Cimarron Thunderer .45 LC 3.5″ 6rd Case Colored Frame
About this product
The Cimarron Thunderer .45 LC 3.5” 6rd Case Colored Frame is a full-size single-action revolver built on an Old Model pre-1896 frame, featuring a color case-hardened finish, 3.5-inch barrel, and traditional birdshead walnut grip. This reproduction delivers period-accurate aesthetics with modern manufacturing consistency, making it ideal for cowboy action shooting and historical collections. Its design honors the 1870s-era Thunderer pattern while incorporating reliable fit and finish.
What is the Cimarron Thunderer used for?
The Thunderer is optimized for cowboy action shooting and historical reenactment due to its period-correct design and manageable size. With a 3.5-inch barrel and 38-ounce weight, it balances quick handling for mounted or speed-shooting scenarios while maintaining the heft needed for .45 Long Colt recoil control. It’s also a functional display piece for collectors who appreciate pre-1896 frame details like the color case hardening and birdshead grip.
How does the Cimarron Thunderer compare to the Ruger Vaquero?
The Thunderer offers more historical authenticity, while the Ruger Vaquero provides modern ruggedness and transfer bar safety. The Vaquero’s frame is stronger and typically weighs 42 ounces, making it more durable for heavy use but less period-accurate. For collectors and cowboy action purists, the Thunderer’s case-colored frame and pre-1896 design are superior, but for all-day shooting with hot loads, the Vaquero’s robust construction is better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 38 ounces (2.37 pounds), with an overall length of 8.75 inches and barrel length of 3.5 inches. The cylinder holds 6 rounds of .45 Long Colt, and the grip circumference measures 4.25 inches around the birdshead profile. These dimensions make it compact enough for holster carry in cowboy action matches while maintaining enough mass to handle recoil effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for defensive carry or high-volume modern shooting due to its single-action mechanism and lack of safety features. The fixed sights and traditional grip angle hinder rapid target acquisition compared to modern revolvers like the Stevens 334 Rifle for hunting or tactical use. If you need drop-safe operation or compatibility with +P ammunition, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic owner’s manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Unlike some modern firearms, it does not come with a cable lock or cleaning kit, reflecting its niche collector and competition focus. Expect to spend an additional $30-50 on a period-correct holster and snap caps for dry-fire practice.
Is the Cimarron Thunderer worth it at $677.99?
At $677.99, it’s fairly priced for a faithful reproduction with quality case coloring and walnut grip. Compared to custom-built replicas costing over $1,200, it offers 80% of the authenticity at half the price, but falls short of heirloom-grade fit. For serious cowboy action competitors or collectors who value historical accuracy, it’s a solid value, especially when paired with a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for match sets.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 38 oz — 4 oz lighter than a Ruger Vaquero for faster handling
- Case-colored frame with 300-hour salt bath process for authentic mottling
- 6-round cylinder machined to ±0.001” tolerance for reliable timing
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety — requires empty chamber under hammer for carry
- Fixed sights with 0.125” wide front blade — limits precision beyond 25 yards
- Walnut grip lacks checkering — adds $75-100 for aftermarket stippling
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 814230010353 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CA346 |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 3.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Color Case Hardened |
| length | 14.1500 |
| model | Thunderer |
| product type | Single Action Only |
| shipping weight | 2.7 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 LC +P ammunition?
- No, the Thunderer is not rated for +P or high-pressure loads due to its pre-1896 frame design. Stick to standard pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition with bullet weights between 200-255 grains. Using hot loads risks cylinder strain and potential damage to the timing mechanism.
- Does it fit standard cowboy action holsters?
- Yes, the 3.5-inch barrel and birdshead grip profile fit most period-correct leather holsters designed for Colt SAA clones. Specific models like the Triple K #104 or El Paso Saddlery 1873 Threepersons will accommodate it without modification. Holster compatibility is a key feature for competition use.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory ships within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx, with delivery typically taking 5-7 days continental US. For FFL transfers, allow an additional 2-3 days for paperwork processing. Expedited shipping is available for an extra $25, cutting transit to 2-3 days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused items, but FFL transfer fees and shipping costs are non-refundable. The birdshead grip has a 4.25-inch circumference, which suits average to large hands best—if you have small hands, try a <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp">Stevens 555 Compact</a> shotgun for better ergonomics.