The Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle is chambered in .45 Colt and built around a color case-hardened finish that holds up in field conditions while giving the rifle its period-correct look. The octagonal barrel and straight walnut stock keep it true to the Winchester original, and the lever action cycles smoothly enough for cowboy action shoots where split-second reloads matter. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Cimarron Firearms 
• Model: 1873 Short Rifle 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches (Octagon) 
• Overall Length (OAL): 43.25 inches 
• Weight: 7.90 lbs 
• Stock Material/Finish: Straight Walnut / Brown 
• Twist Rate: 1:16" 
   

Features 

 
The 20-inch octagon barrel adds visual weight that balances the rifle well in hand and contributes to the 1:16" twist stabilizing the wide range of .45 Colt loads available. A blade front sight pairs with an adjustable rear, so dialing in for different distances is straightforward. The straight walnut stock positions the wrist naturally for the lever stroke without fighting the shooter on recoil. 
 
At 7.90 lbs the rifle is not a featherweight, but the mass steadies it for longer strings at the range. Construction is steel throughout with the color case-hardened finish on the receiver and action parts. 
 

Uses 

• Cowboy action shooting: The smooth lever throw and 10+1 capacity fit the stage requirements well. 
• Hunting: .45 Colt at rifle velocities handles small to medium game cleanly. 
• Collecting: The case-hardened finish and walnut stock make this a display piece that actually shoots.

Owners of the Cimarron 1873 Short in .45 Colt tend to spend more time discussing the case-hardened finish than almost any other feature. The color case is vivid enough on most examples that it draws comments at the range, and the connection to Old West lever guns is a big part of why people buy this rifle over a plain blued version.

Shooting impressions are generally good. The action is smooth from the factory for most buyers, and .45 Colt recoil in a 7.90-lb rifle is mild enough that extended range sessions are comfortable. Accuracy reports are solid for a lever-action at typical pistol-caliber distances.

On the practical side, a few owners flag the weight as heavier than expected for a carbine-length rifle. The lever-action learning curve is real for shooters coming from bolt guns, though most adapt quickly. Value opinions vary: collectors tend to see the craftsmanship as worth the price, while buyers focused purely on field performance sometimes compare it against modern alternatives at lower cost.