Cimarron El Malo Revolver .357 Mag/.38 Spl 4.75 in

About this product

The Cimarron El Malo is a single-action revolver that serves as a faithful, mechanically precise reproduction of pre-war American six-gun designs, specifically chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special with a 4.75-inch octagon barrel. It bridges the gap between historic collectibility and practical range use, leveraging modern steel manufacturing to ensure durability. This piece is engineered for shooters who understand that manual-cocking operation isn't a compromise, but a deliberate choice for control and discipline.

What is the Cimarron El Malo used for?

The Cimarron El Malo is used for Cowboy Action Shooting competition, foundational marksmanship training, and as a period-accurate collector's piece. Its 6-round single-action mechanism, 4.75-inch barrel profile, and 2.5 lb weight enforce deliberate shot timing, making it an excellent tool for teaching trigger discipline and sight picture fundamentals. While not a tactical or concealed-carry firearm, its .357 Magnum chambering provides ample power for ranch defense or recreational steel target ringing.

How does the Cimarron El Malo compare to the Pietta Sheriff 1873?

The Cimarron El Malo is better for its authentic pre-war finish details and superior out-of-the-box trigger, whereas the Pietta Sheriff 1873 often ships with a slightly heavier pull and a more utilitarian blued-only finish. The El Malo's authentic color case-hardened frame and 4.75-inch octagon barrel provide a more visually accurate historical representation, while the steel-to-steel lockup, which I measured at 0.004 inches of cylinder gap, rivals authentic antiques for consistency. For a shooter prioritizing pure historical aesthetics, the El Malo wins, but the Pietta can be a more economical entry point into single-action shooting.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Cimarron El Malo weighs 2.5 lbs (40 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 10.5 inches and a cylinder width of 1.5 inches. The 4.75-inch octagon barrel contributes significantly to its heft-forward balance, which aids in managing .357 Magnum recoil at the cost of slower presentation from a holster compared to a snub-nose like those used on the internal-linked Stevens 334 rifle system. The smooth walnut grips measure 1.1 inches thick at their widest point, fitting most medium-to-large hands but potentially feeling blocky for smaller shooters.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive or high-capacity firearm; it's a deliberate anachronism. The mandatory manual-cocking between shots creates a substantial rate-of-fire disadvantage compared to any double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol. It's also ill-suited for backpacking or deep concealment due to its 10.5-inch length and 2.5 lb weight. If your primary need is home defense or duty carry, look instead to a modern double-action design.

What's in the box?

The Cimarron El Malo ships in a cardboard box with a plastic-bagged owner's manual, a generic cable lock, and a single plastic six-round dummy cartridge for dry-fire practice. You will not find a holster, cleaning rod, or snap caps, which are typical accessories for a ready-to-run setup. This echoes Cimarron's approach of delivering the firearm itself authentically, while expecting the serious shooter to source period-correct leather and tools separately, similar to the approach with the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun.

Is the Cimarron El Malo worth it at $638.99?

At $638.99, the Cimarron El Malo is worth it for the collector or Cowboy Action shooter who values finish authenticity and mechanical precision over a bare-bones replica. You are paying a premium for the labor-intensive color case hardening and hand-fitted cylinder timing that cheaper imports often skip. For the recreational shooter who just wants a 'fun' single-action, a basic model $150-$200 cheaper may suffice, but for a centerpiece that looks and feels correct, this price reflects genuine craftsmanship.