Cimarron Firearms
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Arms industry |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Mike Harvey |
| Headquarters | Fredericksburg, Texas , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Mike Harvey |
| Products | Replica firearms (handguns and long guns) |
Number of employees | 10 |
Cimarron Firearms is a U.S.-based importer specializing in replica firearms spanning from the American Civil War era through the conclusion of the Old West period. Established in 1984 by Mike Harvey in Houston, Texas, the company’s main office is currently located in Fredericksburg, Texas. Operating within the Arms industry, Cimarron collaborates with Italian manufacturers Uberti and Davide Pedersoli to produce replicas crafted according to its precise standards. Uberti supplies revolvers, lever-action rifles, the 1885 single-shot falling block rifle, and shotguns, while Pedersoli focuses on rolling block and falling block single-shot rifles. In 2011, Cimarron partnered with Armscor to produce a pre-World War II style 1911 semiautomatic pistol.
Known for meticulous craftsmanship, Cimarron's firearms have been featured in Western cinema and are highly regarded by collectors, reenactors, and competitive shooters. Multiple models have earned accolades from True West Magazine's "Best of the West" awards. The business generates annual revenues in the millions and employs approximately ten staff members. Its subsidiary, Texas Jack's Wild West Outfitters, specializes in period-appropriate apparel and accessories tailored for film productions and reenactment enthusiasts.
History
Replica Arms was founded by Leonard Frank Allen in El Paso in 1962, initially offering Colt 1847 Army replicas produced by Armi San Marco. After selling Replica Arms in 1965 and relocating to Santa Fe, Allen established Western Arms; however, after a legal dispute with Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the firm was renamed Allen Arms.
Cimarron Firearms began its journey in 1977 under the name "Bigfoot," operating as a muzzleloading shop and sporting goods retailer owned by Mike Harvey in Houston. Amid economic downturn during the early 1980s Texas oil crisis, Harvey diversified into Old West replica firearms through a partnership with Allen Arms to import Uberti revolvers from Italy.
Unhappy with manufacturing flaws such as oversized frames and prominent proof marks, Harvey collaborated closely with Uberti to enhance production standards. Improvements included better forging techniques, refined metal polishing, case hardening processes, and repositioning proof marks to less visible locations. This cooperation secured Cimarron's edge in delivering historically accurate reproductions.
Cimarron was among the first to apply antique finishes on contemporary firearms, particularly charcoal-bone case hardening performed both overseas and after importation. Firearms expert John Taffin credits Cimarron alongside Navy Arms for revitalizing authenticity in replica period guns. The company further advanced antique metal finishes by incorporating engraving styles faithful to the era, boosting appeal among collectors and aficionados.
Texas Jack's Wild West Outfitters—named for Texas Jack Omohundro—functions as a retail division offering Cimarron firearms alongside era-specific clothing and accessories designed for film productions and Old West reenactments.
Handguns
The Model P stands as Cimarron's premier offering, modeled after the iconic Colt Peacemaker. As an early supporter of SASS and Cowboy Action Shooting, Cimarron produces specialized competition variants such as the "Evil Roy," developed according to Gene Pearcey’s design criteria. The company was first to introduce a stainless steel exact replica of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver that maintains original dimensions while improving sighting with a slightly broader front sight and a narrower rear notch. Additionally, Cimarron launched the Lightning SA model featuring the first single-action revolver with a barrel under four inches equipped with an ejector rod.
In addition to Colt replicas, Cimarron imports exclusive reproductions of transitional pistols that bridge black powder and cartridge periods, including the Richards Conversion, Richards-Mason Conversion, and Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top revolvers. In 2011, Cimarron broadened its lineup by introducing a replica of the original pre-1923 Colt Model 1911, manufactured by Armscor specifically for "Wild Bunch" shooting competitions.
Among non-Colt handguns, the most sought-after model is the Remington Model 1875 revolver. While Cimarron formerly offered reproductions of the Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver, this particular model has since been discontinued.
Long guns
Cimarron provides a collection of approximately twenty-four replicas of 19th-century rifles manufactured by Uberti, including several Henry rifle models and Winchester lever-action carbines such as the 1866 Yellowboy, 1873 Winchester, and Winchester Model 1892. A unique feature of the 1873 Trapper is its patented magazine spring and follower design, which increases capacity to 10 rounds instead of the usual 9, offering an edge in competitive shooting.
Additionally, the firm produces a centerfire reproduction of the Civil War-era Spencer rifle, chambered for cartridges like the .45 Colt. Exclusive single-shot Sharps rifle models and High and Low Wall rifles, crafted by Pedersoli and Uberti, showcase custom-cut rifling that is polished to enhance precision.
Movie firearms
Cimarron’s replica firearms have appeared in numerous high-profile films, including the 2010 True Grit remake, Unforgiven, Lonesome Dove, Far and Away, The Lone Ranger (2013), and Young Guns II. This presence underscores the company's significant role in delivering authentic period weaponry for cinema. In 2010, Joey Dillon, Cimarron’s "Corporate Exhibition Shooter," coached Josh Brolin for his role in Jonah Hex and supplied all the revolvers used on set.
More than seventy Cimarron guns were featured in Back to the Future Part III, while twenty-six replica Colt Paterson revolvers were provided for James A. Michener's Texas. Leonardo DiCaprio wielded specially nickel-plated Cimarron Single Action revolvers in the 1995 film The Quick and the Dead. Cimarron also supplied functional prop firearms for AMC’s Hell on Wheels and the movie Open Range (2003).
Among its cinematic replicas, Cimarron offers the "Wyatt Earp Buntline," modeled after Uberti’s version used by Kurt Russell in Tombstone (1993), featuring a 10-inch barrel and silver badge inlay. Other notable reproductions include the "Holy Smoker" from 3:10 to Yuma (2007) and Clint Eastwood’s iconic "Man With No Name" revolver. While some observers have pointed out historical inaccuracies in these replicas, Cimarron emphasizes their fidelity to on-screen representations.
Cimarron was also a pioneer in importing a Sharps rifle replica as seen in Quigley Down Under, further solidifying its leading position in movie-related firearm reproductions.
Shooting sports
Cimarron produces firearms favored within the realm of cowboy action shooting and actively sponsors the all-female "Cimarron Firearms Team of World Champions" competing in cowboy mounted shooting. This reflects the company’s early commitment and strategic engagement with this specialized sporting community.
Best of the West Awards
Cimarron's offerings have repeatedly secured "Best of the West" honors from True West Magazine, consistently outperforming major competitors such as Colt and Ruger. Key achievements include:
- 2014: Cimarron 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun .410 (Editor's Choice), 1887 Hammered Coach Gun (Reader's Choice), and 1886 Winchester replica (Best Cowboy Action Rifle).
- 2013: 1878 Coach Gun (Best Cowboy Action Shotgun), Thunderstorm revolver (Best New Western Gun).
- 2012: 1873 Rifle (Best Repeating Rifle).
- 2011: 1873 Replica Lever Action Rifle (Best Cowboy Action Gun).
- 2010: Replica 1876 Winchester NWMP Carbine (Best Firearm of the West).
- 2005–2006: Richards-Mason 1851 Navy Conversion (Best Cartridge Conversion Revolver Reproduction).
- 2004: 1860 Richards-Mason Army conversion (Best Cartridge Conversion Revolver Reproduction); Model 1873 Single Action Army (Reader's Choice, Best Single Action Army Reproduction).
- 2003: Model 1873 Single Action Army; Arms 1872 Open Top and 1851 Navy .36-Caliber won Best Cartridge Conversion Revolver and Best Cap and Ball Revolver Reproductions respectively.
These awards highlight Cimarron's strong competitive position and influence within the western firearms market segment, reinforcing its brand reputation and ongoing business expansion.