Cimarron Frontier Pre-War .357/.38 6-Shot 5.5″
About this product
What is the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War .357/.38 6-Shot 5.5″?
The Cimarron Frontier Pre-War is a historically-accurate reproduction single-action Army revolver chambered for modern .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, serving as a direct mechanical continuation of the 1896–1940 manufacturing period. Built to the original Colt SAA (Single Action Army) design specifications that remained unchanged for over 40 years of pre-war production, this revolver bridges historical authenticity and shootable functionality. Its primary design goal is mechanical and aesthetic fidelity to the original government inspection drawings, not modern performance enhancement.
What is the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War used for?
This revolver is used for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), period-correct historical reenactment, and dedicated range training where handling a genuine single-action mechanism is the objective. I see it deployed primarily in SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) events requiring pre-1940 firearms, where its case-hardened frame and blued steel pass the visual inspection at 10 feet. Secondary functions include low-volume recreational shooting and educational demonstrations of manual-of-arms evolution. It is not a defensive firearm, a duty weapon, or a high-capacity range toy.
How does the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War compare to the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle?
The Cimarron revolver is better for historical roleplay and manual safety discipline, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is objectively better for hunting and practical marksmanship beyond 25 yards. The Stevens 334 (found the here) delivers a 1.5 MOA mechanical accuracy potential with match ammunition from its 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, whereas the Cimarron's fixed sights and 5.5-inch barrel are realistically a 4-6 MOA system designed for torso-sized targets at 15-25 yards. You buy the Cimarron for the mechanical theater of loading each chamber individually; you buy the Stevens for putting ethical shots on game at 200 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cimarron Frontier Pre-War weighs 42.5 ounces unloaded (2.66 pounds) and measures 11.2 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel and cylinder. Frame width is 1.7 inches at its widest point across the cylinder, with a grip circumference of 5.2 inches around the one-piece walnut. The sight radius—critical for practical accuracy with fixed sights—is 7.3 inches from the front blade to the rear notch milled into the top strap. This mass, combined with its steel frame, produces manageable recoil with full-power .357 Magnum loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive handgun, a suppressor host, or a platform for optics. The transfer-bar safety system is absent, requiring an empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry—a manual safety procedure most modern shooters have never practiced. It cannot mount a red-dot sight as it lacks any drilling or tapping, and the 5.5-inch barrel, while classic, makes it unsuitable for concealed carry. If your mission involves rapid reloads, night sights, or firing more than six rounds without a deliberate reloading procedure, examine a modern double-action like a Ruger GP100 instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one plastic six-round loading block, and a standard cardboard box with a foam insert. The kit does not include a holster, cleaning rod, bore brush, or any ammunition. Cimarron ships these with a factory test-fire target, typically showing a 6-round group fired at 15 yards with .38 Special 158-grain ammunition. You must supply your own period-correct leather gear and a .38/.357 cleaning kit, as the 0.357-inch bore requires specific rods and patches. Plan to spend an additional $150-$300 on a quality leather holster and cartridge belt for CAS use.
Is the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War worth it at $617.99?
At $617.99, it is worth it for the historical shooter who requires a visually-correct, mechanically-faithful replica for competition or collection, but represents a poor value for a general-purpose recreational firearm. The price point buys you a correct color case-hardening process (not a faux finish) and hand-fitted walnut grips, which are legitimate cost-drivers over a $400 budget replica. However, a modern Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun at a similar price delivers far more utility for hunting or clays. The value exists only within the niche of period-authenticity; outside that context, you are paying for aesthetics over performance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Color case-hardened frame is genuine furnace-hardened, not a chemical imitation—shows authentic mottling.
- 42.5 oz weight provides stable shooting platform with .357 Magnum loads, 12 oz heavier than an aluminum-frame replica.
- One-piece genuine walnut grips are hand-fitted to the frame—no visible seam or panel gap.
- 5.5-inch barrel provides a 7.3-inch sight radius, 1.7 inches longer than the 4.75-inch model for better sight alignment.
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety—requires carrying with hammer down on an empty chamber for safe transport.
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable for windage or elevation beyond filing the front blade.
- Not drilled and tapped for optics—permanently limits the platform to iron-sight use only.
- Six-round capacity is period-correct but half that of a modern 12-round double-action revolver.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 844234103133 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | PP401 |
| action | REVOVLER |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.2000 |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 14.2000 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
| sights | Wide Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .357 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, the Cimarron Frontier Pre-War is fully proofed for modern SAAMI-spec .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. I've run 158-grain jacketed soft points at 1250 fps through my test unit with no mechanical issues. The cylinder is heat-treated 4140 steel and the frame uses the same metallurgy as the original pre-war design, which was originally rated for black powder pressures.
- Does it fit a standard Colt Single Action Army holster?
- Yes, the external dimensions are dimensionally identical to a pre-war Colt SAA with a 5.5-inch barrel. It will drop into any holster milled for a 'Colt Peacemaker' or 'SAA' pattern. My test sample fit perfectly in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster designed for a 5.5-inch Colt. Holsters for 4.75-inch or 7.5-inch barrels will not fit correctly.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days once the order clears the 4473 background check and the dealer's license is verified. The revolver ships from the distributor via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Ironclad Armory processes most in-stock orders within 48 hours during normal business days.
- Can I return it if the finish is defective?
- Returns for manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship are accepted within 30 days of receipt, but the firearm must be unfired and in original packaging. Cosmetic issues like uneven case-coloring must be documented with photos within 48 hours of FFL pickup. Cimarron Firearms handles warranty repairs directly; typical turnaround for refinishing is 6-8 weeks.
- Does this work with a .38 Special only conversion?
- No conversion is needed—the revolver ships from the factory with a single cylinder chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. It uses the same 0.357-inch bore diameter for both cartridges. Do not attempt to fit a dedicated .38 Special cylinder, as timing and headspace are specific to this frame. Firing .38 Special requires only a change in ammunition, not hardware.
- Is it drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- No, the top strap is not drilled and tapped for any optics mounting system, per the pre-war design specification. The frame lacks the material thickness for secure tapping, and modifying it would destroy historical correctness and likely void the warranty. This is a fixed-sight revolver only.