-sized cartridge. The rifle maintains the classic 1886 action pattern while incorporating contemporary features that enhance its utility in dense cover or as a pack firearm.
What is the Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner used for?
The Ridge Runner is primarily designed for close-to-medium range hunting in thick terrain, where its 37.50-inch overall length and 7.2-pound weight provide excellent maneuverability. It handles .45-70 Government ammunition effectively within 150 yards, making it ideal for deer, black bear, or hog hunting in brushy environments. The takedown feature allows for easy transport in a backpack or vehicle storage compartment, adding to its field versatility.
How does the Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ridge Runner offers faster follow-up shots and higher ammunition capacity than the bolt-action Stevens 334 in .308 Win, with a 5+1 round capacity versus the Stevens' 4+1. However, the Stevens 334 provides superior accuracy beyond 200 yards due to its bolt-action lockup and typically achieves sub-MOA groups with match ammunition, while the Ridge Runner is optimized for 2-3 MOA performance at practical hunting distances. For thick-cover hunting requiring rapid target engagement, the lever action is clearly superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ridge Runner weighs 7.2 pounds and measures 37.50 inches in overall length with an 18.50-inch barrel. The half-octagon barrel profile adds minimal weight compared to full-round barrels while providing a stable mounting surface for sights. When disassembled, the two main components measure approximately 22 inches and 16 inches respectively, fitting into a 24-inch takedown case with room for accessories.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for long-range precision shooting or target competition where sub-MOA accuracy is required. The lever-action mechanism and sight system limit practical accuracy to about 2-3 MOA, making it inadequate for competitors who need consistent half-MOA performance. Additionally, hunters pursuing game beyond 200 yards would be better served by a Scoped bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win with flatter trajectory optics.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the threaded muzzle brake installed, a 5/8"-24 thread protector cap, and basic documentation. Notably absent are any cleaning tools or additional sight options, which is typical for firearms in this price segment. The packaging includes a basic hard case that provides adequate protection during shipping but isn't suitable for long-term storage or field use.
Is the Taylors and Company 1886 Ridge Runner worth it at $1996.99?
At $1,996.99, the Ridge Runner occupies a premium price point that reflects its takedown mechanism and quality construction rather than exceptional accuracy. For hunters who specifically need a compact, powerful lever-action for dense terrain, the price is justifiable given the limited alternatives in this specific configuration. However, shooters who don't require the takedown feature could find better value in standard-length lever actions costing $300-500 less.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Takedown mechanism reduces length by 40% for transport - disassembles to 22-inch and 16-inch sections
- Threaded 18.50-inch barrel accepts suppressors or brakes with standard 5/8"-24 mounting
- Fiber-optic front sight provides 300% brighter sight picture than traditional blade sights in low light
- Lever action allows 5+1 capacity - 25% more than similar bolt-action hunting rifles
Trade-offs
- SoftTouch stock coating shows wear marks after 50-60 field uses - requires occasional touch-up
- No optic mounting solution included - adding a rail requires gunsmith installation at $75-125 cost
- Peep rear sight has limited windage adjustment - only 40 MOA total travel versus 60+ on dedicated target sights
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003220 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 220091 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 18.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| sights | Dovetail Fiber Optic Front/Peep Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounting?
- Yes, the 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle accepts standard .45 caliber suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. The 18.50-inch barrel length provides sufficient dwell time for effective suppression while maintaining the rifle's compact profile. Always verify your suppressor's caliber rating covers .45-70 pressures before mounting.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- When assembled, the 37.50-inch length requires a 40-inch case minimum; takedown configuration fits in cases as short as 24 inches. The SoftTouch synthetic stock measures 1.5 inches wide at the pistol grip, compatible with most standard rifle case partitions. I recommend Pelican 1750 for assembled transport or Savior Equipment's 24-inch takedown case for disassembled storage.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days, with transit times of 2-5 days depending on carrier selection. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, and you must provide your dealer's license information before processing. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $35, reducing total time to 2-3 business days.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects, with warranty service handled through Taylor's & Company directly. The warranty covers action malfunctions and sight alignment issues but excludes cosmetic damage or user-induced wear. Proof of purchase and original packaging are required for all returns, with typical repair turnaround of 2-3 weeks.