Cimarron (Pietta) New Frontier Mini Review

[Roshi]

I recently purchased a Cimarron Pietta New Frontier Pre War .357 Magnum Single Action with 4 3/4 barrel through Davidson's Gallery of Guns.  Davidson's offers a life time replacement/repair policy as part of the sale so you can avoid dealing with Cimarron if something goes wrong.

I got out the door at my local dealer for an all in price of $ 410.  

After a brief look at the outside which showed deep lustrous blue, good case colors, excellent metal and wood fit up, and nicely figured and colored grips, I tore it down for a look inside.

I was surprised to see the plunger and coil spring for the hand and a thinned/lightened mainspring.  The only things I found not to my liking were some machining marks on the back of the cylinder where the tool marked the cylinder while cutting the ratchet. Just cosmetic fortunately.  

There was a minor rough spot on the full cock notch and another on the trigger where it meets the hammer notches.  Both were simple to smooth.  By the way, the back of the trigger was polished where it rides over the hammer.

The bolt top needed a bit of polishing.  The bolt measured .150 in width and the cylinder notches varied from .147 to .149 so I polished the bolt down to fit.

The barrel was heavily leaded from factory test firing.  I'm guessing they shoot soft lead in .357 proof loads?  It took some JB Bore Polish and lots of elbow grease to get it out.  The bore and rifling all look great.

After lubing everything that needs it, I assembled the gun.  It cocks smoothly, locking up as good as it gets.  The trigger pull is a bit to firm yet but breaks clean.  I figure it will wear in.

Going to range tomorrow to check it out with both .38's and .357's.  I don't compete in CAS. The revolver is for fun and self defense.  After years and years and hundreds of thousands of rounds through 1911's  and Glock's I've decided to relax with some Western guns.

I don't think you can beat this revolver for the price and there is no worry about Cimarron customer service when purchasing through Davidson's.

[Bugscuffle]

Are you sure that someone didn't sell you a used gun? I've never seen a gun coe from the factory "heavily leaded". semi auto pistols are usually shot once before shipping ad revelvers are sometimes (usually?) not proof fired at all. But it sounds like you know what you are doing with the fix/clean ups.

[Roshi]

Brand new from Cimarron via Davidson's.  Still dripping in Italian oil.  My past experience with .357's is hot loads with soft lead can lead a barrel with only a couple of shots.  A proof load in .357 might be enough to lead a slightly rough new bore.

Shot the gun today and the recoil with .38 Special target loads is less than my 51 Navy C&B.  Grouped well but about 8 inches low at 10 yards which is better than too high.  About half that low with .357's

Back to the range next week with a file to get the front sight lower to point of aim with the .357's

[wildman1]

Get that barrel slicked up a little before ya start whittlin on yer front site, might save ya some grief later. WM

[Hoof Hearted]

Really nice review Roshi, THANKS!

I have been working closely with Walt Kirst regarding dimensions of the Pietta manufactured SAA clones and will tell you that other than the modifications you mention above they are VERY interchangeable with Colt Manufactured SAA's.

Regards, HH

[Roshi]

Thanks HH.  I have been impressed with Pietta's, percussion and cartridge.  I'm off to the range tomorrow to start getting it sighted in.  Then I'll be working to smooth the trigger a bit. 

[Bugscuffle]

Do they make that gun with a birdshead grip? Now that is something that I'd REALLY be interested in.

[Roshi]

They do make it with a bird's head grip.

I sighted it in today and was surprised at how much I had to take off the sight.  I struck a compromise between the impact points of the .357 and .38 Special laods.

[1961MJS]

Get that barrel slicked up a little before ya start whittlin on yer front site, might save ya some grief later. WM

Hi

You could try a Final Finish kit from G. David Tubbs.  You have to reload them though.

http://www.davidtubb.com/ff-kit-452-pistol-cal

I own a .22LR kit but the CZ-USA 452 didn't seem to need it.

later

Mike
Norman OK