There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from handling a rifle built to a classic pattern, one that feels substantial in your hands and operates with a mechanical precision that modern polymer can’t replicate. The Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown in .45-70 Government is that kind of rifle. It’s not a replica; it’s a faithful continuation of a design that defined an era of American firearms, updated with modern manufacturing tolerances and a takedown feature that adds serious utility. From the moment you work the lever, you feel the solid engagement of the twin locking lugs, a system John Browning designed to handle pressures far beyond the black powder cartridges of its time. The 26-inch octagonal barrel provides a long sight radius and a heft that soaks up recoil, making the formidable .45-70 a more manageable proposition. This isn’t a wall-hanger. It’s a working rifle with a case-hardened finish that tells a story of craftsmanship, ready for the woods, the range, or a place of honor in a serious collection.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms for the DIY enthusiast and technical shooter. The Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown Case Hardened .45-70 26″ Barrel 8-Rounds is a modern-manufactured lever-action rifle based on the classic John Browning design. Its takedown capability and robust construction set it apart from standard lever guns. This rifle is in stock and available for $1,934.99 $1,741.49 with fast shipping from our warehouse.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Makes the Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown a Modern Classic
The heart of this rifle is the 1886 action, a Browning design that was revolutionary for its strength. It uses a vertically sliding locking block with two lugs that engage recesses in the breech bolt, a far more robust system than the toggle-link or bolt designs of its contemporaries. This strength is why the 1886 was the first successful lever-action to handle high-pressure smokeless powder cartridges like the .45-70. Taylors and Co’s version maintains these critical internal dimensions, ensuring the legendary durability is intact. The takedown feature is a significant practical upgrade. A quarter-turn of the knurled takedown ring at the forend allows you to separate the barrel and forend assembly from the receiver and stock. This makes transport and storage in a compact case straightforward, a feature you’ll appreciate after a long day afield or when traveling to a remote range.
The case-hardened finish on the receiver isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a traditional metal treatment that creates a hardened, wear-resistant surface while leaving the core metal tough and less brittle. The swirling blues, golds, and grays are a direct result of the process and are unique to each rifle. The 26-inch octagonal barrel is another hallmark of the period, adding significant weight forward to dampen muzzle rise and providing a classic profile. The magazine tube holds 8 rounds of .45-70, giving you substantial firepower for any legal hunting application or extended range sessions. The walnut stock and forend are finished in a satin oil, providing a grip that improves with use and age.
Pros and Cons: A Gunsmith’s Perspective
Having handled and broken down many lever actions, here’s my assessment of where this Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown excels and where you might want to consider your alternatives.
- ✅ Authentic, Strong Action: The true 1886 locking mechanism is over-engineered for the .45-70, promising exceptional longevity and a solid lockup you can feel.
- ✅ Practical Takedown Design: The takedown system is simple, robust, and maintains zero effectively, making the rifle far more versatile for transport and cleaning.
- ✅ Quality Traditional Finish: The true case hardening and oil-finished walnut offer a level of traditional craftsmanship often missing from modern reproductions.
- ✅ Recoil Management: The combination of the heavy octagonal barrel and the rifle’s overall weight makes shooting full-power .45-70 loads more comfortable than in lighter carbines.
- ✅ Historical Fidelity: This is a shooter-grade version of a historically significant firearm, built to be used, not just displayed.
- ❌ Weight and Length: At nearly 9.5 lbs with a 26″ barrel, this is not a quick-handling mountain rifle. If you need a compact, lightweight woods gun for thick brush, our lever action category has carbine options better suited to that role.
- ❌ Traditional Sights: It comes with a classic buckhorn rear and blade front sight. While period-correct, they are slower for some shooters than a peep sight or optic. Mounting a scope requires a dedicated side-mount or scout scope setup, which not all shooters prefer.
- ❌ Premium Price Point: As a higher-fidelity reproduction with specialized features, it commands a higher price than basic modern lever actions or economy-tier imports.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy the Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown if: You’re a lever-action enthusiast who values historical design and mechanical authenticity. You handload for the .45-70 and want a strong, classic action to shoot your recipes. You’re a hunter in open country where the longer barrel and sight radius are an advantage for ethical shots. You appreciate traditional metal finishes and wood furniture on a functional tool. You need a rifle that can be broken down for discrete travel or storage without sacrificing robustness.
Consider a different rifle if: Your primary need is a lightweight, compact carbine for dense brush hunting. In that case, a Marlin 1895 SBL or a Henry .45-70 side-gate carbine would be a more maneuverable choice. If your budget is strictly under $1,000 and historical authenticity is less critical, there are reliable modern lever actions that will perform the core function. If you absolutely require a drilled-and-tapped receiver for a conventional scope mount right out of the box, some modern models offer that as standard.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Material (Receiver/Barrel) | Forged Steel / Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined, Traditional Case Hardening |
| Finish | Case Hardened Receiver, Blued Barrel |
| Hardness/Quality | Authentic Charcoal Case Hardening; High-Quality Walnut |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Manual Lever Action; Takedown for Transport/Cleaning |
| Weight | Approximately 9.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (Overall Length) | ~46.5″ (Assembled) |
| Country of Origin | Italy (by Chiappa for Taylors & Co.) |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | TAY-1886TD-CH-4570-26 |
How It Stacks Up: Taylors and Co 1886 vs. The Competition
| Feature | Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown | Budget Import .45-70 Lever (~$800) | Premium Modern Lever (e.g., Marlin 1895) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Fit | Forged steel, case-hardened finish, fitted walnut | Cast components, blued or painted finish, basic wood | Machined steel, cerakote or stainless, laminate or synthetic stock |
| Action Quality | Authentic 1886 twin-lug design, very strong | Simplified action, may have looser tolerances | Strong modern lever action, side-loading gate common |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Gov’t only, traditional sight plane | .45-70 Gov’t, may be drilled for optics | .45-70 Gov’t, often optics-ready from factory |
| Key Feature | Authentic takedown system, historical accuracy | Low cost, functional | Modern ergonomics, accessory readiness |
| Lifespan/Durability | Excellent (over-engineered classic design) | Good for casual use | Excellent (proven modern design) |
| Price Point | ~$1,741.49 (Sale) | ~$800 – $1,000 | ~$1,200 – $1,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown strong enough for modern .45-70 loads?
Yes. The original John Browning 1886 action was designed to be exceptionally strong, and this faithful reproduction is built to handle all standard SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government ammunition, including modern lever-action hunting loads from major manufacturers. Always consult your reloading manual and start with recommended starting loads if handloading.
How does the takedown feature work, and does it affect accuracy?
The rifle uses a threaded collar at the front of the receiver. A quarter-turn unlocks it, allowing the barrel/forend assembly to slide forward and off. When properly reassembled and tightened, the system is designed to return to zero consistently. For hunting accuracy, it’s reliable, but always confirm zero after takedown and reassembly, as with any takedown firearm.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
It is not drilled and tapped for a conventional top-mounted scope. The traditional semi-buckhorn sights are standard. To mount an optic, you would need to explore period-correct side-mount options or a scout-style scope mounted on the barrel via a dedicated base, which may require gunsmithing.
What is the main difference between this and a Henry or Marlin .45-70?
The primary differences are historical design and the takedown feature. The Taylors and Co 1886 uses the classic 1886 twin-lug action, while modern Marlins and Henrys use their own robust but different action designs. This rifle prioritizes historical authenticity and takedown utility, whereas modern brands often focus on contemporary ergonomics and out-of-the-box optic mounting.
Is the case hardening durable or just cosmetic?
It is a true case-hardening process (also called color case hardening), which creates a hard, wear-resistant surface on the steel receiver. The colors are a byproduct of this process and are durable, but like any finish, they can wear with extreme holster use or abrasion. It is significantly more durable and traditional than a painted or faux finish.
Where can I buy a Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown online?
You can purchase the Taylors and Co 1886 Takedown Case Hardened .45-70 directly from Miamishooterssupply at miamishooterssupply.com. We are an authorized retailer, and the rifle is in stock, ready for fast shipping from our Boise, ID facility.
What kind of maintenance does a case-hardened receiver require?
Like any blued or traditional steel finish, a light coat of a quality gun oil or protectant (like Renaissance Wax for display pieces) on the metal surfaces will prevent rust. Avoid harsh solvents on the case-hardened area, and simply wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after handling to remove fingerprints and moisture.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (see our policy for details)
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Lever Action Rifles | Rifles | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the firearm, technical schematics, and manufacturer specifications. It is written from the perspective of a professional with over a decade in firearms e-commerce and a background in gunsmithing, focusing on factual performance, mechanical details, and practical application for the end user.
Last updated: March 2026
