Cimarron 1866 Winchester, 24in barrel, 44 special

[Cotton Eye Joe]

Good evening!

Here's another review of a Cimarron product that I bought in February this year, the very common Uberti 1866 reproduction.  Another Buds purchase, this version has a 24 inch octagonal barrel and a straight stock, chambered in 44 special.  Most know this, but it sometimes bears repeating, this is specifically a 44 special rifle, not capable of shooting 44magnum. 

Brief summary, it's been great so far.  I've only fired 200gr RNFP rounds with starline brass, and that feeds perfectly fine.  Even at the maximum listed charge for Alliant Bullseye (in Lyman's 50th), the recoil is incredibly tame.  For those that own Uberti's version of the 1866, you know the side plates can be pretty sharp when removing them for cleaning.  This rifle is no exception.  The photo shows a pretty "orange" tinted wood, which I will say is a bit exaggerated by the lighting of the photo.  Never the less, the wood finish is definitely a lighter shade than any other Uberti rifle I've ever owned.  I was fairly happy to pay $1160 for it, not too much of a price increase in these trying times.  One extra tidbit I'll add is that I waited about 2 years before the 44spl version came into stock.  I wanted have a cartridge that I felt resembled the 44 Henry Rimfire cartridge.  They're obviously not identical, but I now can shoot a 200 grain slug about 1200fps, pretty close to the original loadings.  I had an 1866 in 45colt several years back that I eventually sold because I was drawn to the 44spl/44rf idea.  Thanks for your time!

[Dave T]

I don't need any more guns. I have three lever action rifles/carbines now. But if I came across a brother to your 44 Special Improved Henry, aka Yellow Boy, I could not help myself. I'd buy it in a minute and leave a couple seconds in change.  (smile)

Dave

[Cotton Eye Joe]

I don't let a pesky thing like "need" rain on my parade when it comes to lever guns! I'm now looking for a couple Uberti 1872 open top 44 specials to wrap a nice bow on everything.

[Advertising]

[Froogal]

I don't let a pesky thing like "need" rain on my parade when it comes to lever guns! I'm now looking for a couple Uberti 1872 open top 44 specials to wrap a nice bow on everything.

If "need" entered into the decision, I would still have only my ancient, bolt action 12 gauge, and my single shot, bolt action 22 that I received on my 12th or 13th birthday.

[Abilene]

What's "need" got to do with it?  He who dies with the most toys wins. 

My 44 Spcl '66 is a 20" barrel.  From 2000, first year they were imported.

[Coffinmaker]

  Ha 

I oncest acquired a .44 Special 1866 Sporting Rifle w/24 inch barrel.  All that WASTED steel had to go.  It became a really nifty Sixteen and a Quarter inch barrel "Trapper."  Set it up to run 44 Russian.  Nifty KOOL!!

Need Schmeede!!  Iffin ya likes it, snags it you betcha.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Okay Fellas,

You guys are overlooking one major problem. If someone (maybe like me) were to occasionally find and acquire a gun that he doesn't need but has to have, here's the deal. After a while he is faced with all kinds of decisions: larger safe, more gun cleaning supplies, new reloading gear and one more biggie. When going to the next cowboy shoot or just for a little time at the range, our hero is faced with deciding which guns he should pack up for the trip.

In hindsight, maybe it's not such a big problem after all (big smile on my face looking into the safe).

After all. I believe that it was Dick Cheney who said:"I have more guns than I need but I don't ave all the guns I  want".

Rev. Chase

[Dave T]

What's "need" got to do with it?  He who dies with the most toys wins. 

My 44 Spcl '66 is a 20" barrel.  From 2000, first year they were imported.

Abilene, if I ran across one of those I'd be just as quick to buy that too.  (smile)

Dave

[Froogal]

Okay Fellas,

You guys are overlooking one major problem. If someone (maybe like me) were to occasionally find and acquire a gun that he doesn't need but has to have, here's the deal. After a while he is faced with all kinds of decisions: larger safe, more gun cleaning supplies, new reloading gear and one more biggie. When going to the next cowboy shoot or just for a little time at the range, our hero is faced with deciding which guns he should pack up for the trip.

In hindsight, maybe it's not such a big problem after all (big smile on my face looking into the safe).

After all. I believe that it was Dick Cheney who said:"I have more guns than I need but I don't ave all the guns I  want".

Rev. Chase

I always bring 2 pistols for myself and 2 for her, just in case problems develop. I would bring 2 rifles for each of us also, but currently have just one for each.

[Coffinmaker]

  FROOGAL 

Piker    Now get out there and get busy.  There's rifles out there just begging for adoption.  In dire need of a new, caring home.  Time's awaistin !!  Get with the program 

[U.S.M.R.]

I’ve got an 1866 short rifle in.44 special that goes quite well with my Russians that are chambered for it even though they are marked Russian. Goes nice with my new.44 American too.