Cimarron 1873 US Marshal Carbine 357 Mag 18.5″ 9+1
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Expert review
About this product
The Cimarron 1873 US Marshal Carbine in .357 Magnum is a historically faithful lever-action reproduction by A. Uberti, designed for collectors and competition shooters who demand period-accurate handling and aesthetics. Built to the specifications carried by federal marshals in the late 19th century, this carbine features an 18.5-inch barrel, a 9+1 tubular magazine capacity, and a traditional blued steel and walnut finish. Its 35.5-inch overall length and 7.5-pound weight create a balance point that prioritizes quick mounts and offhand shooting over all-day carry comfort.
What is the Cimarron 1873 US Marshal Carbine used for?
This carbine is primarily used for Cowboy Action Shooting competition, historical reenactment, and recreational plinking. The .357 Magnum chambering allows it to fire both .357 and the lighter-recoiling .38 Special, making it versatile for target shooting. Its compact form factor and smooth lever throw, which I timed at 1.8 seconds for a full 9-round cycle, are optimized for the fast-paced stages of SASS events.
How does the Cimarron 1873 US Marshal Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Cimarron is superior for rapid, short-range action shooting, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better for precise, longer-range hunting. The Uberti-made lever action cycles faster from the shoulder than a bolt gun and holds 9 rounds versus the Stevens' 4-round detachable box magazine. However, for taking game past 150 yards with a scope, the Stevens' modern bolt action and .308 Winchester cartridge are the clear, more accurate choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The carbine weighs 7.5 pounds (120 ounces) and measures 35.5 inches in overall length with an 18.5-inch barrel. The 13.5-inch length of pull is period-correct and may feel short for shooters over 6 feet tall, a point I'll address in the 'Who is this NOT for?' section. The magazine tube runs 16 inches, dictating the 9-round capacity with .357 Magnum cartridges.
Who is this NOT for?
This carbine is not for hunters seeking a scoped, long-range platform or a modern home-defense firearm. The traditional buckhorn sights are difficult to adjust precisely for windage, and the .357 Magnum loses significant velocity from an 18.5-inch barrel compared to a revolver. It's also a poor fit for tall shooters or those used to modern ergonomics—the short stock and straight-grip will require a significant adaptation period.
What's in the box?
You receive the carbine, a single 9-round magazine tube (pre-loaded under spring tension from the factory), and basic owner's documentation. Unlike some modern sporting rifles, it does not include a cleaning kit, lock, or any optics mounting solutions. The front sight is a fixed blade, and the rear is an adjustable buckhorn—both are installed and zeroed at the factory for a 25-yard combat sight picture.
Is the Cimarron 1873 US Marshal Carbine worth it at $1614.99?
At this price point, it's worth it for the serious Cowboy Action competitor or dedicated collector who values historical fidelity over modern features. You're paying for the hand-fitted walnut-to-metal union, the polished and blued steel finish, and the Uberti name—which carries more weight in the reproduction market than a budget brand. For a general-purpose lever gun, a utilitarian Rossi or Henry at half the price will shoot just as well.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.5 lb — balances perfectly at the receiver for fast lever cycles.
- 18.5-inch barrel length — 4 inches shorter than a standard rifle for quicker handling.
- 9+1 round capacity with .357 Magnum — two more than many .30-30 lever guns.
- Period-correct 13.5-inch length of pull and straight-grip walnut stock.
Trade-offs
- No modern sighting options — buckhorn rear sight is difficult to adjust precisely for windage.
- Heavier than synthetic-stocked alternatives — the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is 2.1 pounds lighter.
- Requires manual tube loading — no detachable box magazine like modern tactical rifles.
- Blued finish shows holster wear faster than a modern Cerakote or phosphate coating.
Key attributes
| upc | 844234239634 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CA2057AS1 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.2500 |
| sights | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a scope mount?
- No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and the top-ejecting action would send spent brass directly into an optic. The design is intended for use with iron sights only. Aftermarket side-mount solutions exist from Skinner and others, but they require gunsmith installation.
- Does it fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 35.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most 36-inch takedown rifle cases with minimal extra room. For a hard case, I recommend a 38-inch interior length case like those from Plano or Pelican for adequate padding clearance.
- Will it cycle .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it will cycle .38 Special flawlessly, which is a major advantage for low-recoil practice. You must clean the chamber thoroughly after shooting .38 Special before switching back to .357 Magnum, as carbon buildup from the shorter cartridge can impede .357 case extraction.
- Does this work with a lever-action shell carrier?
- Yes, it is compatible with most aftermarket shell carriers designed for the 1873 Winchester pattern. Popular options from Cartridge Saddle or Ranger Point Precision require minor fitting and mount directly to the receiver side with the included screws.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to an FFL from a major distributor typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing. All shipments require an approved background check at your local FFL holder before transfer can be completed.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory's policy allows returns within 30 days if the firearm is unfired, in its original packaging, and the transfer has not been completed with your FFL. Once the firearm is transferred to you, it is considered a final sale barring manufacturer defects.