Cimarron El Malo Pre-War .45 LC 4.75” Octagon 6-Shot
The Cimarron El Malo Pre-War .45 LC 4.75” Octagon 6-Shot is a single-action revolver that channels late 19th and early 20th century design cues into a modern, shootable package. It ships with a color case hardened pre-war frame and a standard blue octagon steel barrel, chambered in .45 Long Colt with a six-round cylinder. Smooth walnut grips and an exposed hammer complete the period-correct look, while modern manufacturing ensures reliable function at a price that won’t break your EDC budget.
| Manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | El Malo Pre-War |
| Material | Steel frame, steel barrel, walnut grips |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Standard blue barrel, color case hardened frame |
| Weight | Approx. 40 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Pre-War Color Case Hardened Frame – Why it matters: This finish replicates the look of original turn-of-the-century revolvers, giving you a historically accurate piece that stands out in a safe full of stainless steel.
- 4.75” Octagon Steel Barrel – Why it matters: The octagon profile adds rigidity and classic aesthetics, while the 4.75-inch length balances sight radius for accuracy and easy carry in a chest rig or belt holster.
- .45 Long Colt Chamber – Why it matters: This classic cowboy caliber delivers thumping terminal performance for personal defense or trail use, with manageable recoil in a steel-framed revolver.
- Six-Round Cylinder – Why it matters: You get a full six shots before reloading, and the loading gate and ejector rod system keeps the profile slim for holster compatibility.
- Smooth Walnut Grips – Why it matters: The contoured walnut fills your hand naturally, reducing fatigue during extended range sessions while keeping the vintage vibe intact.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the EDC enthusiast who appreciates old-school craftsmanship but doesn’t want to hunt down an original Colt. If you carry a single-action for trail defense, cowboy action shooting, or as a truck gun, the El Malo gives you that pre-war look with modern metallurgy. It’s also a solid option for collectors who want a shooter-grade piece they can actually run without worrying about museum value.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Authentic pre-war styling with color case hardening and octagon barrel – hard to find at this price point.
- Pro: Uses readily available .45 LC ammo, including defensive loads like Hornady Critical Defense or Federal HST.
- Pro: Light enough for belt carry (approx. 40 oz) but heavy enough to soak up recoil.
- Con: Single-action only – no double-action capability, so you’ll need to manually cock the hammer for each shot. This means slower follow-ups compared to a modern DA/SA revolver.
Comparison
| Feature | Cimarron El Malo Pre-War | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Geissele Automatics Super Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Single-action revolver | Striker-fired semi-auto | Striker-fired semi-auto |
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt | 9mm | 5.56mm (rifle) |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 17+1 (standard mag) | 30+1 (standard mag) |
| Barrel Length | 4.75” octagon | 4.49” threaded | 14.5” pinned |
| Frame Material | Steel, color case hardened | 7075 aluminum | 7075 aluminum |
| Price | $638.49 | $1,299+ | $1,899+ |
Note: The Zev and Geissele options are modern semi-autos—ideal for high-capacity duty or competition, but they lack the historical character and .45 LC thump of the El Malo. If you want a revolver that feels like it stepped out of a Western, this Cimarron wins on authenticity and value.
FAQ
Is this revolver safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
Yes, but you should follow standard single-action safety practices. The El Malo has a hammer safety notch that prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is pulled. For daily carry, many users load five rounds and leave the hammer down on an empty chamber. Per Cimarron’s manual, always verify the revolver is unloaded before holstering.
What holsters fit the 4.75” barrel?
Most single-action holsters designed for 4.75-inch barrels will work, including those from Simply Rugged, El Paso Saddlery, and Triple K. Look for holsters cut for the Colt Single Action Army or New Service pattern with an open muzzle. The octagon barrel doesn’t affect holster fit—the outer diameter is the same as a round barrel of the same length.
Can I use .45 Schofield or .45 GAP in this revolver?
No. This revolver is chambered specifically for .45 Long Colt (also called .45 LC or .45 Colt). .45 Schofield is shorter and may not headspace correctly, while .45 GAP is a completely different cartridge. Stick to SAAMI-spec .45 LC ammunition for reliable function and safety.
Does this revolver have a transfer bar safety?
No, it uses a traditional hammer-mounted firing pin with a safety notch. This is period-correct for a pre-war design. Always handle it with the same caution as an original Colt—never carry with a round under the hammer unless you’re using a holster with a safety strap that covers the hammer spur.
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Browse more in our Revolvers and Single-Action categories. Last updated: April 2026.





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