The Cimarron Lightning CA980DC is a single-action revolver chambered in .38 Special, fitted with a 3.50-inch blued steel barrel and a 6-round cylinder. A second 9mm cylinder is included, allowing the shooter to swap calibers without additional tools. The frame is color case hardened steel, the barrel and cylinder are blued, and the grip is wood. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Cimarron 
• Model: Lightning CA980DC 
• Caliber: .38 Special / 9mm (dual cylinder) 
• Action: Single Action 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3.50 in 
• Color/Finish: Blued barrel and cylinder, color case hardened frame 
   

Detailed Features 

• Dual cylinder ships with the revolver for .38 Special and 9mm use 
• 3.50-inch blued steel barrel 
• Color case hardened steel frame 
• Wood grip panels 
• 6-round cylinder capacity

Owners of the Cimarron Lightning CA980DC tend to appreciate the dual-cylinder arrangement, which lets them run either .38 Special or 9mm depending on what is on hand. The color case hardened frame draws consistent praise for its classic appearance, and the wood grips are generally considered comfortable for a single-action revolver of this size.

The 3.50-inch barrel makes the Lightning compact among single-action platforms, and most owners use it as a range piece or a period-style carry option. Some find the action stiff out of the box and recommend a break-in period before the trigger smooths out to their preference. Trigger pull quality splits opinions, with part of the ownership base fully satisfied and another segment seeking a light action job.

Value opinions on the Lightning are measured. Shooters looking for an affordable entry into the single-action revolver category find the Cimarron price point reasonable. Others feel fit and finish on some examples could be tighter, particularly around cylinder gap and timing, and compare it unfavorably to higher-priced single-action options.