Cimarron 1872 Open Top Army 45 Colt 7.5 in. Nickel – Superb Frontier Revolver

Description

The Cimarron 1872 Open Top Army 45 Colt (Cimarron model CA916N00) is a nickel-finished, 7.5-inch single-action revolver that recreates one of the first purpose-built cartridge sixguns of the American frontier, here chambered for the 45 Colt.

Cimarron 1872 Open Top Army 45 Colt Overview

Colt built the original Open Top for only a couple of years in the early 1870s, bridging the gap between the cap-and-ball revolvers of the Civil War and the 1873 Single Action Army. It kept the graceful lines of the 1860 Army, with no top strap over the cylinder, but fired self-contained metallic cartridges. Cimarron’s replica is made in Italy by Uberti and copies that layout closely, adding a bright nickel finish over the frame, barrel and cylinder and fitting 1860 Army-sized one-piece walnut grips.

Design and Handling

Because the barrel attaches to the frame with a wedge and arbor rather than a top strap, the Open Top points and balances more like a percussion Colt than a Peacemaker. The long 7.5-inch round barrel gives a generous sight radius, and the larger Army grip fills the hand better than the smaller Navy grip on some conversions. The rear sight is a notch at the top of the hammer and the front is a fixed blade, so expect to adjust your hold rather than your sights if your ammunition prints off point of aim.

Nickel Finish and Walnut

Nickel plating is harder-wearing than traditional bluing and resists rust from sweaty hands, which makes it a practical choice for a revolver that will actually be carried and shot. It also photographs beautifully next to the warm oil-finished walnut. The trade-off is that nickel can show fine scratches and can lift or flake if it is abused or cleaned with harsh abrasive products, so use a soft cloth and a quality gun oil rather than metal polish.

Shooting the 45 Colt

The 45 Colt is the classic frontier cartridge and is still widely loaded. For this revolver, stick to standard-pressure lead loads such as the soft cowboy ammunition sold for matches. Heavy hunting loads designed for modern Ruger or Freedom Arms revolvers are not appropriate for an open-top frame and can damage the gun or injure the shooter. Kept to sensible loads, the gun is pleasant to shoot, with a gentle push rather than a sharp snap.

Range and Competition Use

The Open Top is a legal and popular choice for many cowboy action shooting categories, and it stands out on the line among the more common Peacemaker clones. Like most traditional single actions it loads and unloads one chamber at a time through a loading gate, which is slow compared with a modern double action. Many owners load five rounds and rest the hammer on an empty chamber; read the Cimarron manual and follow the handling guidance for your specific revolver.

Honest Caveats

This is a reproduction of a historic design, not a modern carry gun. There is no top strap, so the frame is not as stiff as a Model P, and the wedge must be checked so it stays seated during long strings of fire. Fixed sights may not match every load. Holster options are more limited than for 1873 pattern revolvers, so plan on a holster cut for an 1860 Army with a 7.5-inch barrel. Resale value is solid but not at the level of original Colt collectibles.

State Laws and Ownership

Handgun purchase rules vary widely. Some states require a permit, license or waiting period before a handgun transfer, and a few maintain approved handgun rosters, although certain single-action revolvers qualify for exemptions. Pennsylvania handgun buyers complete the transfer through a licensed dealer with a state background check. Confirm your state and local requirements before ordering.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cimarron Firearms (made by Uberti, Italy)
• Model: 1872 Open Top Army, CA916N00
• UPC: 844234105007
• Caliber: 45 Colt
• Action: Single action
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Barrel: 7.5 in. round
• Finish: Nickel
• Grips: One-piece walnut, 1860 Army size
• Sights: Fixed blade front, hammer notch rear

Before You Buy

Federal law requires handgun buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase from a licensed dealer and to pass a background check. This revolver ships to your local FFL for transfer. Avoid +P or heavy hunting 45 Colt loads. Photos are representative of the nickel CA916N00 configuration.

Who It Is For

The Cimarron 1872 Open Top Army 45 Colt is a great fit for cowboy action shooters, Old West collectors and anyone who wants a distinctive, shootable piece of revolver history in 45 Colt.

Buy the Cimarron 1872 Open Top Army 45 Colt at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Cimarron 1872 Open Top Army 45 Colt online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more revolvers. For factory details, visit Cimarron Firearms.