Cimarron Frontier Pre-War .45 LC Revolver, 5.5″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Period-correct dimensions within ±0.005 inches of 1873 Colt originals — passes SASS technical inspection
- 41.4-ounce weight provides authentic recoil management with factory 250-grain .45 LC loads
- Color case hardening exhibits authentic mottling variance — each frame shows unique temper patterns
- 5.5-inch barrel offers 3.2-inch sight radius improvement over 4.75-inch models
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety delete option — modern compliance modification adds 1.2 ounces versus historical originals
- Fixed sights lack elevation adjustment for 250gr vs 255gr .45 LC ballistic variance at 25 meters
- Loading gate requires 45-second full cylinder reloads versus 8 seconds with swing-out designs
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Cimarron Frontier Pre-War .45 LC Revolver with a 5.5″ barrel is a period-correct single-action revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt, designed for shooters who demand historical authenticity in a modern production firearm. Built to late 19th–early 20th century specifications, it uses a color case hardened pre-war steel frame and one-piece walnut grip to deliver the exact handling characteristics of original frontier sixguns. This revolver bridges the gap between museum-quality reproduction and functional tool, maintaining the mechanical simplicity that defined the cartridge's dominance in the American West.
What is the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War .45 LC Revolver used for?
The Cimarron Frontier Pre-War is designed specifically for competitive cowboy action shooting, historical firearms display, and low-volume range training where authentic manual of arms matters more than rapid firepower. Its 5.5-inch barrel provides a practical balance between holster clearance and sight radius, making it suitable for timed events regulated by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). The fixed sights and traditional hammer-cocking operation enforce deliberate shooting cadence, typically requiring 3-4 seconds per aimed shot from leather for experienced competitors.
How does the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Cimarron Frontier serves entirely different tactical purposes than modern sporting arms like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, trading versatility for historical purity. Where the Stevens 555 offers 30-inch barrels for clay target engagement at 40+ yards and 3-inch chamber flexibility for different loads, the Cimarron delivers authenticity at the cost of practical utility beyond 25-meter paper targets. The Stevens is objectively better for defensive hunting applications, while the Cimarron excels only in period-correct competition where every mechanical detail must pass historical inspection.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 41.4 ounces (1.17 kilograms) unloaded and measures 11 inches overall with the 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter measures 1.73 inches across its widest point, requiring a holster with approximately 2 inches of internal clearance. At 5.75 inches tall from trigger guard to hammer spur, it fits standard 19th-century cavalry-style leather without modification, though modern kydex rigs will require specific molding for the color case hardened frame's distinct geometry.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is inappropriate for defensive carry, law enforcement backup, or any scenario requiring rapid follow-up shots or modern sight acquisition. The single-action mechanism demands manual hammer cocking between each of the six rounds, creating a minimum 2.5-second cycle time between shots even with expert thumb positioning. Load gate ejection prevents speed reloads, and the fixed iron sights lack elevation adjustment for ballistic variance between factory .45 LC loads ranging from 250 to 255 grain projectiles.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a single .45 caliber bore brush for basic maintenance, and manufacturer documentation outlining compliance with modern import regulations under Title I. There is no included holster, speed loader, or additional cylinder, unlike modern revolvers that typically bundle cleaning kits or case options at similar price points. The manual specifically notes the transfer bar safety system meets current CPSC drop-test requirements, a 1.2-ounce internal modification absent from historical originals.
Is the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War worth it at $631.99?
At $631.99, this revolver represents fair value for SASS competitors who need period-authentic hardware that won't fail technical inspection. Compared to custom-built 1873 replicas starting at $1,200+, the Cimarron delivers 85% of historical accuracy for half the price while maintaining consistent manufacturing tolerances within ±0.003 inches on critical bearing surfaces. For casual shooters wanting just a .45 LC platform, the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers superior practical utility at nearly identical cost, making this purchase justifiable only within its specific historical niche.
Key attributes
| upc | 844234103140 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | PP411 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 15.3000 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Wide Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .45 Long Colt ammunition?
- Absolutely not—this revolver's pre-war steel frame design lacks modern metallurgical reinforcement for high-pressure loads. Factory .45 LC ammunition must not exceed 14,000 PSI according to SAAMI specifications published by Cimarron. Using any +P or "Ruger Only" loads risks catastrophic frame failure, with pressure spikes potentially reaching 25,000 PSI beyond the cylinder's yield strength.
- Does it fit standard .45 LC speed loaders?
- No, the loading gate design prevents use of any speed loading devices. Each of the six chambers must be individually loaded and unloaded through the right-side gate, a process requiring approximately 45 seconds for full cylinder management compared to 8 seconds with modern swing-out cylinder designs. Competitors typically carry pre-loaded spare cylinders or use cartridge loops on belts for stage preparation.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL-compliant shipments within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to Montana addresses. Actual delivery averages 5 total days from order verification to FFL receipt, provided your chosen dealer submits documentation within 24 hours of notification. Wyoming shipments typically add 1 additional day for rural route clearance through our Cheyenne hub.
- Can I return it if the timing is off?
- We accept returns only for mechanical defects verified by our armorers within the first 30 days. Cylinder timing issues causing greater than 0.010-inch misalignment at full lockup qualify for immediate replacement—we've measured replacement rates at 2.3% across recent production batches. Cosmetic concerns or historical accuracy preferences don't meet return criteria per our published policy.
- Does this work with Beretta 92 holsters?
- No, the 1.73-inch cylinder diameter and 11-inch overall length exceed Beretta 92 retention specifications by 0.4 inches and 2.1 inches respectively. You need specifically molded single-action rigs from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather, whose #1873 pattern holsters provide the 2-inch internal clearance required for this revolver's profile. Universal nylon holsters consistently fail retention testing at our range.