Cimarron's Old Model 1894 Rifle

Known as America’s Deer Rifle, this 126-year-old lever-action is back again in its original 1890s configuration.

- PHIL SPANGENBERGER

It’s been called “America’s Deer Rifle,” and has stood the test of time. John Browning’s 1894 lever gun has enjoyed almost continuous production by various companies up through the present. However, through the years, it has gone through some minor changes, such as the current production’s replacing of the original top cartridge eject feature to an angle eject, that allows for the mounting of a telescopic sight. It has also had the addition of a cross-bolt safety, rather than the original half-cock safety notch in the hammer. Nevertheless, the rifle is a classic that’s been enjoyed by millions for 126 years.

Cimarron’s 1894 rifle is a spitting image of the John Browning-designed Winchester lever-action of the 1890s. The 26-inch, octagon-barreled rifle features a handsome color case-hardened receiver, like the ‘94s which were discontinued in the mid-1930s. It is offered in .30 WCF (.30-30) and .38-55, with plans on adding .32-40 WCF, and .25-35 WCF to the lineup.