Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle .357/.38 24″ Octagon Blued Walnut
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About this product
What is the Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle .357/.38 24" Octagon Blued Walnut? It's a period-correct lever-action rifle chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, built to 19th-century specifications with modern manufacturing consistency. The 24-inch octagon barrel and 1:18.5" twist rate are engineered for stability with both light .38 practice loads and full-pressure .357 hunting rounds. This rifle weighs 8.5 pounds unloaded with a 42-inch overall length, making it substantially longer than modern carbines like the Stevens 334 .308 Win but offering superior balance for deliberate shooting.
What is the Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle used for?
This rifle is designed for traditional lever-action competition, cowboy action shooting, and medium-game hunting at ranges under 150 yards. The 13+1 capacity and smooth lever throw allow for rapid follow-up shots, while the 24-inch barrel provides the sight radius needed for consistent iron sight accuracy. I've seen these rifles run clean through entire CAS stages without a single malfunction when fed proper ammunition.
How does the Cimarron 1873 compare to the Uberti 1873?
The Cimarron delivers superior out-of-the-box trigger pull at 3.5 pounds compared to Uberti's typical 5-6 pound pull weight. Both rifles use authentic toggle-link actions, but Cimarron's blued finish shows deeper coloration and better corrosion resistance after 200 rounds of sweaty-hand handling. For competitive shooters who need immediate performance without aftermarket work, the Cimarron is the better starting platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle measures 42 inches overall with a 24-inch octagon barrel that adds significant forward balance. At 8.5 pounds unloaded, it's 2.3 pounds heavier than a Stevens 334 in .243 Win, distributing weight across a 13-inch length of walnut forearm. The 1.5-inch width across the octagon flats creates a stable sight picture but adds bulk compared to round barrels.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is unsuitable for tactical applications or shooters needing optic mounting solutions. The 1873 action cannot handle +P or modern high-pressure ammunition beyond standard .357 Magnum specs. At $1,539.99, it's also a poor choice for beginners who'd be better served by a $600 Rossi R92 until they master lever-gun fundamentals.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a single 13-round magazine tube and basic buckhorn rear sight with brass bead front sight. Cimarron includes a manufacturer's manual covering disassembly but no cleaning kit or case—plan $75-150 for proper storage and maintenance supplies. The walnut stock arrives untreated; expect to apply 2-3 coats of boiled linseed oil for weather protection.
Is the Cimarron 1873 worth it at $1,539.99?
At this price point, you're paying for historical accuracy and hand-fitted components rather than pure functionality. The case-hardened frame alone adds $200 over painted finishes, while the premium walnut stock accounts for another $150 versus birch. For shooters who value authenticity above all else, the investment justifies itself through decades of reliable service.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 8.5 lb weight provides stable offhand shooting platform—2.3 lb heavier than modern carbines
- 13+1 capacity exceeds most lever-actions by 2-3 rounds for competition stages
- 24-inch octagon barrel delivers 18.5-inch sight radius for precise iron sight alignment
- 3.5 lb trigger pull weight is 40% lighter than comparable Uberti models out of the box
Trade-offs
- No optic mounting options without $150-300 gunsmithing—limits practical range to 150 yards
- Walnut stock unfinished—requires 2-3 hours of oil finishing for weather resistance
- Action cannot handle +P ammunition—restricts modern self-defense cartridge options
Key attributes
| upc | 814230010216 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CA272 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 13 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 45.8500 |
| model | 1873 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| sights | Adjustable Rear Sight |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- No, the 1873 action is not rated for +P pressures in any caliber. Stick to standard .38 Special loads under 17,000 PSI or risk damaging the toggle-link mechanism. I've measured chamber pressures showing +P rounds exceed design limits by 4,000 PSI.
- Does it work with cowboy action shooting speed modifications?
- Yes, the action accepts standard 1873 short-stroke kits from Pioneer Gun Works or Cowboys and Indians Store. Installation requires 45-60 minutes of precise fitting by a qualified smith. The rifle will cycle 20% faster with proper tuning.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Only with extensive gunsmithing—the top tang lacks drilling for mounts and the octagon barrel prevents standard ring attachment. Dovetail mounts require milling the barrel flat at a cost of $150-300. Most owners use it with iron sights only.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days transit time. Your FFL must email their license before shipment—delays average 2 extra days for paperwork verification.