For Tennessee shooters who appreciate the legacy of the Old West, the Cimarron Number 3 Schofield Revolver offers a tangible link to the firearms that tamed the frontier. Whether you’re practicing at a Nashville range, competing in a cowboy action match near Chattanooga, or adding to a collection in Knoxville, this revolver brings historical accuracy and reliable function to your hands. As a Tennessee-based FFL retailer, we understand the value of a firearm that combines craftsmanship with practical performance for local enthusiasts.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Cimarron Number 3 Schofield Revolver is a single-action, 6-round revolver chambered in .38 Special, designed with a 5-inch blued barrel and walnut grip. This model is a reproduction of the classic Schofield design, known for its top-break action and rapid reloading capability. It is primarily intended for collectors who value historical authenticity and cowboy action shooters who need a reliable sidearm for competition. While not suited for modern home defense due to its single-action mechanism, it serves well for range practice and target shooting, offering a satisfying, period-correct experience. The revolver also appeals to hunters who appreciate a traditional firearm for small game or plinking, provided they adhere to safe handling practices.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: .38 Special (compatible with .38 S&W with proper headspace considerations)
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Finish: Blued steel
- Grip: Walnut, checkered for secure hold
- Action: Single-action, top-break with automatic ejection
- Sights: Fixed front blade and rear notch
- Weight: Approximately 38 ounces (unloaded)
- Overall Length: Approximately 11.5 inches
- Frame Material: Steel, case-hardened for durability
- Safety: Hammer block safety, half-cock notch
Feature Deep-Dive
The top-break action of the Cimarron Number 3 Schofield is its defining feature, allowing for quick reloading by simply pushing a latch on the frame. When the barrel is pivoted downward, the extractor automatically lifts spent casings clear of the cylinder, a design that was revolutionary in the 1870s and remains efficient today. This mechanism reduces reload time compared to traditional fixed-cylinder single-action revolvers, making it a favorite among cowboy action shooters who value speed in competition stages. The blued finish on the barrel and cylinder provides a classic, low-glare appearance that resists corrosion with proper maintenance, while the case-hardened frame adds visual contrast and surface hardness.
The 5-inch barrel strikes a balance between accuracy and maneuverability, offering a longer sight radius than shorter snub-nose models without the bulk of a 7.5-inch barrel. This length reduces muzzle flip and allows for consistent shot placement at typical range distances of 10 to 25 yards. The fixed sights are simple and robust, with a front blade that aligns with a rear notch cut into the top strap. While not adjustable, they are regulated for standard .38 Special loads at common engagement distances, providing reliable point-of-aim for most shooters. The walnut grip is contoured to fill the hand comfortably, with checkering that provides traction without being abrasive, even during extended shooting sessions.
Internally, the Cimarron Number 3 Schofield uses a coil mainspring rather than the flat leaf spring found in some reproductions, offering more consistent trigger pull over time. The trigger itself breaks cleanly at around 4 to 5 pounds, which is typical for single-action revolvers and allows for precise shot placement. The cylinder is machined from solid steel and features a recessed chamber for the cartridge rim, ensuring positive headspace and reliable ignition. The barrel is rifled with six grooves, a standard twist rate for .38 Special, which stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights from 125 to 158 grains.
One notable detail is the inclusion of a hammer block safety, which prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is deliberately pulled. This feature allows the revolver to be carried safely with all six chambers loaded, a practical improvement over original Schofields that relied on an empty chamber under the hammer. The cylinder bushing is replaceable, a thoughtful design choice that allows for easy maintenance and extended service life. The overall fit and finish are consistent with Cimarron’s reputation for producing historically accurate firearms, with tight barrel-to-cylinder gaps and smooth action timing.
The revolver’s weight of 38 ounces helps absorb recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended range sessions. The top-break latch is positive and easy to operate, even with gloved hands, and the automatic ejection ensures that spent casings are cleared without manual intervention. The barrel is pinned to the frame, a traditional method that ensures alignment and simplifies replacement if necessary. The cylinder is fluted, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity, and the chambers are polished for smooth extraction. These details reflect the craftsmanship that goes into each Cimarron Number 3 Schofield, making it a reliable tool for its intended uses.
Ideal Use Cases
This revolver is best suited for cowboy action shooting, where its top-break action and 6-round capacity allow for quick reloads and competitive performance. It also serves well for range practice, offering a historically accurate platform for target shooting and skill development. Collectors will appreciate the faithful reproduction of the original Schofield design, including the distinctive barrel latch and frame contours. For small game hunting or plinking on private land in Tennessee, the .38 Special cartridge provides sufficient power for rabbits and squirrels at reasonable distances. It is not recommended for concealed carry or home defense due to its single-action trigger, longer barrel, and overall size, which make it less practical for rapid deployment in close quarters.
Compatibility Notes
The revolver is chambered for .38 Special ammunition, which is widely available at Tennessee retailers and online. It can also fire .38 S&W cartridges, though headspace may vary slightly, so we recommend testing a few rounds for reliable function. Holsters designed for 5-inch barrel Schofield revolvers from manufacturers like Triple K or El Paso Saddlery will fit this model. Aftermarket grips are available from suppliers such as VZ Grips or Altamont, though the factory walnut grip is well-suited for most hands. The revolver uses standard .38 Special moon clips if you prefer to load in groups, though it is designed for individual loading. No aftermarket magazines or speedloaders are required, as the top-break action is the primary reloading method. Spare parts, including springs and cylinder bushings, are available through Cimarron or authorized dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does shipping to Tennessee work for this revolver?
We ship to any licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee, including those in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Once your order is placed, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL’s license information. Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days via insured carrier, and you will receive tracking details. We comply with all Tennessee state laws, including the requirement for a valid ID and background check at the receiving FFL.
2. What is the FFL transfer process for a Tennessee resident?
After you order, you must provide the name and address of a Tennessee FFL dealer who will receive the firearm. We will verify their license and ship the revolver directly to them. You then visit the FFL, complete a ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check (or state equivalent) before taking possession. Tennessee does not require a permit to purchase a handgun, but a valid government-issued ID is needed. The FFL may charge a transfer fee, typically $20 to $40, which is separate from our purchase price.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this revolver?
The Cimarron Number 3 Schofield is chambered for .38 Special, and we recommend using standard-pressure loads for best performance. High-velocity or +P ammunition may increase wear on the top-break mechanism over time, so we advise against regular use of such loads. .38 S&W cartridges can be used, but accuracy and function may vary due to headspace differences. Always use factory-new ammunition from reputable brands like Winchester, Remington, or Federal to ensure safety and reliability.
4. What warranty covers this revolver?
Cimarron Firearms offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner. This covers issues such as barrel obstructions, cylinder timing problems, or frame cracks that arise from normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper ammunition, or unauthorized modifications. If you encounter a defect, contact Cimarron directly with your proof of purchase, and they will arrange repair or replacement at their discretion. We also offer a 30-day return policy for unused firearms in original packaging, as detailed in our store policies.
5. What is your return policy for this revolver?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused firearms in their original packaging, including all manuals and accessories. The revolver must not show signs of handling or wear, and all serial numbers must match the original box. To initiate a return, contact our customer service team for a return authorization number. You are responsible for return shipping costs, and a 15% restocking fee may apply. Firearms must be shipped back to us via an FFL dealer per federal regulations. We do not accept returns on used or modified firearms.
Closing Call to Action
If you are a Tennessee shooter looking for a historically accurate revolver that performs on the range or in competition, the Cimarron Number 3 Schofield is a solid choice. We ship directly to your local FFL dealer across the state, from the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River. Order today to add this piece of firearms history to your collection, and we will handle the logistics to get it to your Tennessee FFL quickly and securely.





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