Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy .38 Special 20″ Octagon

About this product

What is the Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy .38 Special 20″ Octagon? It's a faithful reproduction of the 1866 lever-action rifle, combining historic aesthetics with practical modern metallurgy for range use and traditional shooting sports. This model replicates the original 1866 "Yellowboy" design with a brass-receiver look, 20-inch octagon blued barrel, and a one-piece fixed walnut stock, chambered specifically for .38 Special. Built by Cimarron Firearms, it sits at the intersection of historical authenticity and shootable function—a firearm designed for collectors who fire their collections, not just display them.

What is the Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy .38 Special 20″ Octagon used for?

Primarily for Cowboy Action Shooting competition and historical reenactment. This rifle's .38 Special chambering and 20-inch octagon barrel are SASS compliant for Classic Cowboy categories, offering the required period-correct profile and acceptable cartridge for competition. The fixed walnut stock and 7.56 lb weight provide manageable recoil and smooth handling for timed stages, while the brass receiver look meets aesthetic requirements without the maintenance issues of true brass. It's also appropriate for informal range shooting, educational demonstrations of lever-action mechanics, and low-pressure hunting of small game within 75 yards with proper ammunition selection.

How does the Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win?

The Cimarron is fundamentally different—it's a historical recreation chambered for a handgun cartridge, while the Stevens 334 is a modern bolt-action hunting rifle. The Cimarron's .38 Special produces approximately 350 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from its 20-inch barrel, making it suitable for paper and reactive targets, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers over 2,600 ft-lbs, designed for medium to large game at extended ranges. The Cimarron excels at nostalgic, tactile shooting and competition where manual operation and style are scored; the Stevens 334 is better for precision, power, and practical field applications where a scope and higher velocity are primary concerns.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.56 pounds (3.43 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 39.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle. The 20-inch octagon barrel measures 1.125 inches across flats at the breech, tapering to 0.875 inches at the muzzle, contributing significantly to the forward balance. The lever throw requires 4.5 inches of arc to fully cycle the action, and the walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 13.5 inches from trigger to buttplate—these dimensions create a specific handling profile that differs markedly from modern carbines like the Stevens 334 .243 Win, which has a synthetic stock and a shorter, 20-inch sporter barrel.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for tactical shooters, modern hunters seeking maximum energy, or anyone prioritizing low maintenance. The blued steel and brass-finished receiver require regular oiling to prevent corrosion, and the .38 Special round lacks the velocity and sectional density for ethical deer hunting in most jurisdictions. It's also a poor choice for home defense—the tubular magazine holds 10 rounds but loads slowly through a gate, and the 39.5-inch length makes it cumbersome indoors. Finally, avoid this if you dislike manual action manipulation; a modern semi-auto like a 10/22 will be faster and simpler for casual plinking.

What's in the box?

The factory box includes the rifle, basic open sights (a blade front and notch rear), and typically a manual or specification sheet. You will not find a cleaning kit, sling, or scope mounting solution—this is a bare-bones delivery consistent with historical reproductions. Expect to immediately purchase additional items: .38 Special ammunition (158-grain lead round nose is ideal), a lever-action-specific cleaning rod, and a proper gun sock for the 39.5-inch length. Some retailers may include a trigger lock, but that depends on local compliance packaging, not Cimarron's standard offering.

Is the Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy worth it at $1,458.99?

Yes, for its specific niche of historical shooting and collection. The price reflects hand-fitted components, period-correct machining, and the durable walnut stock—factors absent from budget lever actions. Compared to a true antique in shootable condition, which can cost $3,000+, this reproduction offers reliability and warranty at half the price. However, if your goal is purely functional plinking, a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge at roughly $650 provides more versatility for clay and game. The value here is in authenticity, not utility per dollar.