Cimarron 1858 New Army or ??? Opinions

[Redcoat3340]

I picked up a Uberti Colt SAA replica. My first single action "cowboy" pistol. I liked it. A bunch.

So I'm thinking of another single action revolver. But need some guidance.

My current inclination is for a Cimarron 1858 New Army .38 Special. I like .38 special 'cause all my other revolvers are 38s (99% S&Ws); it's cheap and universally available, and it's easy to reload.

I don't want another SAA look-alike and the New Army has a distinctive look and a lot of history. Uberti has a decent reputation for quality and I believe parts are available.

So my question is....is this a good choice? I will not be action shooting, it's for the range and plinking. Prices seem affordable for me (under $500) and they seem to be around.

Anything special to look for, for this type of gun? Any other options I should look for? (Schofields aren't affordable at around $900.)

Suggestions? Comments?

 

[Fiv3r]

I don't have first hand experience with that gun, but the 1858 is a great gun. I have two .44 black powder versions of the 1858, and they are my favorite BP revolvers to shoot.

The uberti fund always seem to be well made. So for a light use .38 special in a historical pattern without the mess of black powder...sure, why not

 

[JONWILL]

I like the top strap in the Remington. In black powder it was a problem due to fouling and slow to change the cylinder compare to the Colt

In 38 Special it would be a fantastic gun

 

[Hasaf]

First off, if you like it, it is a good choice (meaning there are no OMG! Stay away from that one! that I am aware of). For me, I am looking at an open top. Of course, it will only see light loads.

Frankly, it depends on whether my daughter gets a .38 snubbie that she is looking at; there may be a day that I get my Makarov back. If she does get it then I will be reloading .38 (She cooks some really complex breads that I like, I can reload for her). If I am relaoding .38 then it will make sense for me to get something to shoot those reloads with.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

I like the top strap in the Remington. In black powder it was a problem due to fouling and slow to change the cylinder compare to the Colt

??????

In my experience it is much faster to pop the cylinder out of a Remington than a Colt. Put it at half cock, drop the loading lever, pull the cylinder pin and roll out the cylinder. Reverse to put it back in. Much faster than driving the wedge out of a Colt and pulling off the barrel. But you are correct that the Remington design binds up from BP fouling faster than a Colt.

Anyway, I have a friend who has a pair of the 1858 Conversions. Can't remember now if they are chambered for 45 Colt or 44-40. He only shoots them with Black Powder and likes them fine.

I did not know they were available chambered for 38 Special. Learn something every day.

 

[bannockburn]

Driftwood

I have one of the .38 Special conversion cylinders for my Pietta New Model Navy. It required just the tiniest amount of fitting to get it in place (thanks to the friendly and helpful folks at Howell's Old West Conversions). Works great and is very easy to use.

 

[bannockburn]

Redcoat3340

I have the Beretta Stampede version of the Uberti SAA replica and I like it a lot too! I also have a Pietta Remington New Model Navy in .36 caliber that I have a Howell Old West Conversions .38 Special cylinder for. Both revolvers (and the conversion cylinder), are well made, nicely finished, and a whole bunch of fun to take to the range!

 

[CraigC]

Given serious thought to picking up a 5.5" .45 myself. So many guns, so little time.

 

[BobWright]

For a fun shooting revolver with an old time look, I can certainly recommend the Open Top Navy .38 from Cimarron:



I've had no experience with the Remington replicas, but this little gun is a great plinking revolver. You won't get hair splitting accuracy out to the thing, but with mild .38 Specials, it is pure joy!

These Open Tops come in a variety of barrel lengths, and in .44 Special, and, I think, .45 Colt. There is an Army version which is identical except for the grip straps, and has the 7 1/2" barrel oonly.

The .38 Special (and .38 Colt) is, with my moderate handloads, next thing to a .22 revolver, with the bonus of reloadable cases.

Bob Wright

 

[BobWright]

One more thought on conversions, from my observations:

The Colt style conversions usually have the breech ring that allows rod ejection without having to remove the cylinder. The Remington replica conversions usually have a two piece cylinder with a backplate that requires the cylinder be removed for loading/ejecting.

Give consideration to the conversion before committing to purchase.

Bob Wright