Cimarron 1872 Open Top .45 Long Colt Single Action Revolver - Model CA916

The Cimarron 1872 Open Top .45 Long Colt single action revolver brings authentic Old West design into your modern collection. Built as a faithful recreation of the iconic mid-1870s Army revolver, the Model CA916 captures the clean, purposeful lines that defined frontier-era revolvers—without the compromises of an actual antique. Whether you're a Cowboy Action Shooter, historical firearms enthusiast, or someone who appreciates genuine American gun-making tradition, this open-top .45 Colt delivers both period accuracy and reliable function.

The open-top frame design is the defining feature here. Unlike the enclosed top strap of later Peacemakers, this configuration gives the revolver a lighter, more elegant profile and allows cylinder removal without a separate pin. The case-hardened frame provides authentic color and a level of wear-resistance that looks right for the era. The standard blue finish on the barrel and cylinder strikes a balance between historically appropriate appearance and practical corrosion protection. A single piece walnut grip rounds out the profile with classic lines that fit naturally in the hand.

At 7½ inches, the barrel length hits the sweet spot for the era—long enough for velocity and sight radius, short enough to carry and handle in practical shooting. The .45 Long Colt chambering delivers stopping power and remains popular among Cowboy Action competitors and hunting applications. At 2.5 pounds, the revolver carries with minimal fatigue during extended shooting sessions or range days.

This isn't a museum piece masquerading as a shooter. Cimarron builds these revolvers to handle actual use—reloads, competition, and general shooting. If you want the authentic look and feel of 1872-era military hardware without paying collector prices or worrying about destroying original historical value, the Model CA916 delivers the genuine article.

Key Features

• Open-top frame design—lighter profile and period-correct appearance
• Case-hardened frame with authentic color
• .45 Long Colt caliber—proven for Cowboy Action and historical shooting
• 7½-inch barrel for balanced sight radius and velocity
• Single piece walnut grip for classic comfort and aesthetics
• Standard blue finish on barrel and cylinder
• Single action trigger mechanism

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between this open-top revolver and a standard Peacemaker?

The main distinction is the frame design. This 1872 Open Top lacks the enclosed top strap found on later single actions. That open design makes the revolver lighter and gives it the authentic appearance of early military revolvers. It also allows you to remove the cylinder without a separate pin, which some shooters find convenient for cleaning and maintenance.

Is the .45 Long Colt a good choice for hunting or Cowboy Action shooting?

Yes to both. The .45 Long Colt is the standard round for Cowboy Action competition and has a long history in hunting medium game. The 7½-inch barrel provides good velocity and sight radius. Ammunition is widely available and reloading data is well-documented if you want to handload.

How does the case-hardened frame compare to standard bluing?

Case hardening is a heat-treating process that creates a surface-hardened layer with distinctive color variations—typically blues, purples, and grays. It's historically accurate to the 1870s-era originals and provides wear resistance. The standard blue finish on the barrel and cylinder offers corrosion protection and a traditional appearance.

What's included and is this ready to shoot out of the box?

We've provided the revolver specifications, but for details on what's included in the box, warranty, or any additional accessories, please check the full product listing or contact us directly.