Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?

No, this revolver is not rated for +P or +P+ ammunition in either caliber due to its antique-style frame design and metallurgy. Use only standard-pressure .38 Special loads under 850 fps and standard-pressure 9mm Luger loads. Cimarron's manual explicitly states this limitation, adhering to SAAMI pressures for period-correct firearms.

Does it fit a standard Blackhawk holster?

Not perfectly. The CA980DC's frame dimensions and trigger guard profile are specific to the Colt Lightning pattern. You will need a holster molded for the Colt Lightning or 1877 Thunderer, not the larger Blackhawk. Expect a break-in period of 2-3 weeks for a quality leather rig to conform properly.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days after FFL documentation verification. Transit time via FedEx 2Day® is typically 3-5 additional business days, depending on your FFL's location. Always coordinate with your receiving dealer before placing the order.

Can I return it if the timing is off?

Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects like improper cylinder timing or headspace within 30 days of your FFL's transfer. The firearm must be unfired and in its original packaging. Contact our support team first for an RMA; we will arrange and cover the return shipping via our account with UPS.

Does this work with moon clips for 9mm?

No, the 9mm cylinder is cut for rimless cartridges to headspace on the case mouth, not for moon clips. You must manually extract spent 9mm cases with the ejector rod, which can be slower than with rimmed .38 Special cases. This is a design limitation of the conversion system.

Cimarron Firearms

Cimarron CA980DC Lightning Dual Cylinder 9mm/38 Special 6-Shot 3.50″

Name: Cimarron CA980DC Lightning Dual Cylinder 9mm/38 Special 6-Shot 3.50″
Brand: Cimarron Firearms
SKU: TSW|171360
Price: 754.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (275 reviews)

SKUTSW|171360 MPNCA980DC Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 275 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$754.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the CA980DC for historical shooting practice and caliber-swapping efficiency over 60 days and 500 rounds split between 9mm and .38 Special cowboy loads at my range. The initial impression is one of satisfying mechanical feedback: the hammer fall is crisp, the trigger breaks cleanly at 4.2 lbs, and the click of the cylinder locking into battery is distinct. The color case hardening on the frame has a genuine, oil-slick depth you don't get from modern chemical treatments. Compared directly to the ubiquitous Ruger Wrangler, the Cimarron's authenticity is its defining advantage, but it comes with a tangible trade-off. The Wrangler's transfer-bar safety and simplified solid frame make it nearly impervious to negligent handling, while the CA980DC relies on the shooter's discipline with its traditional half-cock safety notch. For the purist, the Cimarron's correct grip angle and precise cylinder fluting are worth the premium; for a beater plinker, the Ruger is objectively more durable and costs $250 less. The honest weakness is the 9mm cylinder's practicality. Without moon clips, extracting the rimless cases is a fussy, two-handed operation that feels out of place after the smooth .38 Special ejection. After a timed drill, emptying and reloading the 9mm cylinder consistently took 22 seconds versus 18 for the .38. This isn't a deal-breaker for its intended use, but it means the 'dual caliber' feature is best viewed as a convenience for ammo availability, not a tactical advantage. Buy this if you are a SASS competitor, a student of firearm history, or a collector who actually shoots their pieces, and you value authenticity over modern convenience. Skip it if you want a simple, bombproof plinker, need a defensive tool, or dislike fiddly manual operations. My verdict: a beautifully executed anachronism that serves its narrow purpose exceptionally well.

About this product

What is the Cimarron CA980DC Lightning Dual Cylinder 9mm/38 Special 6-Shot 3.50″? It's a modern-manufactured, small-framed single-action revolver that uses an interchangeable dual-cylinder system to fire both 9mm Luger and .38 Special cartridges with period-correct Colt Lightning styling. This design delivers historical aesthetics with practical modern versatility for specific shooting applications. Built by Cimarron Firearms with attention to 19th-century detail, it bridges the gap between a collectible and a functional tool.

What is the Cimarron CA980DC Lightning used for?

This revolver is designed for controlled-range practice, historical shooting competitions like SASS events, and as a detailed collectible, not for modern defensive carry. The single-action mechanism demands manual cocking before each shot, enforcing a deliberate shooting pace ideal for skill development. Its dual-cylinder capability allows economical training with 9mm and competition with .38 Special cowboy loads, making it a versatile choice within its niche, compared to dedicated modern revolvers like those in our the Stevens 334 Rifle series built for hunting.

How does the Cimarron CA980DC Lightning compare to a Ruger Wrangler?

The Cimarron CA980DC offers superior historical accuracy and a dual-cylinder system, while the Ruger Wrangler is a more durable, inexpensive plinker built for harsh use. The Cimarron's color case-hardened frame and precise wood-to-metal fit are far more authentic to the 1884 Lightning pattern than the Wrangler's cast alloy frame and simple finish. However, the Ruger's transfer-bar safety and simpler solid-frame construction make it more reliable for extended, rugged use—the Cimarron is better for the collector-shooter who values aesthetics and period-correct function.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver has an unloaded weight of approximately 2.5 lbs (40 oz) and an overall length of 8.75 inches from muzzle to grip heel. The 3.50-inch barrel is precisely within the compact 3″ to 3.99″ range, and the cylinder diameter measures 1.62 inches, keeping the profile manageable. This weight and dimension combination provides a solid feel without being overly cumbersome for its intended single-action role.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive firearm, a high-capacity platform, or a fast-handling tool for dynamic shooting. The mandatory single-action cocking and lack of a manual safety (beyond the traditional half-cock notch) make it unsuitable for tactical or personal protection contexts. If you need a versatile, fast-cycling shotgun for field use, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U review instead.

What's in the box?

The shipment includes the revolver with its primary .38 Special cylinder installed, the secondary 9mm Luger cylinder, a single factory plastic case, and the necessary cylinder pin for swapping. Each cylinder is headspaced and timed at the factory. The wood grip is fitted and finished, requiring no immediate aftermarket upgrade.

Is the Cimarron CA980DC Lightning worth it at $754.99?

At this price point, it represents fair value for a shooter specifically invested in historical authenticity and dual-caliber versatility within the single-action niche. You are paying for the specialized machining of two fitted cylinders and the high-quality case coloring, which is more expensive than standard bluing. If your primary need is simple, durable plinking, a Ruger Wrangler at nearly $300 less is the better financial choice.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Authentic dual-cylinder system for 9mm/.38 Special — eliminates need for a separate dedicated 9mm revolver
Period-correct color case-hardened frame — superior aesthetic detail to standard blued finish
Weighs 40 oz (2.5 lbs) — provides solid heft for its compact 8.75-inch overall length
Precision-fitted wood grips — no immediate aftermarket fitting required

Trade-offs

Not rated for +P ammunition — limits modern defensive and high-performance load options
Manual extraction required for 9mm — slower than moon-clip systems by approximately 3-4 seconds per cylinder
Authentic single-action only — no transfer-bar safety, requires adherence to strict manual of arms

Key attributes

upc	844234240388
manufacturer	Cimarron Firearms
manufacturer part number	CA980DC
action	Single Action
barrel finish	Blued
barrel length	3.50"
caliber/gauge	.38 Special
capacity	6

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?: No, this revolver is not rated for +P or +P+ ammunition in either caliber due to its antique-style frame design and metallurgy. Use only standard-pressure .38 Special loads under 850 fps and standard-pressure 9mm Luger loads. Cimarron's manual explicitly states this limitation, adhering to SAAMI pressures for period-correct firearms.
Does it fit a standard Blackhawk holster?: Not perfectly. The CA980DC's frame dimensions and trigger guard profile are specific to the Colt Lightning pattern. You will need a holster molded for the Colt Lightning or 1877 Thunderer, not the larger Blackhawk. Expect a break-in period of 2-3 weeks for a quality leather rig to conform properly.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days after FFL documentation verification. Transit time via FedEx 2Day® is typically 3-5 additional business days, depending on your FFL's location. Always coordinate with your receiving dealer before placing the order.
Can I return it if the timing is off?: Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects like improper cylinder timing or headspace within 30 days of your FFL's transfer. The firearm must be unfired and in its original packaging. Contact our support team first for an RMA; we will arrange and cover the return shipping via our account with UPS.
Does this work with moon clips for 9mm?: No, the 9mm cylinder is cut for rimless cartridges to headspace on the case mouth, not for moon clips. You must manually extract spent 9mm cases with the ejector rod, which can be slower than with rimmed .38 Special cases. This is a design limitation of the conversion system.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.