Stainless steel and a .45-70 chamber make this Smith & Wesson 1854 a rifle for damp country and big game. The old government cartridge has dropped deer, elk, and bear for well over a century, and the lever action gives you quick follow-up shots.

A 20-inch barrel is the right length for woods and ridgelines. It comes to the shoulder fast, stays handy in thick timber, and can be carried comfortably all day. Stainless finish handles rain, sweat, and the occasional creek crossing with less worry about rust than blued steel.

Recoil from a .45-70 depends on the load. Mild loads give you a firm push, while heavy ones hit with real force. Pick your ammunition for the game you plan to hunt and practice from a solid rest. Big, slow bullets work well at moderate ranges, and the cartridge is a favorite for hunting in brush and swamp.

Wipe the action clean, oil the working parts lightly, and check the rifle after a wet hunt. It ships to your FFL dealer, where the background check is performed when you pick it up.