The Cimarron Richards-Mason 1851 Navy Conversion is a single-action .38 Special revolver with a 7.5-inch blued barrel, color case-hardened steel frame, and one-piece walnut grip. It holds 6 rounds and weighs 2.83 lbs. 
 
Key Specifications 

• Brand: Cimarron 
• Model Name: 1851 Richards-Mason Navy Conversion 
• Caliber: .38 Special 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 7.5 inches 
• Weight: 2.83 lbs 
• Sights: Brass Bead Front Sight 
• Grip Material: Walnut (1-Piece) 
• Finish: Barrel: Blued / Cylinder: Blued / Frame: Color Case Hardened Steel 
   
  Detailed Features 
  The Richards-Mason conversion pattern takes the 1851 Navy cap-and-ball frame and adapts it to fire metallic cartridges, which is exactly what armorers did historically in the 1870s. The single-action mechanism produces a crisp trigger break. The 7.5-inch barrel provides a long sight radius that helps with accuracy, and the brass bead front sight picks up well under different lighting conditions. The walnut grip delivers a traditional one-piece feel. 
   
  Usage Scenarios 
  This revolver is built for cowboy action shooting and historical reenactment where authentic 19th-century appearance matters. It also works for recreational target shooting where shooting a conversion-era revolver is the draw. Collectors who focus on the Civil War and post-war period will find the 1851 Navy heritage directly relevant.

Owners and enthusiasts consistently note the historical significance and the quality of the period-correct aesthetics. The 1851 Navy conversion format is appreciated by those who know the history, and craftsmanship comments are generally positive.

On the practical side, single-action operation with 6 rounds limits the revolver for any modern defensive role, which most discussion participants acknowledge is not its purpose. Some discussion addresses the additional maintenance common to revolvers with case-hardened parts. The .38 Special caliber is seen as a good balance for new and experienced shooters: controllable recoil with enough effectiveness for target work and casual plinking.