Description
If you’ve been looking for a lever action that bridges the gap between history and honest hunting performance, the Taylor & Co 1886 Sporting Classic Rifle .45-70 8rd capacity 26″ barrel Walnut is exactly what you need. This isn’t a wall hanger—it’s a working rifle built on the legendary Browning brothers’ design, chambered in the hard-hitting .45-70 Government. With an 8-round tubular magazine, a 26-inch barrel, and a straight-grain walnut stock, it’s ready for the timber, the open prairie, or the range.
| Manufacturer | Taylor & Co (produced by Pedersoli, per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1886 Sporting Classic Rifle |
| Material | Steel receiver, blued barrel, walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government ammunition |
| Finish | Blued steel with polished brass (or steel) receiver |
| Weight | Approximately 9.2 lbs, per manufacturer specs |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 26-inch barrel – Gives you a longer sight radius and more velocity out of the .45-70 round, making it a solid choice for deer, bear, or hogs at moderate ranges.
- 8-round tubular magazine – That’s a full tube of .45-70, giving you quick follow-up shots without fumbling for loose rounds in the brush.
- Walnut stock with straight-grain finish – It’s not just for looks; the wood soaks up recoil and gives you a warm, secure grip in cold weather.
- Browning brothers’ action design – The same strong, reliable toggle-link action that John and Matthew Browning perfected in the 1886, now chambered in the popular .45-70.
- Drilled and tapped receiver – You can mount a modern scope or a tang sight without a gunsmith, letting you customize it for hunting or target work.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who appreciates a classic lever gun but doesn’t want to chase rare ammo. It’s for the guy who hunts whitetails in thick woods, calls in black bears over bait, or just wants a reliable .45-70 for plinking and casual shooting. If you grew up watching westerns and still believe a lever action is the right tool for the job, this one’s for you.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Authentic Browning design with modern chambering in .45-70 – ammo is everywhere, from mild cowboy loads to heavy hunting rounds.
- Cons: The 26-inch barrel can feel a bit long in tight stands or brush blinds; you’ll want to practice your swing before opening day.
- Pro: Solid walnut stock and blued steel finish that holds up to weather and field use.
- Cons: The action can be a little stiff when new – expect a break-in period of about 50 rounds to smooth it out.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Taylor & Co 1886 Sporting Classic | Zev Technologies ZEV-45 | Geissele Super Duty AR-15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Lever action, .45-70 | Semi-auto, .45 ACP pistol | Semi-auto, 5.56mm rifle |
| Capacity | 8 rounds | 13+1 | 30+1 |
| Barrel length | 26 inches | 5.2 inches | 16 inches |
| Primary use | Big game hunting, lever action enthusiasts | Competition/defense | General purpose/defense |
| Price | $2,546.40 | $1,899 | $2,100 |
While the Zev and Geissele are modern platforms for different tasks, the Taylor & Co 1886 holds its own for hunters who want a traditional lever gun that’s still relevant in the field. It’s a specialist tool for a specific job, and it does that job well.
FAQ
Can this rifle handle modern .45-70 loads like Buffalo Bore or Garrett?
Yes, the action is strong enough for standard and +P .45-70 loads, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Pedersoli builds these to handle modern pressures, but I’d stick with factory loads rated for lever actions.
Is the receiver drilled for a scope mount?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base or tang sight. You can install a low-profile scope without a gunsmith, which is handy if you want to stretch out your .45-70’s range.
What kind of accuracy can I expect at 100 yards?
With good factory ammo, most shooters see 2–3 MOA groups at 100 yards. That’s plenty for deer and hogs at typical hunting distances. The 26-inch barrel helps with velocity consistency.
Does this rifle come with a manual or warranty?
Yes, it includes a basic owner’s manual and a 1-year warranty from Taylor & Co. Keep your receipt for warranty claims.
Ready to Hunt?
If you want a lever action that’s built for the field, not just the gun safe, the Taylor & Co 1886 Sporting Classic Rifle .45-70 is ready to go. Order yours today and get out before the season ends.
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Explore more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category, or check out our .45-70 Ammunition for the right loads. Also see our Hunting Rifles for more options.
Last updated: April 2026
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