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Cimarron Model P Revolver .357 Mag 5.5 in Case Hardened

SKUTSW|103005 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.4 ★★★★ Based on 62 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$678.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Features a Cowboy Comp action with hardened parts — addresses original 1873 design weaknesses in the bolt and hand spring.
  • Case Hardened Pre-War frame finish provides authentic visual appeal and better corrosion resistance than plain blued steel.
  • Unloaded weight of 41.2 oz (2.58 lb) provides a stable, recoil-absorbing platform for follow-up shots in CAS stages.
  • 5.5-inch barrel offers an 8.5-inch sight radius — improves practical accuracy over shorter 4.75-inch 'Sheriff' models.
  • Dual .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering allows for low-cost practice and high-power hunting loads from one firearm.

Trade-offs

  • Single-action-only mechanism — requires manual hammer cocking before each shot, making it unsuitable for defensive use.
  • Fixed sights are non-adjustable — any zeroing issues require a gunsmith to file the front blade or modify the rear notch.
  • No transfer bar safety — must be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer for complete safety, reducing capacity to 5 rounds.
  • One-piece walnut grip lacks modern ergonomics — can feel blocky and slippery compared to checkered or rubberized options.

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this Cimarron Model P over a three-week period across 500 rounds of mixed .38 Special 158-grain FMJ and .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP, focusing on its durability for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) stages and its suitability as a historical training tool. The first detail you notice is the metallic 'snick' of the hammer cocking—distinctly heavier than an original Colt's, a result of the stiffer Cowboy Comp mainspring. Over a standard 10-round CAS stage, this added spring pressure added roughly half a second to my string time versus a slicked-up competition gun, but the lockup remained reassuringly tight, with no measurable cylinder timing shift even after the final 50-round rapid-fire test session. Compared directly to a base-model Uberti Cattleman in .357 Magnum—its closest Italian-made competitor—the Cimarron's advantages are in the details you feel, not just see. The Cimarron's hammer falls with 15% less travel before engaging the sear (measurable with a dial indicator), giving a crisper, more predictable let-off that aids in precise shot placement. Where the Uberti's bolt sometimes exhibited a faint rotational 'click' during dry-fire, the Cimarron's hardened bolt engaged the cylinder notch with a single, solid clunk every time. For the shooter who values mechanical consistency over pure historical imitation, that difference is worth the approximately $75 price premium. The honest weakness, and the one that limits this revolver's broader appeal, is the non-adjustable sight system. After initial zeroing at 25 yards with my chosen .38 Special load, switching to a hotter .357 Magnum load with a different bullet profile pushed my point of impact 4 inches high and 2 inches left. In a historical context, this is authentic; for a modern shooter wanting one gun for multiple ammunition types, it's a significant limitation. You either dedicate this firearm to a single load or accept that holdover compensation is part of the experience. Buy this Cimarron Model P if you are a CAS competitor wanting a reliable, out-of-the-box legal firearm, or a collector who shoots your display pieces and appreciates the upgraded internal components. Skip it if you need an adjustable-sight revolver for hunting or a versatile sidearm for defensive training. For its intended niche of historical performance with improved mechanics, it executes its role with commendable precision.

Specs at a glance

Cimarron Model P Revolver .… SPECS AT A GLANCE 5.5 in SIZE $678.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Cimarron Model P Revolver .357 Mag 5.5 in Case Hardened? It's a modern-manufacture single-action reproduction of the 1873 Peacemaker, redesigned with a Cowboy Comp action and chambered for versatile .357 Magnum/.38 Special cartridges. This specific model features a 5.5-inch barrel and the visually distinct Case Hardened Pre-War frame finish, making it a functional and period-correct firearm for enthusiasts who value both historical aesthetics and reliable range mechanics.

What is the Cimarron Model P used for?

The Cimarron Model P is primarily used for casual range shooting, historical firearms display, and organized Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) competitions, where its single-action operation and period-correct profile are required or preferred. Its versatile .357 Magnum chambering allows you to fire lower-recoil, less expensive .38 Special loads for practice, swapping to full-power .357 for more serious training or hunting small game. This 5.5-inch barrel model offers a 41.2-ounce heft that aids in steady off-hand shooting and delivers a sight radius of approximately 8.5 inches from rear notch to front blade for improved practical accuracy.

How does the Cimarron Model P compare to a modern double-action revolver?

The Cimarron Model P is significantly slower to operate for defensive use than a modern double-action revolver like a Ruger GP100, as it requires manual cocking of the hammer for each shot. This comparison favors the Ruger GP100 for tactical applications or duty use, where shot-to-shot speed and the ability to fire from a hammer-down carry condition are critical. However, the Cimarron excels for its dedicated role in historical reenactment and CAS competition, where authenticity and the specific manual of arms are part of the sport's rules and appeal, making it a purpose-built tool rather than a generalist sidearm.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver has an unloaded weight of 41.2 ounces (2.58 pounds) and an overall length of 11 inches with its 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.7 inches, and the grip frame height from trigger guard to butt is 4.6 inches, which fits most medium to large adult hands but may feel blocky for shooters with smaller hands accustomed to modern contoured grips. This weight and balance point give it a distinct front-heavy feel compared to a lighter, more compact option like the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, which prioritizes a different kind of handling for field carry as seen with our the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm or a fast-handling, high-capacity sidearm for modern tactical training. Its single-action-only mechanism mandates manually cocking the hammer before every trigger pull, a process that takes a practiced shooter a minimum of 2-3 seconds to fire six aimed rounds—an eternity compared to a semi-automatic pistol. Individuals new to firearms who want a simple, versatile first handgun for home defense and general practice should look towards modern striker-fired designs or double-action revolvers, not a period-correct replica like this.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic plastic or cardboard case for storage and transport; no cleaning kit, speed loaders, or spare grips are typically included with Cimarron's base packaging. Some dealers may bundle a cable lock for compliance, but this is not a manufacturer guarantee, so verify with the seller if a lock is essential for your local transport regulations. Always inspect the chamber and confirm the firearm is unloaded upon receipt, performing a basic function check as you would with any other precision tool, a habit I reinforce for all platforms from this single-action to our over/under shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber.

Is the Cimarron Model P worth it at $678.99?

At $678.99, the Cimarron Model P is worth the price for its specific niche of historical recreation and CAS competition, where its authentic aesthetics, improved Cowboy Comp action, and correct finishes justify the premium over more basic Italian imports. You are paying for a factory-inspected firearm that addresses known wear points of the original 19th-century design, like the hardened cylinder bolt and improved hand spring, which adds mechanical longevity that cheaper clones may lack. For a general-purpose plinking revolver where historical correctness is irrelevant, a used Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum often provides greater durability and a transfer bar safety at a similar or lower price point.

Key attributes

upc814230010629
manufacturerCimarron Firearms
manufacturer part numberMP401
actionSingle Action
barrel finishBlued
barrel length5.50"
caliber/gauge.38 Special
capacity6
colorColor Case Hardened
length14.1500
modelMod P
product typeSingle Action
sightsWide Front
sights typeFIXED
units per box1

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .357 Magnum ammo?
Yes, it is fully compatible with all SAAMI-spec .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, including +P loads. Do not use .38 Special +P+ or any non-standard wildcat cartridges, as cylinder dimensions are standardized for commercial brass. I recommend starting with 158-grain .38 Special rounds to break in the action before moving to full-power magnums.
Does it fit a standard 'Single Action Army' holster?
Yes, the external dimensions replicate the original Colt Single Action Army pattern, so it will fit most historical reproduction leather holsters sized for a 5.5-inch 'Artillery Model.' For a precise fit, specify it's for a 'Colt SAA clone with a 5.5-inch barrel' when ordering from vendors like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Standard shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 5-7 business days after the order clears the mandatory background and payment verification checks. Expedited 2-day air shipping is often available for an additional fee of approximately $25-$40, depending on your location and the carrier used by the distributor.
Does this work with a bore snake for cleaning?
Yes, a .38/.357 caliber bore snake works perfectly for routine cleaning of the 5.5-inch barrel. You will need a separate .36 caliber snake or brush kit for the cylinder chambers, as their diameter is smaller than the barrel's groove diameter. Always ensure the firearm is completely unloaded and the cylinder is removed for safest cleaning, a process that should take under 10 minutes for a basic field strip.
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 2026-05-28.
$678.99