The Cimarron Thunderer is a single-action revolver in .45 Colt with a 3.5-inch barrel, color case-hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder, and a birdshead walnut grip. It weighs 2.37 lbs and holds 6 rounds. The birdshead grip profile is shorter and more compact than a standard plow-handle grip, which changes the hand position and recoil feel. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Barrel Length: 3.5 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 2.37 lbs 
• Action Type: Single Action Only 
• Finish: Color case-hardened frame; blued barrel and cylinder 
• Grip Material: Birdshead walnut 
• Sights: Wide front 
   

Detailed Features 

• Single-action mechanism requires manual hammer cocking before each shot; this is standard for the cowboy-action and historical reproduction market this revolver targets. 
   
• Color case-hardened frame is produced using traditional bone/charcoal case hardening, which creates the mottled blue/gray/orange finish associated with original Colt and Winchester production. 
   
• 3.5-inch barrel is shorter than a standard SAA 4.75-inch barrel, making the gun more compact for carry while giving up some velocity on .45 Colt loads. 
   
• Wide front sight aids quick target acquisition on a short-barreled revolver. 
   

Usage 

 
A cowboy action shooting revolver and collector piece. The birdshead grip and short barrel are historically associated with the Thunderer variant of the 1877 Colt Lightning/Thunderer, but this is a single-action rather than double-action. .45 Colt generates substantial recoil in a 2.37 lb revolver, manageable at cowboy action velocities but noticeable.

The Cimarron Thunderer in .45 Colt draws positive feedback from cowboy action shooters and historical revolver collectors, with some practical concerns noted alongside the enthusiasm.

The compact size and birdshead grip design are frequently praised for handling and carry comfort. The classic aesthetic (color case hardening, blued cylinder and barrel, walnut grips) gets consistent compliments from both collectors and competitive shooters who want a period-correct look. The single-action operation is smooth per most accounts, which matters in cowboy action where the trigger pull directly affects time.

Weight and recoil come up as the main practical concerns. At 2.37 lbs with a short barrel, .45 Colt produces noticeable recoil, and some shooters find extended sessions fatiguing compared to a standard-frame SAA. Capacity at 6 rounds draws mention from users thinking about self-defense applications, though this is a competition and collector piece rather than a defensive firearm. Price relative to similar single-action imports is occasionally discussed.