The Cimarron Frontier Pre-War 1896-1940 is a .357 Magnum / .38 Special single-action revolver with a 4.75-inch barrel and 6-round capacity. It weighs approximately 2.50 lbs (40 oz) and has a blued barrel with a color case-hardened frame. The one-piece walnut grip and wide fixed front sights are consistent with the pre-war SAA design period. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Cimarron 
• Model Name: Frontier Pre-War 1896-1940 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.75 inches 
• Weight: 2.50 lbs (approx. 40 oz) 
• Finish: Blued barrel with Color Case Hardened frame 
• Grip Material: Walnut 
   

Detailed Features 

The blued barrel and color case-hardened frame give the Frontier its two-tone period look. The one-piece walnut grip is traditional and comfortable. Wide front sights make target acquisition fast at typical shooting distances. 
 
The single-action operation requires cocking the hammer before each shot. This is part of the design, not a limitation. The .357 Magnum chambering accepts .38 Special loads for lower-cost practice or reduced recoil shooting. 
 

Target Audience 

Collectors of pre-war SAA revolvers, cowboy action shooters who need an authentic-profile revolver, and sport shooters who prefer single-action mechanics. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Sport Shooting Competitions: Reliable action and accurate barrel work well for target events. 
• Recreational Shooting: Suitable for casual range sessions with .38 Special loads. 
• Historical Re-enactments and Cowboy Action Shooting: The pre-war profile and finishes suit period-correct events.

The Cimarron Frontier Pre-War draws appreciation from traditional revolver enthusiasts and practical feedback from users who approach it as a functional firearm.

The classic design is the primary draw for most buyers. The blued and case-hardened two-tone finish is consistently praised for its authentic appearance, and the walnut grips get good marks for feel and look. Cowboy action shooters and history-focused collectors are the most vocal supporters.

Performance feedback is positive. Most owners report reliable function and good accuracy with both .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads. The single-action trigger is described as smooth and satisfying by owners who are comfortable with the format.

Practical concerns are honest and predictable. Single-action operation requires deliberate handling that isn't for everyone, and shooters coming from double-action revolvers or semi-autos sometimes note the loading and shooting cadence takes adjustment. At approximately 40 oz, some users find the weight tiring for extended carry, though many others see it as reassuring.

Overall the Frontier Pre-War is seen as a well-crafted SAA-style revolver that rewards buyers who specifically want the single-action experience and traditional aesthetics.

The finish on this revolver looks great, and both the trigger and hammer operate smoothly with little effort. Unfortunately, mine has a serious ignition problem that overshadows those positive qualities. Roughly every third round fails because the hammer strike is too light. That frequency makes the issue especially frustrating rather than an occasional nuisance. I will have a gunsmith correct it, but it should not have required that attention in the first place.