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.

Key Features

• Chambered in .45 Colt — versatile cartridge suitable for hunting, target shooting, and sport shooting
• 20-inch barrel — compact profile with full rifle handling characteristics
• Case-hardened frame — distinctive Old West finish that develops character with use
• Walnut furniture — traditional stock and forearm with authentic appearance
• 10-round capacity — practical magazine capacity without excess weight
• Blade front and adjustable rear sights — proven sight system for field use
• Lever-action reliability — time-tested action with no external safeties to complicate operation

Specifications

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a short rifle and a carbine?

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.

Is the .45 Colt suitable for hunting?

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.

Can I use modern ammunition in this rifle?

Yes. Cimarron builds the 1873 to function reliably with modern commercial .45 Colt ammunition. The rifle is designed to handle standard pressures safely.

What sights come on the CA281?

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.