Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 Review

The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 Made a Bold First Impression

The lever-action rifle is an icon of American history. Now, Midwest Industries brings that classic firearm into the modern age with their Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854. This isn’t just a furniture upgrade; it’s a reimagining of a timeless platform, blending the heritage of the lever gun with the modularity and ergonomics demanded by today’s shooters.

My journey to this stock began with a simple desire: to enhance the versatility of my S&W 1854. The factory stock, while functional, lacked adjustability and modern mounting options for accessories. The need for a more customizable and ergonomic platform led me to explore aftermarket options, eventually settling on the Midwest Industries offering.

Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock immediately impressed with its solid construction. The grip and stock beam, crafted from hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum, felt robust and ready for hard use. The polymer cheek piece added a touch of modern comfort and adjustability that the factory stock sorely lacked. I found the Midwest Industries product notably superior in terms of build quality to the Magpul MOE stock and the Sampson Manufacturing A-TM folding stock for the Ruger 10/22, although they serve different rifle types.

My initial feeling was pure excitement. Midwest Industries seemed to have perfectly blended the classic aesthetic with modern functionality, promising a significant upgrade to my S&W 1854. This felt like exactly the kind of improvement I had been looking for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 to the Test

First Use Experience

The Midwest Industries Lever Stock saw its initial trial at my local shooting range. I was primarily focused on assessing the adjustability of the cheek piece and how well it accommodated different optic setups. The weather was fair, with a slight breeze – conditions ideal for accurate shooting.

The stock immediately proved its worth. Adjusting the cheek piece to the perfect height for my red dot optic was simple and made a noticeable difference in my cheek weld and overall shooting comfort. I experienced no issues cycling rounds and the new stock did not alter the factory functionality.

The only minor hiccup was getting used to the slightly different grip angle compared to the factory stock. This was a matter of personal preference and required only a few magazines to adjust to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock has held up remarkably well. The hard coat anodized finish has proven to be highly resistant to scratches and wear, even after bumping against barricades and being transported in various range bags. The stock remains tightly fitted to the receiver and the cheek piece adjustment mechanism continues to function flawlessly.

Maintenance is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep the aluminum parts looking like new. The polymer cheek piece is equally easy to clean, resisting staining and grime buildup. So far, the stock has exceeded expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854

Specifications

• The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854 is specifically designed for compatibility with Smith & Wesson 1854 rifles. This ensures a seamless fit and proper function.

• A polymer cheek piece allows for adjustability, catering to different sighting systems. This feature is crucial for achieving a proper cheek weld whether using iron sights, red dots, or magnified optics.

• The cheek piece in its lowest position maintains the same height as the factory stock. This thoughtful design ensures that users who prefer the original stock height can maintain that feel without compromise.

• It retains the factory length of pull. This ensures familiarity and comfort for most users, while spacer plates are available separately for those needing a longer length.

• The stock’s ambidextrous design caters to both left and right-handed shooters. This provides versatility and equal comfort for all users, regardless of their dominant hand.

• An exclusive Midwest Industries butt pad reduces felt recoil. It also maintains a secure fit against the shoulder, improving shooting comfort and control.

• The stock features multiple anti-rotation QD swivel sockets. These, along with a standard sling swivel location and stud, provide versatile sling placement options.

• MI-designed grip panels offer a unique aesthetic and ample texture for use in wet or snowy environments. These panels enhance grip and control in challenging conditions.

• M-LOK™ compatible slots on either side allow for the attachment of Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders or M-LOK™ panels. This enhances functionality and customization options.

• The stock provides the factory length of pull, fitting most users. This promotes comfort and ease of use without requiring additional adjustments for many individuals.

• It adds no weight over the factory wood stock. Maintaining the rifle’s balance and handling characteristics is a priority.

• The grip and stock beam are crafted from hard coat anodized 6061 Aluminum. This ensures durability and resistance to corrosion.

• The complete unit weighs 1lb 8oz. This weight provides a balance between robustness and minimizing added weight to the rifle.

• The product is made in the USA. This assures quality craftsmanship and supports American manufacturing.

• It comes with a lifetime warranty. This reflects Midwest Industries’ commitment to the product’s quality and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Midwest Industries Lever Stock significantly enhances the performance and functionality of the S&W 1854. The adjustability of the cheek piece is a game-changer, allowing for a comfortable and consistent cheek weld with any optic setup. The reduction in felt recoil, thanks to the improved buttpad, makes extended shooting sessions far more enjoyable.

The ambidextrous design and versatile sling mounting options further enhance the rifle’s usability. The M-LOK slots provide ample space for attaching accessories, such as shell holders or lights, greatly increasing the rifle’s practicality in various scenarios.

While the grip angle takes a bit of getting used to, it ultimately provides a more secure and ergonomic hold, especially in adverse conditions. Overall, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock far exceeds expectations, transforming the S&W 1854 into a more versatile and user-friendly platform.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Midwest Industries Lever Stock is exceptional. The hard coat anodized aluminum provides a robust and durable foundation. The polymer cheek piece feels solid and well-integrated.

The weight is well-balanced, adding minimal bulk to the rifle. The ergonomic design of the grip and the adjustable cheek piece makes the rifle far more comfortable to shoot for extended periods. There is a slight learning curve to adjusting the cheek piece, but this process is straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Midwest Industries Lever Stock is built to last. The hard coat anodized aluminum is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and wear. The polymer cheek piece is equally durable, capable of withstanding significant impacts without damage.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and light lubrication of the moving parts. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, assuring that Midwest Industries stands behind its product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The stock is highly customizable due to the M-LOK slots and multiple sling mounting points. Midwest Industries offers compatible shell holders that attach directly to the M-LOK slots, providing convenient access to extra ammunition. Any standard M-LOK compatible accessories can be used, making it highly adaptable to different needs and preferences.

Third-party accessories like lights, lasers, and foregrips can also be easily mounted, expanding the rifle’s capabilities. The availability of spacer plates (sold separately) to extend the length of pull is another great option for a truly customized fit.

Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Smith & Wesson 1854