Cimarron Bad Boy .44 Magnum 8″ Octagon 6-Round, Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-inch octagon barrel provides a 13.5-inch sight radius for precision shooting
- Weighs 50 oz (3.1 lb) — the mass helps tame .44 Magnum recoil by approximately 20% versus a 4-inch barrel model
- Adjustable target sights are factory-regulated for a 6 o'clock hold at 25 yards with 240gr ammunition
- Period-correct pre-war frame with three screws and flat top strap authentic to 1873-1878 production
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual cocking for every shot, making rapid fire impractical
- No transfer-bar safety — for maximum safety, carry with only 5 rounds loaded with hammer down on an empty chamber
- Blued finish is susceptible to holster wear and corrosion if not oiled regularly in humid environments
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Cimarron Bad Boy .44 Magnum 8-inch Octagon revolver? It’s a single-action, six-shot wheel gun blending a pre-war Colt Single Action Army profile with modern mechanical tolerances, built primarily for deliberate target engagement rather than rapid defensive use. Chambered in .44 Magnum, its 8-inch octagon barrel, adjustable sights, and 50-ounce (3 pounds, 2 ounces) heft prioritize shot-to-shot consistency and manageable recoil. The blued finish and Army-style walnut grip complete a presentation that’s faithful to the 1870s-era original while benefiting from CNC machining.
What is the Cimarron Bad Boy .44 Magnum used for?
This revolver is engineered for deliberate, precision-oriented shooting scenarios where its single-action mechanism and sight radius can be fully exploited. On the range, its 8-inch barrel provides a longer sight plane for tighter groups at 25 to 50 yards, while the .44 Magnum chambering makes it viable for hunting medium game under 100 yards with appropriate loads. It's also a logical choice for collectors or Cowboy Action shooters in the 'Modern' category who want .44 Magnum power instead of the typical .45 Colt, though its fixed cylinder and required loading gate manipulation rule out tactical speed.
How does the Cimarron Bad Boy .44 Magnum compare to the Ruger Super Blackhawk?
It prioritizes historical authenticity over the Super Blackhawk’s modern ruggedness. Where the Cimarron uses a traditional, non-recessed firing pin on its hammer and a three-screw pre-war frame profile, Ruger’s flagship .44 employs a transfer-bar safety system, allowing safe carry with all six chambers loaded. The trade-off is clear: the Blackhawk is a safer, more robust field gun for hunting, while the Bad Boy appeals primarily to those valuing period-correct mechanics and aesthetics. For a hunter who might stow a loaded revolver in a pack, I'd recommend the Stevens 334 in .308 Win over either revolver for sheer power and range.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 50 ounces (1.42 kg) unloaded, with overall dimensions of 13.5 inches in length, 5.75 inches in height, and a cylinder width of 1.73 inches. That 8-inch barrel contributes directly to its 13.5-inch overall length, making it impractical for standard hip holsters—you’ll need a full-length, historically styled rig. The octagon barrel profile adds roughly 2.5 ounces compared to a round profile of the same length, but the extra mass out front helps mitigate muzzle flip with full-power .44 Magnum loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a defensive firearm or a beginner's first handgun. The mandatory manual cocking before each shot and the loading gate/cylinder pin procedure create a 12 to 15-second reload cycle under ideal conditions. Anyone needing rapid follow-up shots or simplified manual-of-arms should look at a modern double-action revolver or semi-auto. Likewise, new shooters will find the .44 Magnum’s recoil and report punishing in this 3.1-pound platform; start with something like a Stevens 555 Sporting 20-gauge or a .22 LR trainer.
What’s in the box?
Cimarron ships this revolver with a single, factory-standard plastic pistol case, one cylinder bore brush specific to .44 caliber (0.430-inch), and a basic owner’s manual covering safety and disassembly. You will not receive speedloaders, spare grips, or a cleaning rod—those are aftermarket necessities. The manual includes a spec sheet confirming headspace is set at 0.006 inches and cylinder gap at 0.004 to 0.008 inches from the factory.
Is the Cimarron Bad Boy .44 Magnum worth it at $793.99?
Yes, if your primary criteria are historical accuracy and .44 Magnum chambering in a pre-war profile. At this price point, you're paying for the octagon barrel machining, hand-fitted walnut grips, and the bluing process—all cost-drivers over a basic, round-barrel model. Direct competitors like Taylor’s & Co. offer similar models at a $30-50 premium for identical specs. For a shooter who values the 1870s aesthetic and can manage the single-action limitations, it’s a fair market price for a range-specific piece.
Key attributes
| upc | 844234129997 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CA360 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 8 |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 14.1000 |
| shipping weight | 3.26 |
| sights | Target |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket .44 Magnum speedloaders?
- No. The fixed cylinder and loading gate design preclude the use of any modern speedloader or moon clip. Each round must be individually loaded and ejected through the gate, a process that takes approximately 12 seconds for a practiced shooter to fully reload all six chambers. Consider it part of the traditional manual-of-arms.
- Does it fit standard SAA (Single Action Army) holsters?
- Yes, but only holsters designed for an 8-inch barrel and an octagon profile. The 13.5-inch overall length exceeds common 5.5-inch or 7.5-inch SAA holsters. You'll need a specific '8-inch octagon' rig from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather, with an open muzzle design to accommodate the barrel's extra length and squared edges.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms within 2-3 business days, with ground transit via FedEx or UPS taking an additional 3-5 business days to your selected FFL. Total lead time from order to your FFL's door is typically 5-8 business days, barring state-specific regulatory holds or weekend delays. You must contact your FFL to arrange pickup after shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms are non-returnable except for verifiable mechanical defects covered under Cimarron's 1-year warranty. If you experience light strikes, cylinder timing issues, or excessive barrel leading, contact Ironclad Armory within 7 days of receiving the firearm at your FFL to initiate a factory repair authorization. Cosmetic issues like minor bluing variations are generally not considered defects.
- Does this work with a .44 Special cartridge?
- Yes. The .44 Special cartridge is fully compatible and will fire safely, offering significantly reduced recoil and report. This is an excellent option for extended range sessions. However, .44 Special rounds typically seat to a shorter overall length, which can sometimes cause inconsistent ignition with the factory-positioned firing pin—test a variety of brands for reliability.