Deputy marshals rode with short rifles, and Cimarron's 1873 US Marshals carbine follows that tradition. It has an 18 inch barrel, a blued finish and is chambered in .45 Colt.

An 18 inch barrel makes the rifle light and fast. In the brush, on horseback or on a cowboy-action stage, that matters. The 1873 action is one of the best-known lever designs, with a smooth, short stroke and a classic look that fits the Western theme. Take your time loading and unloading until the routine is second nature. Spend an afternoon at the range with it before you count on it, so you know how it handles and where it shoots.

Matching the rifle's .45 Colt chambering to a .45 Colt revolver is the old-time pairing: one cartridge for both guns. It simplifies ammunition and gives you a more powerful rifle load than most pistol-caliber carbines. It works for deer at modest range too, with proper bullet selection.

If you want a short, handsome lever gun with history in its name, this is a good one. The rifle ships to your local FFL dealer, and the background check takes place when you pick it up.