The Cimarron 1865 Spencer is a lever-action carbine chambered in .45 Colt, based on the Model 1865 Spencer cavalry carbine of the Civil War. Cimarron imports it from Chiappa's Armi Sport factory in Italy. It has a color case-hardened receiver and blued barrel, staying close to the original's appearance. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Cimarron Firearms 
• Model: 1865 Spencer 
• Type: Lever Action Carbine 
• Caliber: .45 Colt 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Capacity: 7 rounds in the buttstock tube (Rifle Magazine's test gun arrived with a tube plug limiting it to 5, removable for the full 7) 
• Weight: 9 lbs. 
• Overall Length: 37 inches 
• Finish: Color Case Hardened (Receiver), Blued (Barrel) 
• Condition: New in Box 
   

Detailed Features 

 
Lowering the lever drops the breechblock, extracts the fired case and picks up the next round from the tube; raising it chambers the round. The lever does not cock the hammer, so each shot takes a thumb on the hammer before the trigger, as on the original. An adjustable rear sight lets shooters dial in for distance and conditions. The color case-hardened receiver finish varies from piece to piece, which is typical of the process and part of the appeal for those who want a historically accurate look. 
 
At 9 lbs with a 20-inch barrel, the Spencer handles steadily but is not a lightweight carry gun. The .45 Colt chambering is well-suited to Cowboy Action Shooting competitions and general range use. 
 

Usage 

 
The 1865 Spencer fits Cowboy Action Shooting, historical reenactment, and collecting. It is also a functional hunting rifle for appropriate game at modest ranges with .45 Colt. Anyone who shoots it primarily for sport or display will get more value from it than someone comparing it against modern lever guns on a pure utility basis.

The Cimarron 1865 Spencer draws buyers who want an authentic-looking period rifle that actually shoots, and most come away satisfied on both counts.

The color case-hardening and overall fit and finish are consistent positives. Cimarron's attention to the original design appeals to collectors and Cowboy Action shooters who want historical accuracy in the aesthetics.

Action smoothness gets good marks. The separate hammer cock after every lever stroke is the part new owners have to learn, and a lazy lever stroke can leave the fired case in the action.

Weight is the most common practical note. At 9 lbs, it is heavier than many modern rifles of similar barrel length, which affects maneuverability during long hunts or active shooting stages.

The manual of arms takes adjustment even for shooters used to Winchester-pattern lever guns, because the Spencer's hammer is cocked by hand.

Maintenance and care discussion comes up regularly in owner communities, particularly around preserving the color case-hardened finish over time.