Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, the sun’s warm, and you’re about to send the first round downrange with a piece of living history. That’s the feeling the Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle delivers. It’s not just a wall hanger; it’s a shooter’s piece of the Old West, recreated with modern manufacturing precision. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .45 Long Colt through this specific configuration, and here’s what you need to know.
The Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon Barrel Blue Finish Case Hardened Frame Walnut Stock 10rd is a faithful reproduction of the iconic Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle. It’s chambered in .45 Colt, features a 20-inch octagon barrel, a stunning case-hardened frame with a blued finish, a classic walnut stock, and a 10-round magazine capacity. This rifle bridges the gap between a historical collectible and a genuinely fun, reliable range toy. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Let’s talk about that 20-inch octagon barrel. It’s the heart of this rifle’s character. The octagon profile adds significant weight out front, which makes for a remarkably steady hold and helps tame the mild recoil of the .45 Colt cartridge. The blueing is deep and even, providing a classic look that pairs perfectly with the vibrant, swirling colors of the case-hardened frame. That frame isn’t just for show—it’s a historically accurate finishing process that adds serious durability and visual pop. The walnut stock on my example was nicely finished with a satin sheen, free of major flaws, and it fits out of the box with no wobble or need for immediate gunsmithing.
The action is where the magic happens. The lever throw is smooth, though it benefits from a proper break-in period and a good cleaning to remove factory preservatives. After a few boxes of ammo, the action slicked up nicely. The trigger is a typical single-stage for this design, breaking cleanly with a bit of take-up. Feeding from the 10-round tube magazine is historically authentic and reliable with proper ammunition. Speaking of which, this rifle handles both standard-pressure cowboy loads and modern, hotter .45 Colt ammunition from brands like Winchester, Remington, and Hornady, giving you flexibility for plinking or hunting. The overall length is a handy 39 inches, and it weighs in at a substantial but balanced 8 pounds.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagon |
| Finish | Blued Barrel, Case-Hardened Frame |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 39″ |
| Weight | Approx. 8 lbs |
Pros: Authentic, head-turning aesthetics. Solid construction and good fit. The .45 Colt is a pleasure to shoot. Becomes very smooth with use. Compatible with a huge array of aftermarket parts and accessories designed for the Uberti 1873 pattern, which opens up a world of customization for CAS competitors.
Cons: It’s a front-heavy rifle—some love it, some find it tiring. The price point at $1159.57 positions it as an investment, not an impulse buy. Disassembly for deep cleaning is more involved than a modern rifle. The loading gate can be stiff on new models.
So who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the shooter who appreciates history and craftsmanship, the Cowboy Action Shooting competitor looking for a reliable main match rifle, or the hunter who wants a distinctive lever-gun for woods hunting. It’s also an ideal centerpiece for a collection of American West firearms. If you just want the cheapest .45 Colt lever gun, this isn’t it. But if you want one that feels and looks the part, this Cimarron delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle ready for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS)?
A: Absolutely. It’s a top-tier choice for CAS right out of the box. Many top competitors use Cimarron/Uberti 1873 rifles as their platform. You may want to have a gunsmith perform an action job for ultimate speed, but it’s not required to start competing.
Q: Can it handle modern, hotter .45 Colt ammunition?
A: Yes. Cimarron builds these rifles on modern steel actions that are safely rated for all SAAMI-spec .45 Colt ammunition, including the hotter loads from Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and others meant for hunting. Always stick to published load data.
Q: How does it compare to a Henry or Rossi lever gun in .45 Colt?
A: Here’s the thing—it’s a different philosophy. The Henry is a modern, slick-shooting rifle with a side-loading gate. The Rossi is a budget-friendly workhorse. The Cimarron 1873 is a historical replica first. Its value is in its authentic design, materials, and finish. You’re paying for that authenticity and the superior fit and finish that comes with it.
If the idea of owning a tangible piece of American firearm history that you can actually shoot and enjoy speaks to you, this Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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