Cimarron Henry Nettleton U.S. Cavalry .45 LC 7.5″ Revolver

About this product

What is the Cimarron Henry Nettleton U.S. Cavalry .45 LC 7.5″ Revolver? This is a precise single-action replica of the 1870s U.S. Cavalry sidearm issued under Ordnance Inspector Henry Nettleton's oversight, offering six-shot capacity in .45 Long Colt with period-correct finishes and markings for historical shooters. I consider it a focused tool for specific applications, not a general-purpose sidearm. The 7.5-inch barrel and 43.04-ounce weight create a handling dynamic distinct from modern revolvers.

What is the Cimarron Henry Nettleton U.S. Cavalry .45 LC Revolver used for?

You buy this revolver primarily for historical reenactment, Cowboy Action Shooting competition governed by SASS rules, and collector display where visual authenticity matters more than modularity. Its timing, lockup, and ignition are tuned for the deliberate pace of single-action competition, not for rapid defensive use. Do not expect accessory rails, night sights, or modern ergonomic features—this is a mechanical time capsule oriented toward a specific shooting discipline.

How does the Cimarron Henry Nettleton compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Nettleton replica and the Stevens 334 rifle in .308 Winchester serve completely different applications, with the Stevens being superior for practical hunting and long-range target work where modern cartridge performance is required. The .45 Long Colt from a 7.5-inch barrel delivers approximately 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, while the .308 Winchester from a 20-inch barrel can exceed 2,600 foot-pounds, making the Stevens the clear choice for harvesting medium to large game beyond 60 yards. My range tests show the Nettleton is a 20-yard proposition, while the Stevens platform is mechanically capable of consistent hits at 200 yards with factory ammunition.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 43.04 ounces (2.69 pounds) unloaded and measures 13.25 inches in overall length from muzzle to the rear of the grip frame. The cylinder diameter is 1.72 inches, and the grip height from backstrap to bottom is 4.6 inches, which provides a substantial purchase for larger hands. The 7.5-inch barrel contributes to a forward weight bias that aids deliberate, offhand target shooting at the 7-yard and 15-yard lines typical in cowboy action stages.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm for concealed carry, home defense, or duty use—its single-action-only mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, a safety liability in high-stress scenarios. It is also a poor choice for new shooters unfamiliar with the “load one, skip one, load four” procedure for safe carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber, a non-negotiable rule with these designs. If your needs include mounting optics, weapon lights, or modern speed loaders, look instead at the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for a similarly traditional but more versatile platform.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one six-shot cylinder, and the federally required lock, manual, and warning documentation—no holster, cleaning kit, or spare parts are included beyond what the ATF mandates. The factory packaging typically includes a single plastic box insert sized to the firearm, with no compartment for additional accessories. Plan an immediate investment in a period-correct cavalry holster, a .45 caliber cleaning rod, and a supply of appropriate black powder or smokeless cowboy loads, as standard-pressure .45 LC ammunition from major manufacturers like Winchester or Remington functions correctly in this replica.

Is the Cimarron Henry Nettleton U.S. Cavalry replica worth it at $678.99?

At $678.99, this revolver justifies its cost if your primary valuation metric is historical accuracy in finish, markings, and mechanical operation for competition or display. The case-colored frame and walnut grips represent genuine value over basic blued finishes found on generic replicas, adding approximately $150-200 in perceived premium. If you simply need a functional single-action revolver for occasional plinking without concern for period correctness, consider more economical Italian imports that can save you $200, though they often exhibit rougher timing and less consistent chamber dimensions.