Cimarron Lightning
Cimarron Firearms · Revolver · In Production
Also known as: Cimarron Lightning SA, Lightning Model P Jr
Overview
The Cimarron Lightning is a small-frame single-action revolver styled after the 19th-century Colt Model 1877 Lightning. Chambered in .38 Special with a six-round cylinder, it pairs a color case-hardened steel frame with a blued barrel and cylinder and a one-piece birdshead walnut grip. Cimarron offers the Lightning in several barrel lengths (3.5, 4.75, 5.5 and 6.5 inches), giving the look and heft of the original pocket revolvers with modern single-action reliability. It is popular with Cowboy Action Shooting competitors and Old West enthusiasts.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 830 g (29.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Barrel Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Action Type | Single Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Birdshead Grip, Exposed Hammer, Fixed Sights, One Piece Grip, Color Case Hardened Frame
Variants
- Cimarron Lightning CA980 (3.5 in.) - Barrel Length
- Cimarron Lightning CA982 (5.5 in.) - Barrel Length
- Cimarron Lightning Dual Cylinder (.38 Special / 9mm) - Dual Cylinder
Service history
Operators
- Cowboy Action Shooting competitors
Production
Current-production reproduction; part numbers CA980 (3.5 in.), CA981 (4.75 in.), CA982 (5.5 in.)
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Mike B. Harvey
Notes
Cimarron's Lightning renders the historically double-action Colt 1877 as a single-action design. A dual-cylinder version adds a 9mm cylinder alongside the .38 Special. Manufactured for Cimarron in Italy (Uberti/Pietta).
Background
The original Colt Lightning of 1877 was Colt's first double-action revolver and a favored small-frame pocket gun of the Old West; Cimarron revives its slim birdshead-gripped profile as an easy-handling single-action.