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/Bull-RunTheJewels Jun 17 '26

This is my exact scenario. Henry Bigboy 357 mag. Hade to space cowboy it. Shoots PMC 38 special just fine. Still prefer just shooting 357 mag.

I highly recommend anyone who wants to put ranger point precision hand guards on their rifle to not get a Henry. Removing the magazine tube is a bitch.

Just ordered 44mag mares leg from firearms outlet with 15% off.

Might get a normal rifle stock for it for a SBR. Bought 1000 rounds of cheap PMC on sale for blasting targets. Plan on shooting some bear defence through it as well. Tough to find a lot of bear loads in Canada right now.