Which Cimarron?

[chaim]

OK, I'm looking into my next purchase and I have several options. For those that are very different, or for types of guns, it is easy (well, easier) to decide between them. However, some get so close that it is very tough.

Anyway, there are three types of Cimarrons that I am considering. Which would you suggest and why?

I was looking at the 1872 Open Top. Absolutely beautiful gun, and different, but with just a very narrow sight notch. I could get it in .44 Russian (.44Colt), .45 Schofield, 44-40 (I think) or .44Spl.

I'm also considering the Artillery Model or a used Model P in .45 Colt or (if new) I might also consider .357mag (I have a few .357s and it could share ammo with them). The Artillery Model, while basically a standard SAA clone like what everyone has, is at least a little different. The Model P is, well, a pretty standard SAA clone, but since I'm considering a used one it is fairly cheap. These are pretty nice and they are pretty guns.

I'm also considering a Remington 1875 clone. I can't find it on the website, I don't know if they just don't have it up, if it is brand new to them so it isn't up yet or if it is discontinued. Anyway, this still has the classic "old west" look to it, while it is also a little different. Being an owner of a blackpowder 1858 New Army clone I am a fan of the Remington look and this one looks great. It is also in .45LC.

Any favorites? Are any of these really any better or worse than the others?

Also, if it is significantly better or worse I am considering a EMF clone instead. Any feedback on them?

If I make this purchase it will likely be in the next few days (I need to set up the transfer of the M57 I bought online earlier this month).

 

[popeye]

I just bought a 4 3/4" AWA Peacekeeper in .45. It was around $500. CDNN has some deals on AWA's but none in the config. I wanted. I can vouch for AWA's fit, finish, and attention to detail. EMF makes some guns with temping prices, but the grip frame is brass that is black nickel plated. EMF has a few levels of quality (other than brass frame) and naturally price follows level. I had 2 of the EMF's with black plated frames I bought 2 yrs. ago for $299 ea. (pic attached) but sold them wanting something a little better. The open tops are (obviously) copies of cap n ball conversions, and I wonder about durability in anything but .38 special. But I'm certainly no expert.

 

[MrAcheson]

Not sure if Cimmaron carries Remmies. It was my understanding that only EMF really carries them of the major Uberti importers.

Truth is all these guns are made by Uberti. Each importer has slightly different specs, but there is probably a lot of overlap in quality. For a while cimmaron had trouble with their nickle finish blowing off, but I think their general fit and finish might be better than the average EMF.

 

[chaim]

You know, that just might explain why I couldn't find it on the Cimarron website, the Remington clone may have been one of the EMFs. If so the fit and finish (as well as price) seemed comparable to the Cimarrons in the store, at least for that particular model.

 

[MrAcheson]

If you really want a good answer, talk to the folks at the SASS wire. The Single Action shooters do a lot more with these than any of us are likely to.

 

[DonP]

1873 in 45 ACP and 45 LC

I have their 1873 with two cylinders and the 5.5 inch barrel.

One cylinder is 45 ACP which is dirt cheap to shoot and practice with and the other is 45 Colt (Long Colt).

It takes about a minute or less to switch out the cylinders.

FYI Cimmarrons are Uberti made, (and now part of Benelli I believe?) Mine has a very nice finish and, with just a little tuning, has a smoother action than any Colt I've handled, IMHO.

Good luck.

Don P.

 

[Josey]

Basically, Cimmaron has a higher EXTERIOR fit and finish standard. The internal actions are standard Uberti. The Uberti company sold out to Beretta. Uberti has a no compete clause that keeps them from producing a single action Colt clone. Beretta produces a Colt/Ruger clone called the Stampede. QC is poor and I put them in the EAA class of single actions. The company with the better QC and choices would be Gibbs/Navy Arms. I would look into a 45 LC conversion cylinder from R&D for your 58 Remington myself. This converts a BP 58 44 caliber Remington into a 45 LC revolver. There is no transfer, BATF paperwork or waiting period for these conversions. JMNSHO.

 

[chaim]

Josey, while there are still a few Rugers around that were here prior to Jan 1 and there are a small number of other guns, Cimarron are pretty much the only MD legal new single actions. We have the built-in lock law (any gun made after Jan 1, 2003 must have a built-in lock) and Cimarron is the only maker of single actions that has something that passed. If I want something else, but I'm flexible about what I want (or wait a while for something specific), I might find a used gun (or left over new gun) made before the first of the year (and if new, it also must have a factory provided fired shell casing). Living in MD with the built-in lock law and shell casing law doesn't give us many choices when looking at new guns. Anyway, I like the Cimarron anyway. They seem pretty nice, finish is good, most internet reports have been favorable. Even before the lock law I planned on one of these (or the stronger Ruger) as my first SA revolver. The only thing that might change that is that Remington clone EMF (I love the Remington look).

 

[MrAcheson]

Or the Hartford Arms '75 and '90 Remingtons. They're more expensive than the EMF/Uberti models, but they are a true remmie clone unlike the ubertis which are Remmie-Colt bastards.