The Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Deluxe is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt (LC) with a 20-inch octagon barrel. It's a reproduction of the Winchester 1873, finished with a blued barrel and color case hardened receiver, and stocked with a fixed pistol grip walnut stock. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Cimarron 
• Model: 1873 Short Deluxe 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Barrel Length: 20" 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Condition: New in Box 
• Finish: Blued Barrel & Color Case Hardened Receiver 
• Stock Description: Fixed Pistol Grip made from Walnut 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The 20-inch octagon barrel is a period-correct design choice that adds visual weight and improves balance over round-barrel profiles. The color case hardened receiver gives the rifle its distinctive mottled finish. Each one looks slightly different. 
 
The lever action cycles smoothly, which matters for Cowboy Action Shooting competitors who need consistent, fast operation. The walnut pistol grip stock is comfortable for extended range sessions. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
The 1873 Short Deluxe is popular in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions, where the .45 Colt chambering and period-appropriate design are both practical and rules-compliant. It also appeals to collectors and Western heritage enthusiasts who want a functional shooter rather than a display piece.

Discussions around the Cimarron 1873 Short Deluxe .45LC cover a predictable set of topics given the rifle's niche.

1. Quality and Craftsmanship: The woodwork and metal finishing draw consistent praise. Owners note that Cimarron's quality control on wood-to-metal fit and finish is better than many competing reproductions at similar price points.

2. Performance: The action gets good marks for smoothness out of the box, and most owners report reliable cycling with standard .45 Colt loads. Accuracy at typical lever-action distances is consistently reported as solid.

3. Caliber Appreciation: The .45 Colt is popular in this community for its low recoil, historical connection, and handloading flexibility. The round's manageable recoil makes extended range sessions easy.

4. Historical Appeal: Owners frequently discuss the 1873's role in Western history. For Cowboy Action Shooting participants and collectors, the design's authenticity is part of the purchase decision.

5. Customization Options: Some owners add period-appropriate sights or adjust the action for competition use. Debates about whether modifications detract from the original aesthetic come up regularly.

6. Price Point: Cimarron positions above budget reproduction brands. Most owners feel the fit and finish justify the price; buyers comparing it against less expensive alternatives will find the quality difference noticeable.

7. User Experience: Cowboy Action Shooting competitors are the most active owner group in discussions, sharing practical tips on loads, action tuning, and competition use.