Description
The Cimarron Model P 44-40 Pre-War (Cimarron model MP420) is a 4.75-inch, six-shot single-action revolver chambered for the historic 44-40 Winchester, finished in standard blue with a color case frame and walnut grip on the 1896-1940 style frame.
Cimarron Model P 44-40 Pre-War Overview
The Model P is Cimarron’s top-line 1873 Single Action Army replica, made in Italy with closer fit and finish than entry-level clones. This version uses the later frame Colt introduced in 1896, which holds the cylinder pin with a spring-loaded cross latch on the front of the frame rather than the earlier screw. The 4.75-inch barrel is the short, handy length many gunfighters preferred, and it carries well on the belt or in a saddle holster.
A Cartridge with History
The 44-40, originally marketed as the 44 WCF, arrived with the Winchester 1873 rifle, and Colt soon chambered the Single Action Army to match. Frontier travellers liked carrying one round for both guns, and that pairing is still popular with cowboy shooters today. The bottlenecked case seals the chamber well, which keeps the front of the cylinder cleaner with both smokeless and traditional propellants.
Shooting Characteristics
With typical 200-grain lead cowboy loads, recoil is mild and the gun is comfortable for long practice sessions. The short barrel makes the revolver quick to point and fast from leather. Sights are fixed, a groove in the topstrap and a blade on the barrel, so it pays to try a few loads to find one that prints to your sights. Shooting black powder loads produces impressive smoke and requires same-day cleaning.
Fit and Finish
The barrel, cylinder and grip frame wear a deep standard blue, and the frame and hammer show color case patterns that are unique to every gun. The walnut grip may carry a Cimarron medallion as shown. Gallery photos show a 4.75-inch Pre-War Model P with the same finish for reference and may not show this exact caliber. Expect honest wear from holster use over time, just like the originals.
Ammunition and Reloading
44-40 factory ammunition is less common than 45 Colt or 38 Special, and prices are higher, so many owners reload. The brass is thin at the neck, which makes careful sizing and a good crimp important. Use only ammunition loaded to revolver pressures; some older rifle-only loads are hotter than a single-action revolver should see. 44 Special and 44 Magnum are different cartridges and will not work in this gun.
Honest Caveats
Ammunition cost and availability are the main drawbacks of the 44-40. Fixed sights may not suit every load. The color case finish is attractive but thinner than modern finishes and can fade with heavy handling or harsh solvents. A traditional single action loads and unloads one round at a time and is not a practical defensive handgun. Holsters for a 4.75-inch 1873 pattern revolver are easy to find.
State Laws and Ownership
Handgun rules vary by state. Some states require a permit, purchase license or waiting period, and a few maintain approved handgun rosters, though many single-action revolvers qualify for exemptions. Pennsylvania buyers complete handgun transfers through a licensed dealer with a state background check. Confirm local laws before ordering.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cimarron Firearms (made in Italy)
- Model: Model P, MP420
- UPC: 814230010681
- Caliber: 44-40 Winchester
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel: 4.75 in.
- Frame: 1896 to 1940 style with cross-latch cylinder pin
- Finish: Standard blue, color case frame
- Grip: Walnut
- Sights: Fixed
Before You Buy
Federal law requires handgun buyers to be at least 21 years old to buy from a licensed dealer and to pass a background check. This revolver ships to your local FFL for transfer.
Who It Is For
The Cimarron Model P 44-40 Pre-War is a great fit for cowboy shooters and collectors who want a quick-handling 44-40 single action to pair with a lever gun in the same chambering.
Buy the Cimarron Model P 44-40 Pre-War at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Cimarron Model P 44-40 Pre-War 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.
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