The Cimarron Firearms 1873 Short Lever Action Rifle in .45 Colt is a faithful recreation of Winchester's legendary platform—the rifle that defined the American West. Chambered in .45 Colt, this 20-inch barreled short rifle combines the handling speed of a carbine with the power of a full rifle cartridge, making it equally at home on the trail, at the range, or in the hunting field. Whether you're drawn to classic lever-action shooting, cowboy action sports, or simply want a rifle steeped in frontier heritage, the Cimarron 1873 delivers authentic form and function without compromise.
The CA281 features a case-hardened frame that echoes the original's distinctive coloring, paired with a blued finish on the barrel and a walnut stock and forearm that age beautifully with use. The blade front sight and adjustable rear sight are classic and effective, allowing you to dial in your zero without modern complications. At 7.9 pounds, it's nimble enough for all-day carrying yet substantial enough to shoot cleanly from any position. The 10-round capacity gives you plenty of firepower for most applications without adding unnecessary bulk.
Cimarron has earned respect among lever-action enthusiasts and cowboy action shooters for building rifles that honor the original designs while meeting modern manufacturing standards. The 1873 platform is proven and reliable—the mechanics are simple, durable, and easy to understand. If you appreciate rifle history, want a versatile .45 Colt lever gun, or simply prefer the elegance of a properly executed classic rifle, the Cimarron 1873 Short is a worthy choice.
| Caliber | .45 Colt |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs. |
| Frame Finish | Case Hardened |
| Barrel Finish | Blued |
| Stock/Forearm | Walnut |
| Front Sight | Blade |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable |
| Model | CA281 |
The Cimarron 1873 Short is classified as a short rifle due to its 20-inch barrel and overall design, which sits between the dimensions of a full-length rifle and a compact carbine. It offers responsive handling without sacrificing the sight radius or velocity of a longer barrel.
The .45 Colt is a proven hunting round for medium game at moderate distances. Its power and accuracy from a lever-action rifle make it a legitimate choice for hunters who prefer classic firearms and moderate recoil.
Yes. Cimarron builds the 1873 to function reliably with modern commercial .45 Colt ammunition. The rifle is designed to handle standard pressures safely.
The rifle ships with a traditional blade front sight and an adjustable rear sight, allowing you to zero the rifle for your preferred ammunition and distance without purchasing aftermarket components.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
Email: [email protected]
Cimarron Firearms Co
Cimarron Firearms Co
