First Thoughts on the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854
The lever-action rifle, a true icon of the American West, is experiencing a resurgence. However, its traditional furniture often leaves something to be desired in terms of modern ergonomics and adaptability. Enter the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854, a compelling upgrade that promises to blend classic aesthetics with contemporary functionality.
I’ve always appreciated the inherent advantages of a lever-action, from its fast follow-up shots to its suitability for a wide range of cartridges. But, the factory stock on my Smith & Wesson 1854 felt limiting, especially when trying to use optics or achieve a consistent cheek weld. I was looking for a stock that could provide adjustability, improved recoil absorption, and more versatile sling mounting options.
Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 immediately impressed me with its solid construction and clean lines. The aluminum grip and stock beam feel robust, and the polymer cheek piece looks durable. It seemed significantly more robust than some of the polymer-only aftermarket stocks I’ve seen.
Compared to Magpul’s SGA stock for shotguns or even some AR-platform stocks, the Midwest Industries offering felt more tailored to the specific needs of a lever gun. It seemed less bulky and better integrated with the rifle’s overall design than other options I considered. My first impression was definitely one of excitement. This upgrade promised to transform my Smith & Wesson 1854 into a more versatile and user-friendly platform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 to the Test
First Use Experience
I took my Smith & Wesson 1854, now sporting the Midwest Industries Lever Stock, to my local outdoor range. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle, which proved to be a good test of the grip texture. The polymer cheek piece provided a noticeable improvement in cheek weld compared to the factory stock, particularly when using a red dot sight.
The grip panels offered a secure hold, even with wet hands, and the recoil felt noticeably reduced thanks to the Midwest Industries butt pad. I didn’t experience any significant issues during the first range session, and the stock installation was straightforward. The adjustable cheek piece was especially appreciated when transitioning between iron sights and the red dot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after being subjected to the bumps and scrapes of carrying it in the field during hunting season. Cleaning is a breeze; the smooth surfaces of the aluminum and polymer wipe down easily.
Compared to the factory wood stock, which required regular oiling and maintenance, the Midwest Industries stock is essentially maintenance-free. It significantly outperforms the original stock in terms of both comfort and adaptability. It has proven to be a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854
Specifications
- Compatible with Smith & Wesson 1854 rifles. This ensures a perfect fit and easy installation.
- Polymer cheek piece provides adjustability for use with iron sights, red dots, or magnified optics. This is a key feature for adapting the rifle to different sighting systems.
- Cheek piece in the lowest position maintains the same height as the factory stock. This allows for a seamless transition from the original setup.
- Maintains factory length of pull. Spacer plates are an available add-on if a longer length is needed.
- Ambidextrous design works for left and right-handed shooters. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of users.
- Exclusive Midwest Industries butt pad reduces felt recoil while maintaining a secure fit in your shoulder. This is a significant benefit for shooter comfort and control.
- Features several properly placed anti-rotation QD swivel sockets. Also incorporates one standard sling swivel location and stud for versatile sling placement.
- MI-designed grip panels give a unique look while providing ample texture in a rainy or snowy environment. The grip texture is essential for maintaining a secure hold in adverse conditions.
- M-LOK™ compatible slots on either side for use with MI Universal Shell Holders or M-LOK™ panels for aesthetics.
- Provides factory length of pull to fit most users. Spacer plates are available for a longer length of pull.
- Does not add weight over factory wood stock. Maintaining a balanced feel is crucial for accurate shooting.
- Grip and stock beam made from Hard Coat Anodized 6061 Aluminum. This ensures durability and corrosion resistance.
- Weight of Complete Unit: 1lb 8oz.
- Made in the USA.
- Lifetime warranty.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 significantly enhances the rifle’s overall performance. Its adjustable cheek piece allows for a consistent cheek weld, improving accuracy with both iron sights and optics. The recoil reduction provided by the butt pad makes for more comfortable shooting, especially during extended range sessions.
The M-LOK slots offer convenient mounting options for accessories like shell holders or lights. Sling mounting is also made easy with multiple QD swivel sockets. However, the M-Lok slots could be sharper; some users might find accessory attachment a little tight.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock boasts a sleek and functional design. The aluminum and polymer construction feels solid and well-made. The grip is comfortable and provides a secure hold, even with gloves on.
The stock is easy to install and adjust. However, the sharp edges of the M-Lok slots, as previously noted, could be more refined.
Durability & Maintenance
The hard coat anodized aluminum and durable polymer construction ensure the Midwest Industries Lever Stock can withstand harsh conditions. It requires minimal maintenance. Wiping down the surfaces with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean.
The Midwest Industries lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that the company stands behind its product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 is compatible with a variety of accessories. The M-LOK slots allow for the attachment of shell holders, lights, and other accessories. The multiple sling mounting options offer versatility in carrying the rifle.
While the stock itself doesn’t offer internal storage, the M-LOK slots can be used to attach small storage containers or pouches. The availability of spacer plates allows for further customization of the length of pull. Midwest Industries offers a range of M-LOK accessories that are specifically designed to work with their products.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854
Pros
- Adjustable cheek piece for optimal cheek weld with various sighting systems.
- Noticeable recoil reduction for improved shooting comfort.
- Versatile sling mounting options.
- Durable aluminum and polymer construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- M-Lok slots could be sharper for easier accessory attachment.
- The price point might be a barrier for some users.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854?
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 is perfect for hunters and competitive shooters who want to improve the ergonomics and adaptability of their lever-action rifle. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants a more comfortable and versatile shooting experience. Those who value durability and reliability will appreciate the solid construction and lifetime warranty.
Those who are on a very tight budget or who prefer the traditional look and feel of a wood stock may want to skip this product. Also, if you don’t plan on using optics or accessories, the benefits of this stock may not be fully realized. A must-have accessory is a quality sling to take advantage of the stock’s versatile sling mounting options.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 is a well-designed and expertly crafted upgrade that brings modern functionality to a classic platform. It provides significant improvements in ergonomics, recoil reduction, and accessory mounting options. While the price may be a bit high for some, the value proposition is strong, considering the enhanced shooting experience and increased versatility it offers.
I would personally recommend this stock to anyone looking to modernize their Smith & Wesson 1854. It transforms the rifle into a more capable and user-friendly tool. Upgrade your lever gun today and experience the difference!