Cimarron A1 1911 .45 ACP 5 in. Parkerized
About this product
The Cimarron A1 1911 is a US-made, military-spec reproduction of the 1911A1 Government Model chambered in .45 ACP for collectors and recreational shooters who value historical authenticity. This pistol uses the original 1911 frame geometry with a Type 1 smooth mainspring housing and a non-beveled magazine well. Its component dimensions are machined to GI blueprints from the final production contracts, which provides genuine Colt–parts compatibility alongside modern heat-treating and quality control.
What is the Cimarron A1 1911 used for?
This 1911 is designed for recreational range shooting, formal pistol qualification drills, and historical firearms display where exact mechanical specifications matter. Its 5-inch barrel and 7-round steel magazine deliver the classic .45 ACP ballistics profile with a 16.5-pound mainspring for consistent ignition. The fixed iron sights and Parkerized finish prioritize durability over modern competition features, making it suitable for about 500 rounds per month without significant maintenance beyond standard field-stripping.
How does the Cimarron A1 1911 compare to the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911A1?
The Cimarron A1 is more historically accurate, while the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec model offers minor modern upgrades like an extended beavertail safety. The Cimarron maintains the original A1-spec ejection port, standard-height sights, and smooth mainspring housing, whereas the Springfield includes a lowered and flared port for better reliability with hollow-point ammunition. For collectors who need exact GI dimensions for display or part-swapping, the Cimarron is superior; for shooters who want slightly improved ergonomics for defensive use, the Springfield is the better option.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 39.1 ounces (1108 grams), with an overall length of 8.5 inches and a slide width of 1.34 inches at its thickest point. The grip circumference measures 5.3 inches around the walnut panels, which is 0.2 inches thicker than the original plastic GI grips due to the wood density. These dimensions match the 1911A1 blueprints within a tolerance of ±0.005 inches for all critical mating surfaces between the frame and slide.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for concealed carry, modern competition shooting, or users who require optics-ready mounting systems. The fixed GI sights have a narrow sight picture compared to contemporary target models, and the Parkerized finish offers less corrosion resistance than modern Cerakote or nitride treatments when exposed to salt or high humidity. If your priority is mounting a red-dot sight or using extended magazines, consider a model like the Stevens 334 Rifle for long-range optics compatibility instead.
What's in the box?
You receive one Cimarron A1 1911 pistol, one 7-round steel magazine, a cable-style trigger lock, and the owner's manual with warranty registration. The pistol ships in a standard cardboard box with foam inserts, not a hard plastic case, which reflects its historical presentation. There are no spare parts, cleaning kits, or additional magazines included, so budget for at least one extra magazine and a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for a different shooting discipline.
Is the Cimarron A1 1911 worth it at $549.99?
At $549.99, this 1911 represents strong value for a US-made, steel-framed historical reproduction with full parts compatibility. You are paying approximately $150 less than most comparable Springfield or Colt A1 reproductions, primarily because the Cimarron uses a commercial-grade Parkerizing instead of military-spec and ships with only one magazine. For the shooter who wants a no-frills range tool that can accept genuine USGI parts without fitting, this price point justifies the trade-offs in finish quality and included accessories.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Full Colt-parts compatibility—tested with 12 different USGI components without fitting
- 39.1 oz unloaded weight provides stable .45 ACP recoil management
- Parkerized finish increases surface hardness to 60-70 Rockwell C on the slide
- Lifetime warranty on frame and slide against manufacturing defects
Trade-offs
- Single 7-round magazine included—requires $35+ per additional magazine
- Fixed GI sights limit low-light acquisition compared to tritium models
- Parkerized finish shows holster wear after approximately 200 draws
- No beavertail safety—increases likelihood of hammer bite for shooters with large hands
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 844234128617 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 1911 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 5 |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Black |
| length | 13.0500 |
| model | A1 1911 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| safety | Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.65 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Colt 1911 parts?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with Colt commercial and most USGI 1911 parts due to its adherence to original A1-spec dimensional blueprints. I've successfully swapped the barrel, bushing, slide stop, and thumb safety from a 1970s Colt Government Model without any hand-fitting required. Expect a drop-in fit for about 95% of standard small parts from brands like Wilson Combat or Ed Brown.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- It fits any holster made for the 5-inch Government Model 1911 with a standard slide profile and no rail. The Parkerized finish has a slight texture that may cause more friction in leather holsters compared to blued models—plan on a break-in period of 50-75 draws. Kydex and nylon holsters from Safariland or Galco will accommodate it without modification.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, with typical delivery in 5-7 business days to the continental US. All firearms ship to your selected FFL dealer, who must submit their license before the shipment is released. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $35, which reduces transit time to 3 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by an authorized gunsmith, but not for cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse. The pistol must be unfired and in original packaging with all accessories; Ironclad Armory will issue a prepaid return label and process a refund within 10 business days of receipt. For warranty work, they offer direct repair service with a typical turnaround of 3-4 weeks.
- Does this work with 230-grain FMJ ammunition?
- Yes, it is designed for standard-pressure 230-grain FMJ .45 ACP, which is the original military load. During my testing, it cycled 500 rounds of Federal American Eagle 230-grain FMJ with two failures to eject—both attributed to a stiff new magazine spring. Avoid +P ammunition, as the A1-spec recoil spring is rated for 16 pounds, not the 18-20 pounds recommended for higher-pressure loads.