Cimarron Revolving Carbine 44-40 Win 18″ Barrel

Description

I was out at the range last weekend with a buddy who brought his new lever-action, and it got me thinking about the other side of the Old West equation—the revolving carbine. It’s a piece of history you can actually shoot, not just admire. So, let’s talk about what this Cimarron Revolving Carbine 44-40 Win, 18″ Barrel really is.

The Cimarron Revolving Carbine 44-40 Win, 18″ Barrel is a faithful modern reproduction of the 1873-style revolving rifle, chambered in the classic 44-40 Winchester cartridge. It features an 18-inch barrel, a six-shot cylinder, and a walnut stock, blending historical design with modern manufacturing for a unique shooting experience. It’s not your everyday rifle, and that’s precisely the point. I’ve put a few boxes of 44-40 through similar models, and the experience is a conversation starter every single time.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t just a novelty. The build quality on Cimarron’s reproductions is solid. The 18-inch barrel gives you a real carbine feel, much handier than a full-length rifle, and it balances surprisingly well. The walnut stock has that classic look and feel, and the color case-hardened frame is a beautiful touch you just don’t see on modern guns. At $738.36, it sits in a unique spot: more affordable than a true antique but packed with way more character than a budget modern rifle.

The key feature, obviously, is that revolving cylinder. It holds six rounds of 44-40 Win, a cartridge that was literally made for this era of firearms. The loading gate is on the right side, just like the original Peacemaker revolvers it’s based on, and the action is pure single-action revolver—you manually cock the hammer for each shot. It’s a slower, more deliberate process that forces you to make each round count. I’ve found guns like this fit out of the box and are ready for the range with standard, commercially available 44-40 ammunition from brands like Winchester or Black Hills.

Now, let’s talk about the 44-40 Winchester cartridge itself. This is a low-pressure, straight-walled round from 1873. In this 18-inch barrel, you get all the velocity it was designed for, making it a legitimate hunter for medium game at reasonable distances. It’s also a reloader’s dream. The recoil is very manageable—more of a stout push than a sharp snap. With an overall length of about 37 inches and a weight around 6.5 lbs, it carries easily in the field.

Specifications

Caliber	.44-40 Winchester
Barrel Length	18 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 37 Inches
Capacity	6 Rounds
Action	Single Action
Finish	Color Case-Hardened Frame, Blued Barrel

Pros: Incredibly unique look and shooting experience. Excellent historical appeal and conversation value. Chambered in a classic, reloadable cartridge that pairs perfectly with period-correct revolvers like the Uberti Cattleman. High-quality fit and finish for the price point. The 18-inch barrel makes it a handy, pointable carbine.

Cons: It’s a single-action, so rate of fire is slow. Requires mindful handling to avoid the dreaded “cylinder gap blast” near the support hand—proper grip is crucial. The 44-40 cartridge, while available, isn’t as common or cheap as 9mm or .223. It’s a niche gun, not a do-everything tactical tool.

So who is this for? It’s for the shooter who already has a safe full of practical rifles and wants something with soul. It’s for the cowboy action shooter looking for a unique main match rifle or a side category. It’s for the history buff who appreciates the mechanical ingenuity of the 19th century. And it’s absolutely for the hunter who wants to take deer or hog with a piece of living history. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to shoot with a modern two-handed rifle grip?

A: Yes, but you must be trained. Your forward hand must remain behind the cylinder gap on the forend. Putting any part of your hand or fingers in front of the cylinder (like on a traditional rifle) risks severe injury from escaping gases. Use the carbine as intended, with a revolver-style grip or a firm hold behind the cylinder.

Q: Can I use .44 Magnum or .44 Special ammunition in it?

A: Absolutely not. This carbine is chambered specifically for .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF). It is not safe to fire any other caliber. Always use ammunition that is clearly marked .44-40 Winchester.

Q: Is this suitable for a first-time gun owner?

A: Generally, no. The unique manual of arms and specific safety considerations make it better suited for an experienced shooter who understands firearm fundamentals and is seeking a historical piece. A new shooter would be better served starting with a more conventional rifle or revolver.

If the idea of owning a functional piece of Americana, of slowing down and making each shot a deliberate act, appeals to you, then this Cimarron Revolving Carbine deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.