If you’ve been looking for a lever gun that brings Old West history to life, the Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy Short Rifle in .45 Long Colt with a 20-inch octagon barrel and walnut stock is the real deal. This cimarron 1866 yellowboy short rifle 45 long colt 20 in. walnut and brass combines the iconic brass frame (the reason Native Americans called it the “Yellow Boy”) with a handier short rifle profile that balances like a dream. Whether you’re punching paper, hunting, or just want something that feels like a piece of history, this rifle delivers.
| Manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1866 Yellowboy Short Rifle |
| Material | Brass receiver, blued steel octagon barrel, walnut stock (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt |
| Finish | Blued barrel, polished brass frame |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Brass Frame (Yellowboy) – The polished brass receiver gives this rifle its famous nickname, but it also adds durability and a smooth action that stands up to thousands of rounds. Why it matters: You get a piece of history that actually shoots as good as it looks.
- 20-Inch Octagon Barrel – The shorter barrel makes this short rifle quicker to shoulder and easier to swing in tight spots, while the octagon profile adds weight up front for steadier off-hand shooting. Why it matters: Perfect for hunters or shooters who want a compact lever gun without losing accuracy.
- .45 Long Colt Chambering – One of the most versatile revolver rounds out there, the .45 Colt offers mild recoil in a rifle and plenty of thump for deer or hogs. Why it matters: You can pair this with your favorite .45 Colt six-shooter for a matching set.
- Side Loading Gate – Patented by Henry, this gate lets you load rounds without removing the magazine tube — a huge upgrade from the original Henry design. Why it matters: Faster reloads, less fiddling, more shooting.
- Walnut Stock – American walnut with a satin finish feels solid in the hands and looks right at home next to the brass frame. Why it matters: Quality wood that ages well and gives you a warm, traditional feel.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for recreational shooters who want to run .45 Colt through a classic lever action, first-time buyers looking for a reliable and historically cool firearm, and Cowboy Action shooters who need a competition-ready gun straight out of the box. If you appreciate brass, walnut, and a cartridge that’s been around since 1873, this is your rifle.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1866 design, smooth action right out of the box, lightweight and easy to carry, .45 Colt is fun to shoot and easy to reload, iconic brass frame turns heads at the range.
- Cons: The brass frame can tarnish over time if you don’t wipe it down after shooting, and the 20-inch barrel means slightly less velocity than a full-length 24-inch version — but you gain handiness.
Comparison: Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy vs. Uberti 1866 vs. Henry Big Boy
| Feature | Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy Short Rifle | Uberti 1866 Short Rifle | Henry Big Boy Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Polished brass | Polished brass | Steel (case-hardened) |
| Barrel Length | 20-inch octagon | 20-inch octagon | 20-inch round |
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt | .45 Long Colt | .45 Long Colt |
| Loading | Side gate + tube | Side gate + tube | Tube only (no side gate) |
| Price | $1,368.57 | $1,399.00 | $1,049.00 |
| Weight | ~7.5 lbs | ~7.4 lbs | ~7.6 lbs |
| Finish | Blued barrel, brass frame | Blued barrel, brass frame | Blued barrel, steel frame |
FAQ
What caliber is this Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy Short Rifle?
It’s chambered in .45 Long Colt, also known as .45 Colt — the same round used in Colt Single Action Army revolvers. It’s a mild-recoiling, accurate cartridge perfect for plinking, hunting, and Cowboy Action shooting.
Can I use .45 Colt +P ammunition in this rifle?
Cimarron recommends standard-pressure .45 Colt loads for the 1866 Yellowboy. +P ammunition can increase wear on the brass frame and may exceed safe pressure levels. Stick to factory loads or handloads that match original specs.
Is the brass frame durable?
Yes — the brass frame is a cast bronze alloy that’s been used in lever guns since the 1860s. It’s strong enough for thousands of rounds of standard .45 Colt. Just wipe it down after shooting to prevent tarnish, and you’ll be fine.
How many rounds does the magazine hold?
The 20-inch barrel version holds 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt in the magazine tube, plus one in the chamber for a total of 11. You load through the side gate or by removing the magazine tube spring.
Is this rifle legal in my state?
This is a lever-action rifle with a 20-inch barrel and a fixed stock, so it’s legal in most states. Check your local laws on magazine capacity and caliber restrictions — but generally, this is a common and compliant firearm.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✅ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day return policy
- ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Ready to add a piece of history to your collection? The Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy Short Rifle in .45 Colt is a shooter’s classic that you’ll enjoy for years. Browse more lever action rifles or check out other Cimarron models. Stock up on .45 Colt ammo here.
Last updated: April 2026
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