For Tennessee shooters who appreciate the heritage of the Old West, the Cimarron 1851 Navy Conversion Revolver offers a practical and historically rich option for range days and field use. Whether you’re running drills at a Nashville range or plinking on private land east of Memphis, this .38 Special six-shooter delivers reliable performance with a classic profile. As a licensed FFL retailer serving Tennessee customers, we understand the value of a revolver that blends 19th-century design with modern cartridge convenience.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Cimarron 1851 Navy Conversion Revolver is a faithful reproduction of the iconic 1851 Colt Navy, modified to fire the widely available .38 Special cartridge rather than requiring black powder and percussion caps. This revolver is designed for target shooters who enjoy single-action shooting, collectors seeking an authentic piece of firearms history, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a reliable sidearm for hiking or camping. It is not intended for primary home defense or concealed carry due to its larger frame and single-action mechanism, but it serves well as a range companion or a conversation piece at the gun club. Hunters may find it suitable for small game at moderate ranges, though its fixed sights and 7.5-inch barrel limit its use to close-quarters precision work.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .38 Special (rimmed, centerfire cartridge)
- Capacity: 6 rounds (cylinder)
- Barrel Length: 7.5 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 13 inches
- Weight: Roughly 40 ounces (unloaded)
- Finish: Standard blue steel finish
- Grips: Walnut, one-piece style
- Sights: Fixed front blade and rear notch
- Action: Single-action only (hammer must be manually cocked for each shot)
- Frame Material: Steel alloy
- Safety: Half-cock notch on hammer; transfer bar system not included (requires carrying with empty chamber under hammer)
Feature Deep-Dive
The Cimarron 1851 Navy Conversion Revolver stands out for its historical accuracy paired with modern usability. This model replicates the original 1851 Navy’s octagonal barrel, navy-style grip frame, and streamlined profile, but replaces the old percussion system with a conversion cylinder that accepts .38 Special cartridges. This means you can enjoy the feel of a cap-and-ball revolver without the mess of black powder, caps, and lubed projectiles. The 7.5-inch barrel provides a good balance between sight radius and handling, making it easier to achieve consistent groups at distances up to 25 yards.
The standard blue finish is applied evenly across the barrel, cylinder, and frame, offering a traditional appearance that resists light corrosion with routine care. Walnut grips are fitted to the backstrap and trigger guard, providing a comfortable hold for medium to large hands. The wood is oiled and checkered lightly, giving enough texture for a secure grip without being abrasive. The cylinder rotates smoothly when the hammer is pulled to half-cock, and the loading gate on the right side allows for easy single-round insertion or extraction.
One notable feature is the conversion cylinder’s design, which uses a removable backplate that aligns with the frame. This allows the revolver to be used with modern .38 Special ammunition, including standard-pressure loads and some lead-round-nose target rounds. The cylinder is machined from solid steel and fitted to the frame with minimal play, ensuring consistent timing and alignment. The barrel is rifled with traditional grooves, providing adequate accuracy for a fixed-sight revolver.
The hammer spur is wide and serrated, making it easy to thumb back for single-action firing. The trigger pull is clean and breaks at around 4 to 5 pounds, which is typical for a well-tuned single-action revolver. The ejector rod is mounted on the right side of the barrel, and when the cylinder pin is removed, spent casings can be pushed out individually. This process is slower than a swing-out cylinder revolver, but it remains functional and authentic to the period.
Durability is a strong point for this Cimarron model. The steel frame and barrel are heat-treated to handle standard .38 Special pressures, and the finish is applied over a polished surface that resists rust when kept oiled. The internal parts, including the hand, bolt, and trigger spring, are made from hardened steel and can be serviced by most gunsmiths familiar with Colt-style single actions. The revolver is not designed for high-volume rapid fire, but it will hold up well to regular range sessions with standard loads.
Finally, the overall fit and finish reflect Cimarron’s reputation for producing quality reproductions at a reasonable price point. The cylinder gap is tight, typically under .006 inches, which minimizes gas escape and maintains velocity. The barrel-to-frame alignment is centered, and the sights are regulated for a six o’clock hold at 15 to 20 yards. This revolver is a solid choice for anyone who wants a working piece of history without the maintenance demands of a black powder firearm.
Ideal Use Cases
This revolver is best suited for target shooting and recreational plinking. The single-action trigger and fixed sights encourage deliberate marksmanship, making it a fine tool for developing fundamentals or enjoying a slow-paced day at the range. It can also serve as a trail gun for hikers in Tennessee’s state parks or national forests, where a .38 Special load offers enough power for small game or pest control. Collectors will appreciate the historical accuracy and the conversion cylinder system, which sets this model apart from standard cap-and-ball replicas. It is not recommended for concealed carry due to its size and single-action operation, nor for home defense where a double-action revolver or semi-automatic would be more practical.
Compatibility Notes
The Cimarron 1851 Navy Conversion Revolver is chambered for .38 Special ammunition. It will accept standard-pressure .38 Special loads, including lead round nose, semi-wadcutter, and hollow point designs. Do not use +P or +P+ ammunition, as these exceed the pressure limits for this conversion cylinder. For holsters, look for models designed for the Colt 1851 Navy with a 7.5-inch barrel, as the frame dimensions match the original. Many leather makers offer period-correct holsters that fit this revolver. Spare cylinders are not commonly available, so care should be taken to keep the original cylinder clean and stored properly. The revolver uses no detachable magazines; loading is done through the loading gate one round at a time.
FAQ
1. Can this revolver be shipped to my address in Tennessee?
Yes, we ship to Tennessee residents through our licensed FFL network. Once your order is placed, we will transfer the revolver to a licensed dealer near you for pickup. You must present a valid Tennessee ID and complete a federal background check at the dealer.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
After you place your order on tn-guns.com, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. We ship the revolver directly to that dealer via a licensed carrier. You then visit the dealer, fill out ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, typically between $20 and $50, which is paid separately at pickup.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this revolver?
This revolver is designed for standard-pressure .38 Special ammunition only. We recommend using lead round nose or semi-wadcutter loads for best accuracy and cylinder fit. Avoid +P, +P+, or any magnum loads, as they can damage the cylinder and frame over time.
4. Does this revolver come with a warranty?
Cimarron Firearms provides a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. This covers issues such as cylinder timing, barrel obstruction, or finish defects under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from improper ammunition, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. For warranty service, contact Cimarron directly or reach out to us for assistance.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
We accept returns on new, unfired firearms within 7 days of delivery. The revolver must be returned in its original packaging with all paperwork. A restocking fee of 15% applies. Firearms that have been fired or show signs of use cannot be returned. Please inspect your revolver at your FFL dealer before accepting transfer; any issues should be reported immediately.
Closing Call to Action
This Cimarron 1851 Navy Conversion Revolver is available now for Tennessee customers through tn-guns.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the state, from Knoxville to Memphis, ensuring a smooth transfer process. Add this classic .38 Special six-shooter to your collection or range bag today.
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