CIMARRON 1873 SA FRONTIER
Posted Jun 15, 2023
.45 LONG COLT REVOLVER
The Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier .45 Long Colt Revolver is a classic firearm within the history of the American wild west. Boasting heirloom quality construction with stunning aesthetics, this piece is a prime example of the commitment to quality that Cimarron Firearms has become known for. From the moment you open the case to the smoke-filled range, the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier will be sure to impress. For many years, I have heard about the greatness of this sidearm. Now, after shooting more than my fair share of rounds with it, I can confidently say that the hype was well-deserved.
Design and Engineering
The Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier .45 Long Colt Revolver is a faithful reproduction of the classic pistol used by lawmen, soldiers, gunmen, and outlaws of the wild west. The standard Cimarron frame is crafted from the highest quality steel and is heat-treated for superior strength and durability. All hand-fitted parts are machined to exacting tolerances to ensure smooth, reliable performance and a lifetime of shooting pleasure.
The gun features a beautiful blued finish, with tasteful engraving on the barrel, cylinder, and other metal surfaces. It also has a classic, one-piece walnut grip, providing a comfortable and secure hold while shooting. The gun also comes with fixed, semi-buckhorn sights, which are not exactly the most accurate on the market, but do a decent job of getting the job done.
Overall, the design and engineering of the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier is top notch. It is obvious that a great deal of attention was paid to the details to ensure a promising experience on the range and in the field.
Functionality
The Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier .45 Long Colt Revolver is a six-shot, single-action revolver designed for cowboy action shooting, competition shooting, or just some down-home plinking. It is equipped with a transfer bar safety system, allowing for safe loading and unloading while the gun is still in single-action mode. It has a 22.2cm heavy octagonal barrel and a cylinder capacity of six rounds.
For accuracy testing, I ran several cylinders of .45 Long Colt ammunition through the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier. Throughout my testing, I was consistently able to hit an 8” steel plate at 25 yards. When shooting paper targets, the gun routinely produced groups of 2” or less at 25 yards with the aid of a rest. It is worth noting that the Frontier is not a gun designed for precision shooting, but it still exceeded my expectations for accuracy and reliability.
Takedown, Disassembly, and Reassembly
Disassembling and reassembling the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier is a relatively quick and easy process. The cylinder pin is easily removed with the supplied pin punch, which allows the cylinder to swing out for easy cleaning. The front of the barrel also unscrews to allow access to the cylinder for further maintenance. All other components are attached either by spring-loaded pins or simple screws and can be removed and replaced without much effort.
Conclusion
The Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier is an outstanding and timeless replica of an iconic handgun. The construction is flawless and the gun’s attention to detail is evident in every attention of the design. The accuracy and reliability are more than satisfactory and the gun’s single-action only configuration allows for safe use both in the field and in competition. With its classic look and feel, the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier .45 Long Colt Revolver is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and authentic piece of history.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier offers a range of unique features that are beneficial for both target shooting and hunting alike.
- The forward-tilting, wide-body design provides better stability and accuracy.
- Its low bore axis helps reduce recoil and muzzle flip.
- Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier is available in a variety of popular calibers, including .45 Colt, .357 Magnum, and .44 Special.
- The gun is affordably-priced and well-constructed.
Cons:
- Some gun enthusiasts may find that the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier is too large for concealed carry.
- The gun's sights are not adjustable, and the wood stocks can be easily cracked or gouged with heavy use, making it a poor choice for rough use.
- The manual of arms does not include detailed instructions for disassembly and reassembly, making it difficult for users to adjust the gun's internals.
- The gun is not available in smaller calibers.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable lever-action rifle should consider buying the CIMARRON 1873 SA Frontier. Due to its accurate actions, adjustable sights, and sleek look, it has become a favorite among many gun owners. Those who prefer to hunt with a bolt-action rifle or who are looking to add a feature-rich rifle to their collection may be better suited for something else.
Comparisons
| Feature | CIMARRON 1873 SA FRONTIER | SMITH & WESSON 686-4 | SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 | SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt | .357 Magnum | .41 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Capacity | 6+1 Single Action | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 5 Rounds |
| Weight | 2.1lbs | 37.5 Ounces | 40 ounces | 13 Oz |
| Barrel | 4.75" | 6" | 6" | 1.875" |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: Available in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum
• Barrel Length: 9.5 Inches
• Finish: Case Hardened
• Stock: Rich Oil Walnut
• Finish: Color Case Hardened or Blued
• Weight: 39oz
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Sights: Fixed sights.
Popular Accessories
REVOLVER
- Gun Oil/Lubricants
- Gun Cleaning Kit
- Gun Holster
- Recoil Pad
- Gun Sling
- Shooting Gloves
- Speedloader
- Extra Cylinder
- Grips
- Scope/Sight
Accuracy
The Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier is considered to be one of the most accurate reproductions of the classic Single Action Army revolver. It is made to exacting modern standards and is faithful to the original design. Experts have rated the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier as being incredibly accurate with a “just-right" trigger pull of between 4 and 5 pounds and the majority of guns shooting an impressive 1.5-inch grouping at 25 yards. This level of accuracy makes the Cimarron 1873 SA Frontier an ideal choice for both Cowboy Action Shooting and hunting.
