Originally known as the "Improved Henry" due to its patented loading
gate on the side of the frame, designed by Nelson King, Winchester's
plant superintendent, and the addition of a wood forearm, the 1866 model
was known as the "Yellow Boy" by the Native Americans, because of its
brass frame. The '66 model was the first true cowboy lever-action and
the first that adapted well to carrying in a saddle scabbard, due to its
slab sided design. With over 170,000 made between 1866-1898--it's
popularity continued long after more powerful lever guns were
introduced. The '66 model was famous worldwide, with guns used by the
forces of Benito Juarez in Mexico, the Turkish army in their fight
against the Russians and in the Wild West by such notables as Sioux
Medicine Man Sitting Bull, the Union Pacific's chief engineer, General
Grenville Dodge, and desperado Bill Doolin.
Cimarron offers several 1866 Yellowboys, such as the 24-inch barreled
Sporting Rifle, a 20-inch Short Rifle (both of these models sport
octagon barrels), round barreled carbines including the 19-inch saddle
ring carbine, a brass tack-decorated 19-inch Indian carbine, and a
16-inch Trapper model. Calibers available include .45 Colt, .44-40, .44
Special, .38 Special, .38-40, .32-20 and .22 Long Rifle, and with
finishes like the Standard Blue, Charcoal Blue, or Original Finish,
depending on which model you select. One of Cimarron's true, handsome
Old West classics!
