Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Lever Action Rifle - .357 Mag/.38 Spl, Brown Finish

The Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Lever Action Rifle in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is a historically faithful recreation of the Winchester rifle that defined the American frontier. Chambered in a cartridge pairing that gives you the flexibility to run either .357 Mag or .38 Special ammunition through the same rifle, this 20-inch barreled short rifle splits the difference between a full carbine and a sporting rifle—nimble enough for horseback or truck work, yet with enough sight radius and barrel length for accurate shots at hunting distances. The case-hardened frame and blued steel finish give it that authentic Old West aesthetic, while the walnut furniture provides a classic feel that gets better with handling.

Built on proven lever-action mechanics, the 1873 platform is simple, reliable, and genuinely fun to shoot. The 10+1 capacity means you've got reasonable firepower without being encumbered, and the combination of blade front sight and adjustable rear sight keeps you combat-ready right out of the box. At 8.2 pounds, it's light enough to carry all day but substantial enough to shoot smoothly. Whether you're a cowboy-action competitor, a lever-gun enthusiast, or someone who appreciates authentic Western rifle handling, the 1873 Short in .357/.38 doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't—it just does the job the way it's been done for over 150 years.

This is a rifle for shooters who value heritage, versatility, and the simple pleasure of a smooth-working lever gun. The dual-caliber chambering is practical too: you can practice or hunt with affordable .38 Special loads, then step up to .357 Mag power when you need it.

Key Features

• Dual-caliber capability: shoots both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition
• 20-inch barrel for a balanced short rifle profile
• Case-hardened frame with blued steel finish for authentic appearance and durability
• Walnut stock and forearm
• Blade front sight and adjustable rear sight
• 10+1 round capacity
• Lightweight at 8.2 pounds for all-day carry
• Traditional lever-action mechanism proven over generations

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special in this rifle?

Yes. The 1873 Short is chambered to safely fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. This dual-caliber capability gives you flexibility for practice, hunting, or competition, and lets you take advantage of the broader range of available loads.

What's the practical use for a 20-inch barrel lever-action rifle?

The 20-inch barrel strikes a balance between maneuverability and effective range. It's short and handy enough for work from horseback, vehicles, or brush hunting, yet long enough to provide decent velocity and a sight radius that supports accurate shooting at typical hunting distances. It's equally at home in cowboy-action competition, hunting, or backwoods carry.

How does the 1873 Short compare to a carbine or full-length rifle?

The 20-inch barreled short rifle is lighter and more compact than a full-length sporting rifle but longer and with more sight radius than a typical carbine. It's a good middle ground if you want nimbleness without sacrificing too much sight picture or handling characteristics.

What sighting system does it have?

The rifle comes equipped with a blade front sight and an adjustable rear sight, giving you the classic open-sight setup that's been proven effective for over a century. These allow field adjustments for windage and elevation to suit your ammunition and shooting distance.