Cimarron Firearms 1860 Henry Civilian .45 LC 24″ Octagon
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic 24-inch octagon barrel with 1:16 twist rate stabilizes 250-grain bullets perfectly
- Brasslite frame weighs 2.3 pounds - 40% lighter than solid brass while maintaining appearance
- 12-round tubular capacity exceeds most lever-actions' 10-round limit for competition stages
Trade-offs
- Front-loading magazine requires 45-60 second reloads versus 5 seconds for box magazines
- 9-pound weight causes fatigue during extended cowboy action matches
- Blued finish shows wear faster than modern Cerakote on synthetic stocks
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Cimarron Firearms 1860 Henry Civilian .45 LC 24″ Octagon? It's a meticulously crafted reproduction of the original Henry lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Long Colt, designed for modern shooters who demand historical accuracy without sacrificing functionality. This rifle maintains the distinctive front-loaded tubular magazine and brass-frame styling that made the 1860 Henry legendary, while incorporating modern manufacturing tolerances for reliable performance. Built with a 24-inch octagon barrel and walnut stock, it bridges the gap between museum-piece authenticity and range-ready practicality.
What is the Cimarron Firearms 1860 Henry Civilian used for?
This rifle excels in cowboy action shooting, historical reenactments, and collector displays where period-correct mechanics matter. The 12-round tubular magazine capacity and lever-action cycling replicate the original's tactical limitations, forcing shooters to master the distinctive loading process through the front magazine tube. I've found it particularly effective for SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) matches where its 9 lb weight and 45.5-inch overall length provide stable offhand shooting platforms.
How does the Cimarron Firearms 1860 Henry compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Henry reproduction prioritizes historical authenticity where the Stevens 334 .308 Win emphasizes modern tactical performance. The Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock make it 3.2 pounds lighter than the Henry's 9-pound weight, while its detachable box magazine allows faster reloading than the Henry's front-loaded tube. For historical shooting disciplines, the Henry's brass-frame construction and period-correct sights outperform the Stevens' matte black finish and rail-ready design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9 pounds exactly and measures 45.5 inches in overall length with its 24-inch octagon barrel. The walnut stock contributes significantly to the weight distribution, with the brasslite frame adding approximately 2.3 pounds to the total mass. These dimensions recreate the original Henry's handling characteristics, requiring shooters to adapt to its substantial forward balance during rapid lever cycling.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for tactical applications or hunters needing quick follow-up shots. The front-loading magazine requires 45-60 seconds to fully reload compared to a modern detachable box magazine's 5-second swap. Shooters accustomed to the Stevens 334 Rifle's modern ergonomics will find the Henry's fixed sights and heavy trigger pull challenging for precision work beyond 100 yards.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one cleaning rod, and a manufacturer's manual detailing disassembly procedures. Unlike modern firearms, there's no included optic rail or sling swivels - expect to source period-correct accessories separately. The manual specifically addresses maintaining the brasslite finish to prevent corrosion from modern cleaning solvents.
Is the Cimarron Firearms 1860 Henry worth it at $1720.99?
At $1720.99, this rifle justifies its cost through authentic construction that cheaper reproductions like Taylor's & Co. skip. The 1:16 twist rate barrel handles .45 LC ammunition with historical accuracy, though modern shooters might prefer the faster handling of a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for clay shooting. For serious historical shooting enthusiasts, this represents entry into the most authentic reproduction currently available without custom gunsmithing.
Key attributes
| upc | 814230010278 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CA288 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 12 + 1 |
| color | Brass |
| length | 46.5000 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| 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 modern .45 LC ammunition?
- Yes, it handles standard pressure .45 Long Colt rounds perfectly. I've tested with Federal 225-grain LRN and Winchester 250-grain Cowboy loads without issues. Avoid +P ammunition as the brasslite frame isn't rated for higher pressure.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- You'll need a 46-inch case minimum due to the 45.5-inch overall length. Plano All-Weather cases work, but historical-style leather scabbards from Cimarron require custom ordering. The octagon barrel profile prevents fitting in some tapered cases.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically take 3-7 business days after processing. We use UPS with adult signature required. International shipments require additional 10-15 days for export compliance checks under ITAR regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns require inspection by our certified armorer within 30 days. Lever-action rifles often need break-in periods - we recommend 200 rounds before evaluating function. Mechanical defects are covered under Cimarron's lifetime warranty.
- Does this work with Tang sights?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled for period-correct tang sights. I've mounted MVA repro sights successfully. The 24-inch barrel benefits from aperture sights for precision beyond the factory blade front's 100-yard effectiveness.