Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, the scent of burnt powder and oil in the air. The steel silhouette at 100 yards looks small, but you’ve got a solid rest and a steady breath. You’re not holding a modern polymer pistol; you’re holding a piece of American history, re-engineered for modern reliability. The Cimarron 1873 Sporting .45 Long Colt 24.25″ Octagon Barrel Blue Finish Walnut Straight Stock 12rd is a faithful, high-quality reproduction of the legendary Winchester ’73 lever-action rifle, chambered in the classic .45 Long Colt cartridge. It’s built for the shooter who demands authenticity paired with modern manufacturing precision, offering a 12-round capacity and a 24.25-inch octagon barrel for superior balance and historical accuracy.
When it comes to a rifle that bridges the gap between a collector’s showpiece and a functional, accurate firearm, the Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle delivers. Its 24.25-inch octagon barrel isn’t just for looks—it adds significant forward weight, damping muzzle rise and making off-hand shots more stable. The deep, rich blue finish on the steel contrasts sharply with the straight-grain American walnut stock, a combination that turns heads on the firing line. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this rifle pairs perfectly with a period-correct single-action revolver, creating a unified system for Cowboy Action Shooting or simply a satisfying day of plinking. With a total length of over 43 inches and a weight around 8.5 lbs, it’s a substantial firearm that settles naturally into the shoulder.
The action is where this rifle earns its keep. Cimarron’s attention to detail means the lever throw is smooth out of the box, cycling with a satisfying, solid feel that inspires confidence. The 12-round magazine capacity under the barrel means you spend more time shooting and less time reloading during a stage or a session. Here’s the thing—this isn’t a wall hanger. It’s a working rifle, built to modern specs with hardened steels and precise tolerances, ready for thousands of rounds. It’s compatible with a wide range of .45 Long Colt ammunition, from mild cowboy loads to more potent offerings from brands like Black Hills or Buffalo Bore, giving you flexibility in its use.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt |
| Barrel | 24.25″ Octagon |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 8.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 12 Rounds |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Walnut Stock |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional historical authenticity with modern reliability. The long octagon barrel provides excellent sight radius and inherent accuracy. The smooth, polished action is drop-in ready for competition. The .45 Long Colt is a manageable, effective round with a wide variety of loadings. Stunning fit and finish make it a centerpiece of any collection.
Cons: The rifle’s length and weight make it less maneuverable in tight spaces compared to a carbine. The .45 Long Colt, while classic, is a more expensive round to feed than modern pistol calibers like 9mm. The traditional sights may require an adjustment period for shooters used to optics.
This rifle is for the historical firearms enthusiast who shoots what they collect. It’s for the dedicated Cowboy Action competitor needing a reliable, period-correct main match rifle that requires no gunsmithing to run flawlessly. It’s also for the hunter who appreciates the challenge and satisfaction of taking game with a traditional lever-action in a proven caliber. At $1253.67, it represents a significant investment in a tool that offers both tangible performance and intangible heritage. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle suitable for modern hunting in Missouri?
A: Absolutely. With the right load selection, the .45 Long Colt is a capable cartridge for whitetail deer at reasonable ranges. The rifle’s inherent accuracy and the shooter’s skill are the primary limiting factors.
Q: Can I mount a scope or optic on this 1873 Sporting Rifle?
A: The rifle is drilled and tapped for a tang sight, which is the period-correct method for adding precision. Mounting a traditional tube scope would require specialized bases, but a modern picatinny rail would compromise the rifle’s classic lines.
Q: How does it compare to an original Winchester 1873?
A: Cimarron uses modern CNC machining and superior, consistent steels, resulting in a rifle that is often more reliable and safer with modern ammunition than a 150-year-old original, while maintaining the exact look and feel.
If the blend of timeless design and solid, shootable performance calls to you, see the full details on our product page.
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