r/canadaguns • u/Striker-of-life • Jun 17 '26

Buy recommendations Leaver action 44 or 357?

So I'm shopping for a leaver action in looking at a Smith and Weston 1854. But while I lean towards 357. Fomo is making me ask should I consider 44 mag more? I'm just curious what are you thoughts? 44 or 357 for leaver?

Edit/Update:

I ended up going for the S&W 1854 Sheath hunter in 357 thanks every one

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u/Iokua_CDN Jun 17 '26

So,  I went with a 357 first. 

My thoughts,  it's cheaper,  so I can shoot it more. It's powerful enough I can carry it in the woods or deer hunting. 

Plus, now if I want a second lever action,  I can get a 44 mag that is dedicated to a certain task. Likely a 12 inch barrel mares leg for bear defence.  

Some people really like a 44mag for a big piece of lead hitting steel.  Some really like it for a decent wildlife protection round. For everything else,  I'd take 357 and enjoy my cheap 38 special, my moderate priced 357, and my expensive pissing hot 357 ammo  (which I've never bought before and haven't needed,  but maybe someday I'll try a few.)

So unless you really gravel a heavy handgun bullet smacking steel,  or this is your main bear defense gun.  I'd get the 357. I have a 12 ga shortie if I ever NEED more power than the 357.

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u/Berns35703 Jun 17 '26

Exactly this. I bought the walnut 1854 in .357 for the cheap .38 and because .357 is loud enough to have some serious fun. But yeah depends on your purpose, I bought mine so I’d have something larger than a .22 to use indoors during the winter