The Cimarron Firearms 1851 Richards-Mason "Wild Bill" is a single-action revolver chambered in .38 Special, built around the Richards-Mason conversion design that updated cap-and-ball Navy revolvers to accept metallic cartridges. This model carries the "Wild Bill" designation, referencing the engraved pattern that ties the gun to Old West history. At 7.5 inches of barrel and 13.5 inches overall, it has the long-barreled profile associated with the original Hickok revolvers. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Cimarron Firearms 
• Model: 1851 Richards-Mason "Wild Bill" 
• Type: Revolver 
• Caliber: .38 SPL 
• Barrel Length: 7.5 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 2.75 lbs 
• Finish: Blued Steel Frame with Wood Grips 
• Overall Length: 13.5 inches 
• Sights: Fixed 
   

Features 

 
The blued steel frame is period-correct in appearance and offers decent corrosion resistance with basic maintenance. Fixed sights keep the design authentic to the original. The engraved "Wild Bill" motif is what sets this variant apart from Cimarron's standard 1851 Richards-Mason offerings, making it a natural draw for collectors focused on Old West iconography. At 2.75 lbs it handles well for a 7.5-inch revolver, and the .38 Special chambering keeps recoil manageable. 
 
The conversion design means the cylinder loads from the right side via a loading gate, as on the originals. It is mechanically a single-action, requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot.

Discussion around the Cimarron 1851 "Wild Bill" .38 SPL tends to split between historical interest and shooting practicality. Collectors value the period-correct aesthetics and the Wild Bill connection. The blued finish gets consistent praise for how it looks.

On the shooting side, users generally report smooth action and reliable performance at the range, with .38 Special recoil being mild enough for extended sessions. Cowboy action shooters in particular seem to appreciate the authentic single-action feel.

The more practical concerns usually come down to value. Buyers weigh the collector premium against how often they actually plan to shoot it versus display it. Most who buy it knowing what it is come away satisfied; occasional disappointment comes from buyers expecting a more modern shooting experience from a historically-styled gun.

Overall sentiment is positive, with the biggest variable being whether the buyer is primarily a collector, a cowboy action shooter, or somewhere in between.