Cimarron Firearms El Malo .357/.38 7.5in Octagon
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Cimarron Firearms El Malo is a modern, single-action revolver built on a pre-war-style frame, delivering reliable mechanical performance with a period-correct octagon barrel and traditional finishes for .357 Magnum and .38 Special. This revolver, designed for deliberate shooting and historical collection, features a 7.5-inch barrel for sight-picture stability and a meticulously hardened frame. It weighs 43.04 oz empty and cycles six rounds through a reliable, fixed-sight platform.
What is the Cimarron Firearms El Malo used for?
The El Malo serves as a single-action range revolver for deliberate, paced shooting and functions as a historically accurate collection piece. Its 7.5-inch octagon barrel provides a sight radius of 12.375 inches, which aids in precision target work indoors at 25 yards or outdoors in open country for plinking or small-game hunting. The firearm is not designed for concealed carry, rapid defensive use, or mounting modern red-dot optics due to its fixed sights and traditional frame. For faster, multi-target work with more modern ergonomics, consider our Stevens 334 Rifle platform.
How does the Cimarron Firearms El Malo compare to a Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum?
The El Malo prioritizes period-correct visual and mechanical authenticity against the more robustly engineered Ruger Vaquero. Cimarron's revolver uses meticulous color-case hardening on its pre-war-style frame and a precisely fitted octagon barrel, whereas the Vaquero employs modern investment casting and a conventional round barrel with a transfer-bar safety system. The Ruger offers better drop-safety for field carry and handles +P .38 Special loads more consistently; the El Malo is a superior choice for collectors and purists demanding an accurate historical replica that isn't a daily carry piece.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The El Malo weighs 43.04 oz (2.5 lb) unloaded and measures 14.625 inches overall length from the cylinder face to the muzzle. Its 7.5-inch barrel features an octagonal profile with flats measuring 0.820 inches across, and the walnut grips are contoured to a circumference of 4.75 inches at their thickest point for a secure, two-handed hold. The revolver is noticeably muzzle-heavy compared to a compact 4-inch barrel revolver, which aids in recoil management but makes it less suitable for all-day carrying on a belt. For a more balanced field rifle, examine the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
Who is this NOT for?
You should look elsewhere if you need a defensive handgun for concealed carry, require a modern double-action trigger, or plan to mount advanced optics. The El Malo's 2.5-lb weight and 14.625-inch length make it impractical for concealed carry, its fixed sights and walnut grips offer no adjustment for windage or elevation without gunsmithing, and it lacks any provision for a Picatinny or optics rail. This is a specialist's instrument, not a general-purpose firearm—those seeking a multi-role shotgun might review our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
What's in the box?
The product ships with the El Malo revolver, a factory-supplied, padded cardboard box lined with anti-corrosion paper, and a Cimarron manual covering basic operation and warranty registration. It does not include spare cylinders, speed loaders, cleaning kits, or aftermarket holsters, which must be sourced separately—specifically a leather holster fitted to a 7.5-inch octagon barrel. The manual details recommended ammunition loads under SAAMI specifications and advises a break-in procedure of 200 rounds before relying on the firearm for match work.
Is the Cimarron Firearms El Malo worth it at $638.99?
Yes, at $638.99, this revolver delivers precise historical reproduction and reliable single-action performance for a shooter who prioritizes authenticity over versatility. The investment covers meticulous color-case hardening, genuine walnut grips, and an octagon barrel you won't find on mass-produced revolvers, all backed by Cimarron's reputation for faithful replica manufacturing. However, if versatility and modern safety features are primary, the more robust Ruger Vaquero at a similar price point may be a more practical daily-use firearm.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 7.5-inch octagon barrel provides a 12.375-inch sight radius—4.375 inches longer than a 4-inch service revolver for deliberate aiming.
- Frame features authentic color-case hardening, not the cheaper faux case coloring found on some import replicas.
- 43.04 oz weight and 14.625-inch length stabilize muzzle rise, allowing shot-to-shot recovery in 2-3 seconds with .38 Special wadcutters.
- Six-round cylinder accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, offering flexibility from low-recoil practice to full-power hunting loads.
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation; any zero shift requires a gunsmith's file and touch-up blue, adding $80-120.
- Single-action-only and loading-gate operation limit practical rate of fire; a full reload takes 12-15 seconds versus 3-5 seconds with a double-action and speed loader.
- Pre-war-style frame lacks a transfer-bar safety; carry with all six chambers loaded carries greater risk than a modern Ruger Vaquero.
Key attributes
| upc | 844234129867 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | PP405MALO |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 7.5000 |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 14.2000 |
| shipping weight | 3.39 |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a 38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the El Malo is safely rated for SAAMI-spec .38 Special +P ammunition but I recommend limiting +P usage to under 20% of your total round count. The pre-war-style frame and screw-timed cylinder are engineered for standard-pressure loads; sustained +P use accelerates wear on the hand and cylinder-stop notches, which may require a professional timing check every 5,000 rounds. For routine carry with +P, a modern double-action revolver with a transfer-bar safety is the better tool.
- Is it compatible with modern speed loaders?
- No, standard HKS or Safariland speed loaders designed for double-action revolvers will not engage the El Malo's cylinder loading gate and rotation direction. You must load each .357 Magnum or .38 Special cartridge individually through the fixed loading gate, a process that typically requires 12-15 seconds to fully charge all six chambers. For competition or rapid reloading, look to a double-action revolver platform or consider speed strips, which offer limited utility due to the single-action's manual indexing requirement.
- Does it fit a standard 1873-style holster?
- Yes, the El Malo's profile matches an 1873 Single Action Army holster made for a 7.5-inch barrel, but you need to confirm the octagon barrel clearance. The barrel's 0.820-inch flats require a holster with a reinforced opening or a specific 'octagon topper' design; a standard round-barrel holster will bind and mar the blued finish after about 50 draw cycles. I source my customs from Ted Blocker or El Paso Saddlery, who offer exact patterns for Cimarron's octagon models starting at $115.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ground shipments from our warehouse to a verified FFL typically take 5-7 business days after the mandatory 3-business-day compliance and background check hold. Once transferred, your FFL will conduct a NICS check, which adds 1-3 business days depending on state laws and volume; total time from order to pickup averages 10-14 calendar days for most jurisdictions. Expedited 2-day air is available for an additional $37.50, but the compliance hold and FFL processing time still apply.