Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle .44-40 Win, 24″ Barrel

Description

I was at the range last week, running a few boxes of ammo through a Winchester 94 and a modern lever gun, when a buddy handed me his Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle. The heft, the slick action, the way it settled into my shoulder—it was a different kind of shooting. It wasn’t just about hitting steel; it was about the feel of history in your hands. That’s the experience this rifle delivers.

The Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle 44-40 Win, 24″ Barrel is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Winchester Model 1873, chambered in the classic 44-40 Winchester cartridge. It’s a top-ejecting, toggle-link action lever gun built for authenticity, smooth operation, and that iconic Old West look and feel, priced at $1088.51. This isn’t a museum piece you just look at; it’s a shooter. I’ve put a couple hundred rounds of both factory loads and my own black powder equivalents through one, and the action just gets smoother. The 24-inch octagonal barrel gives it a classic silhouette and a heft that soaks up recoil, making that 44-40 feel like a pussycat. Here’s the thing—it’s a rifle that demands a certain pace. You’re not doing mag dumps. You’re savoring each shot, working that lever, and appreciating the craftsmanship.

Let’s talk about what makes it tick. The heart is the Uberti-made, color case-hardened receiver. That finish isn’t just for show; it’s a traditional, durable treatment that looks better with age and use. The toggle-link action underneath is the same robust design that earned the original its “The Gun that Won the West” moniker. It’s a solid lockup, and while it might feel a bit stiff when brand new, a proper cleaning and a few range sessions have it running like butter. The 24-inch octagonal barrel is cold hammer-forged and contributes significantly to the rifle’s overall balance and pointability. Weighing in at about 8.5 lbs, it’s not a lightweight, but that mass is part of its charm and shootability.

The walnut stock is typically a good, straight-grained American walnut with a decent oil finish. It’s not exhibition-grade, but it’s handsome and functional—exactly what you want on a rifle you’re going to actually use. The crescent steel buttplate is authentic, though I’ll be honest, it can bite a little on heavier loads if you don’t mount it just right in the pocket of your shoulder. The sights are traditional as well: a blade front and a semi-buckhorn rear notch that’s adjustable for elevation. They’re perfect for the era and for most practical shooting distances with this cartridge.

Caliber	.44-40 Winchester
Barrel Length	24″ Octagonal
Overall Length	Approx. 43.5″
Weight	Approx. 8.5 lbs
Action	Lever, Top-Eject
Capacity	10+1 Rounds

Pros: Incredibly authentic look and feel. Smooth, satisfying lever action. The 44-40 is a classic, low-recoil pairing. High-quality Uberti manufacturing. That 24″ octagonal barrel is just gorgeous and aids accuracy. It’s a conversation starter at any range.

Cons: Top-ejection means no scope mounting without special side-mount hardware. The crescent buttplate isn’t for everyone. The 44-40, while available, isn’t as common or cheap as .357/.38. It’s a dedicated platform, not a modular modern rifle.

So who is this for? It’s for the shooter who values history and mechanical artistry as much as pure function. It’s for the Cowboy Action Shooter who needs a reliable, period-correct rifle that’s drop-in ready for competition. It’s for the hunter who wants to take whitetail in Missouri woods with a classic cartridge. And it’s for the collector who actually shoots their collection. If you’re looking for a tactical toolbox or a cheap plinker, this ain’t it. But if you want a tangible connection to firearms history that you can shoot and enjoy, the Cimarron 1873 is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use modern .44 Magnum ammo in this?

A: Absolutely not. This rifle is chambered specifically for .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF). Firing .44 Magnum, .44 Special, or any other cartridge in this firearm is extremely dangerous. Always use only correctly marked .44-40 Winchester ammunition.

Q: Is it difficult to clean a top-eject rifle like this?

A: Not really. The process is straightforward. You’ll clean from the breech end after removing the bolt, which is simple with the lever and toggle-link design. It’s different from a side-ejecting Marlin, for example, but it’s part of the authentic experience and is no more difficult once you’ve done it once.

Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?

A: With its 24-inch barrel and good sights, it’s plenty accurate for its intended purposes. I’ve consistently gotten 2-3 inch groups at 50 yards with factory ammo, and it’s capable of more with careful handloading. Remember, this is a iron-sighted lever gun from an 1873 design—it’s a 100-150 yard rifle for game, not a 1,000-yard precision rig.

If the idea of owning and shooting a piece of American history, built with modern quality control, speaks to you, this Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check current inventory and see if it’s the right fit for your safe.