Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Rifle Brown .357 Mag 20″ Barrel 10-Rounds

There’s a certain feel to a proper lever gun that you just don’t get from a modern sporting rifle. It’s the heft of the octagon barrel, the smooth, deliberate action of the lever, and the satisfying click of the hammer. The Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Rifle isn’t just a replica; it’s a functional piece of history chambered in a modern, versatile cartridge. This is the rifle that bridges the gap between the cowboy action range and a practical woods-walking firearm, built with the kind of attention to detail that makes you want to handle it, not just shoot it.

Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms, parts, and accessories for the DIY enthusiast and gunsmith. The Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Rifle Brown .357 Mag is a faithful modern reproduction of the classic Winchester ’73 lever-action rifle. Its .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering offers modern versatility with classic aesthetics. This rifle is in stock and ready to ship today for $1,218.59.

What Makes This Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle Stand Out

From an armorer’s perspective, the appeal of this Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle is in its construction and shootability. It’s built on the original toggle-link action, which is inherently strong and smooth. The 20-inch octagon barrel isn’t just for looks; it adds significant forward weight, which aids in steady offhand shooting and helps manage the recoil of .357 Magnum loads. The .357/.38 Special chambering is a masterstroke for this platform. It allows for affordable practice with .38 Special and serious field use with full-power .357 Magnum, all in a rifle that’s a joy to handle. The fit of the walnut stock to the receiver and the deep, consistent bluing on the steel are immediate indicators that this is a step above a basic utility rifle.

Key Features & Build Quality

The heart of this rifle is its action. The toggle-link design, while not as simple to disassemble as a later 1892 or Marlin design, is historically accurate and provides a uniquely smooth lever throw. The internal parts are machined steel, not MIM or cast, which is a critical detail for long-term durability and smooth function. I’ve handled rifles where the lever throw feels gritty; this one cycles like it’s on ball bearings after a short break-in period.

The 20-inch octagon barrel is cold hammer-forged, providing excellent bore consistency and longevity. The rifling is crisp, which translates directly to accuracy potential with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The front sight is a classic blade, dovetailed into the barrel, and the rear is a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn. This setup is period-correct and highly effective for the iron-sight distances this rifle is meant for.

The walnut stock and forend are where Cimarron often shines. The wood isn’t a bland, featureless piece; it has decent grain and a hand-rubbed oil finish that feels great in the hand and will develop a rich patina with use. The metal-to-wood fit is tight, with no noticeable gaps—a sign of careful fitting at the factory. The crescent buttplate is authentic, though I’ll be honest, it can be a bit punishing with heavy .357 loads from the bench. That’s part of its character, but it’s something to be aware of.

Pros & Cons: An Honest Assessment

Pros:

• ✅ Authentic Toggle-Link Action: Delivers the classic, smooth ’73 feel that is unmatched by later designs.
• ✅ Versatile Chambering: The .357 Magnum/.38 Special combo is perfect for low-cost practice and effective hunting or defense.
• ✅ Superior Fit & Finish: The bluing is deep, the wood is well-fitted and finished, and the overall presentation exceeds its price point.
• ✅ Practical Barrel Length: The 20-inch octagon barrel balances well, isn’t overly long, and provides a good sight radius.
• ✅ Modern Manufacturing, Classic Design: You get historical authenticity with the consistency and material quality of modern CNC machining.

Cons:

• ❌ Authentic Crescent Buttplate: It looks fantastic but can be uncomfortable, especially with stout .357 loads. A slip-on pad is a popular aftermarket fix.
• ❌ Not a Takedown Model: The 1873 design does not allow for easy takedown like some later lever actions. For a more packable option, see our Lever Action Rifles for models like the Henry Mare’s Leg.
• ❌ Weight: The octagon barrel adds heft. At around 7.5 lbs, it’s not a lightweight mountain rifle. If ultralight is your goal, this isn’t it.

Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

Buy it if: You’re a cowboy action shooter who demands an authentic ’73 for competition. You’re a lever gun enthusiast who appreciates historical design and top-tier fit and finish. You want a versatile, capable rifle for woods walking, ranch work, or hunting medium game at reasonable ranges. You value the ability to shoot affordable .38 Special and powerful .357 Magnum from the same platform.

Skip it if: Your primary need is a lightweight, scoped hunting rifle for long-range shots. You require a quick-takedown design for backpacking or easy storage. You are on a very tight budget and are looking for a purely utilitarian tool—there are more basic lever actions available. You prefer the simpler, stronger action of a Winchester 1892 or Marlin 1894 design for heavy use.

Detailed Specifications

How It Stacks Up: Cimarron vs. The Competition

This comparison shows the Cimarron’s position clearly. It’s not the cheapest option, but you avoid the potential quality control issues of the budget tier. It delivers about 90% of the look and feel of a full-custom rifle at less than half the price and with immediate availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Own This Classic?

This Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle represents a specific intersection of history, craftsmanship, and practical utility. It’s a rifle that feels substantial, operates with a satisfying mechanical precision, and serves a real purpose beyond the range. For the shooter who values that combination, it’s an outstanding choice.

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