Cimarron Arizona Ranger .357 Magnum SA Revolver 5.5 in
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Cimarron Arizona Ranger .357 Magnum SA Revolver 5.5 in is a U.S.-action-tuned single-action six-shooter that blends competition-ready mechanics with period-correct 19th-century aesthetics. It's built on a case-colored/hardened steel frame with a 5.5-inch blued barrel, chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, and weighs exactly 40 ounces unloaded. For the shooter who understands that genuine performance comes from precise tuning, not just historical re-creation, this revolver represents a specific and deliberate intersection of form and function.
What is the Cimarron Arizona Ranger .357 Magnum used for?
This revolver is engineered for formal single-action competition circuits like SASS and for dedicated range use where trigger consistency and historical presentation are prioritized. The U.S.-tuned action with lighter competition springs delivers a crisp, consistent pull that shaves measurable time off split-second stages, while the fixed blade-and-notch sights demand and reward traditional marksmanship fundamentals. It is not a duty or concealed carry piece; its 5.5-inch barrel and 40-ounce weight make it a range tool and a collectible, optimized for controlled environments where its specific strengths can be demonstrated.
How does the Cimarron Arizona Ranger compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Cimarron Arizona Ranger delivers a superior out-of-the-box action tune, specifically for competition, where the standard Uberti Cattleman is optimized for general reliability and cost. Cimarron's stateside tuning of the hammer and trigger/bolt springs results in a pull weight that is often 1.5 to 2 pounds lighter and more consistent than an off-the-shelf Uberti, a tangible advantage in timed events. While both are Pietta-made in Italy, the Ranger’s specific “Arizona Ranger” roll engraving and case-colored frame offer a more distinct historical aesthetic compared to the Cattleman's more generic finishes, justifying its position at a higher price point for the serious competitor.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Arizona Ranger weighs 40 ounces (2.5 pounds or 1134 grams), with an overall length of 11 inches precisely, given its 5.5-inch barrel and standard single-action frame geometry. The cylinder is 1.73 inches in diameter, and the checkered walnut grips have a circumference of approximately 4.75 inches, providing a slim, period-correct grip profile. This weight and balance point 2.5 inches in front of the trigger guard make it notably muzzle-heavy compared to a 4.75-inch barrel version, aiding in sight recovery but requiring a deliberate presentation.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a first-time buyer seeking a general-purpose home defense or trail gun. The single-action requirement to manually cock the hammer for every shot and the lack of a transfer bar safety (it uses a traditional half-cock notch for loading) introduce operational complexities and slower firing sequences unsuitable for defensive contexts. Someone looking for a modern, double-action utility revolver for woods carry should instead examine options like the Stevens 334 Rifle for a completely different type of field tool, or dedicate their budget to a Ruger GP100.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a single removable cylinder base pin, and typically a generic plastic hard case, though some distributors may substitute a cardboard box—confirm packaging with the vendor at purchase. Cimarron does not include cleaning tools, a loader, or spare parts with this model; you must source a .357/.38 caliber-specific cleaning rod, patches, and a loading gate-compatible speed loader separately. Expect to spend an additional $75-$100 on essential maintenance gear and loading accessories before your first range trip.
Is the Cimarron Arizona Ranger worth it at $814.99?
At $814.99, it is worth the investment specifically for the shooter entering SASS competition or who demands a historically styled single-action with a professionally tuned action straight from the distributor. You are paying a $150-$200 premium over a base Uberti Cattleman primarily for that stateside action job and the specific “Arizona Ranger” aesthetics, which would cost you similar money and wait time at a custom smith. If your needs are purely casual plinking, the value diminishes; for that, a standard model and a brick of .38 Special from our selection of Stevens shotguns might offer more varied fun per dollar.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- U.S.-tuned action provides a consistent 3.5-4 lb trigger pull out of the box, saving $150+ in gunsmithing.
- Weighs 40 oz (1134g) — the 5.5-inch barrel provides ideal balance for rapid sight recovery in competition.
- Authentic case-colored frame and checkered walnut grips offer superior historical aesthetics vs plain blued models.
- Chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, allowing for low-cost practice with .38 spl.
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety — requires manual engagement of half-cock notch for loading, a potential safety issue for novices.
- Fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation without a gunsmith's file or replacement.
- Slim walnut grips (4.75" circumference) may be uncomfortable for prolonged shooting sessions with full-power .357 loads.
- Online Only purchase prevents handling the specific trigger pull or finish quality before committing.
Key attributes
| upc | 844234240456 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | AR401 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blue w/Engraved "Arizona Ranger" |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 14.0500 |
| sights | Blade Front/Notched Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the forged steel frame safely handles standard-pressure .38 Special +P ammunition, but I do not recommend sustained use of +P+ or any .357 Magnum loads exceeding 1,550 fps from a 5.5-inch barrel like this. For competition, most shooters use standard 158-grain .38 Special rounds for controllability, as +P offers no scoring advantage and increases wear on the tuned springs.
- Does it fit a standard 19th-century cavalry holster?
- Yes, the 5.5-inch barrel and standard single-action frame dimensions are compatible with most reproduction ‘Civil War’ or ‘Frontier’ style holsters designed for a Colt Single Action Army replica. The exact fit will depend on the specific holster's molding; confirm the inner dimensions allow for a maximum barrel length of 5.75 inches and a cylinder diameter of 1.75 inches.
- How long does shipping and FFL transfer take?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 2-3 business days, but the subsequent FFL transfer is controlled by your chosen licensed dealer's schedule and your state's mandatory waiting periods. In total, from order to pickup, budget 7-14 calendar days, assuming your FFL's paperwork is in order and no local regulatory delays apply.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger pull?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns based on subjective mechanical preference, such as trigger pull weight or feel, due to federal regulations concerning firearm transfers. The action is tuned to a consistent 3.5-4 pound pull as specified; any further customization would be at the buyer's expense through a qualified gunsmith after transfer is complete.
- Does this work with a standard bore snake for cleaning?
- Yes, a .38/.357 caliber bore snake passes easily through the 5.5-inch barrel, but you must first remove the cylinder base pin and swing out the cylinder for proper access, as you cannot run a cleaning rod straight through the frame on a traditional single-action. I recommend using a 7-inch cleaning rod with a jag and patches for more effective brushing of the forcing cone.