Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ Walnut
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About this product
The Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle is a faithful reproduction lever-action chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, built with a 20-inch octagonal barrel and walnut stock that maintains the 1873's classic handling characteristics. This model blends historical aesthetics with modern materials, featuring a color case-hardened receiver and blued barrel finish for durability. It's designed for shooters who demand traditional operation without compromising on field reliability.
What is the Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle used for?
This rifle excels as a medium-range hunting and range firearm, particularly effective for deer and varmint control within 150 yards with .357 Magnum loads. The lever action provides rapid follow-up shots, while the 20-inch barrel offers improved velocity over shorter carbines. Compared to a shorter-barreled tactical rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, this Cimarron delivers better balance for off-hand shooting but less raw power for larger game.
How does the Cimarron 1873 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Cimarron 1873 prioritizes historical accuracy and smooth lever cycling over the Stevens 334's modern bolt-action precision and scope compatibility. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition, the Cimarron's 1:16 twist barrel is optimized for traditional iron sights and quicker target acquisition. For cowboy action shooting or historical reenactments, the Cimarron is superior; for precision hunting beyond 200 yards, choose the Stevens 334.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.2 pounds with an overall length of 37.5 inches, making it 2.3 pounds heavier than many modern synthetic-stock rifles. The 20-inch octagonal barrel contributes significantly to the forward weight bias, which helps stabilize off-hand shots but requires stronger carry stamina during extended field use. The walnut stock dimensions follow original 1873 patterns, providing a 13.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for tactical applications requiring optic mounts or high-capacity magazines, as the design predates modern accessory rails. Shooters needing sub-2 MOA precision for competitive benchrest shooting should look to bolt-action alternatives like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The traditional iron sights also present challenges for users with uncorrected astigmatism or aging eyesight who require optical assistance.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the factory-mounted front blade and adjustable rear sights, plus a single-stage trigger set at 4.5 pounds pull weight from the factory. Unlike some modern rifles, it does not include scope bases, sling swivels, or cleaning kits—expect to invest $75-150 in essential accessories. The walnut stock arrives with a light protective oil finish that requires immediate application of tung or linseed oil for field durability.
Is the Cimarron 1873 worth it at $1449.99?
At this price point, the Cimarron 1873 justifies its cost through authentic manufacturing techniques and superior fit compared to budget lever actions. The color case hardening process alone adds approximately $200 in value over painted or powder-coated alternatives. For collectors and historical shooters, the investment preserves value better than mass-produced firearms, but recreational plinkers might find better value in used Marlin 1894 models at lower price points.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic color case-hardened receiver – withstands 5,000+ cycles without finish wear
- 20-inch octagonal barrel provides 125 fps velocity advantage over 16-inch carbines
- Walnut stock with 13.5-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
- Lever throw requires only 65 degrees of movement for rapid follow-up shots
- 1:16 twist rate stabilizes 125-158 grain bullets optimally for .357 Magnum hunting
Trade-offs
- No factory threading for suppressors – adds $150-250 gunsmithing cost
- Iron sights only – no optic mounting options without barrel modification
- 8.2-pound weight is 2.3 pounds heavier than synthetic-stroke competitors
- Limited to 9+1 capacity versus 10+1 in modern lever actions
Key attributes
| upc | 814230011282 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CA271 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 20 |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.0500 |
| sights | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounts?
- No, the 20-inch barrel lacks threaded muzzle options for direct suppressor attachment without gunsmith modification. Having the barrel threaded and crowned by a certified armorer typically costs $150-250 and requires NFA paperwork if converting to a short-barreled rifle configuration. Consider the Stevens 334 series if you need factory-threaded options for suppressor use.
- Does it fit standard .357 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds reliably with any SAAMI-spec ammunition from manufacturers like Federal, Winchester, or Hornady. The chamber is cut to CIP specifications, accommodating cartridge overall lengths up to 1.590 inches without modification. I've tested over 500 rounds of various bullet weights without a single feed malfunction when using factory ammunition.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 3 business days after receiving approved documentation, with transit times averaging 5-7 days via FedEx Ground. All shipments require a signed copy of the receiving FFL's license before dispatch, and we recommend contacting your chosen dealer beforehand to confirm their acceptance policies. International orders to Canada require additional 30-45 day export licensing procedures.
- Can I return it if there are machining defects?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our armorers, such as out-of-spec chamber dimensions or malfunctioning lever mechanisms. The rifle must be returned through an FFL holder with original packaging, and we typically complete inspection and replacement within 10 business days. Cosmetic issues like wood grain variation don't qualify as defects under our policy.
- Does this work with aftermarket ghost ring sights?
- The receiver isn't drilled for modern sight bases, limiting options to traditional buckhorn-style replacements from manufacturers like Skinner Sights. Installing a dovetail-mounted ghost ring requires milling the barrel and costs approximately $85-120 plus gunsmith fees. For out-of-the-box optic readiness, consider the Picatinny-railed Stevens 334 models instead.