Cimarron 1866 Yellowboy in "Original" finish

[1972]

Well, I had wanted an 1866 Yellowboy in .44-40 for some time, so when the opportunity came up to get one from Cimarron I took it.  The only one that was available was in the "ORIGINAL" finish (read antique), and I thought that might be kind of different, so that's what it is.

It arrived today and I have to admit I honestly don't know if I like it – or not.  The rifle I love.  It's well made and, considering it's NIB, it's very smooth.

I'm just trying to decide if I like the finish or not.  It certainly is different.  In some ways it's quite appealing, but in other ways (perhaps until you get used to it) it kind of makes you think you should send it in for re-finishing.  Then again, I guess that's what it's supposed to make you think.  At least you would not have to worry about putting a scratch or dent on it .............

Dunno.  One minute I really like it – the next minute I'm not so sure.

The intention was to order in a pair of Cimarron's revolvers (also in .44-40 and original finish) to go with it.  Not sure what I want to do now, but I think if I keep it I'll definately have to get the revolvers in the same finish.  Would not look right otherwise.

[Blair]

Frank Morgan,

Can you post photos?
I would really like to see what this looks like.
My best,
Blair

[Deadeye Don]

I had ordered one of those in the beat up finish a few years back.  It arrived and the loading gate broke right out of the box.  I sent it back and received a new one with finish that made it look new, which of course it was.  

I think for our CAS it doesn't make much sense to have a gun that has the look of being around for a hundred years when we are suppose to be portraying people who lived in the old west., but maybe that is just me.  

[reno]

studied, and read on the old west all my life, and don't really remember seeing many shinny new guns, as most looked pretty will used, except for presentation guns or nickel plated, and then they were kind of dull as old nickel did not ware like nickel or chrome of today.

[Mean Bob Mean]

I think for our CAS it doesn't make much sense to have a gun that has the look of being around for a hundred years when we are suppose to be portraying people who lived in the old west., but maybe that is just me.  

I tend to agree excepting for older models.  If your clothing and Character is in the 1874-1885 period say, having an 1860 Hnery or 1866 yellowboy that was looking old is a bit more reasonable.  Less so for 1873 revolvers and rifles.  Just my opinion. 

[sail32]

I could not find a Cimarron 1866 in original finish but I did find an 1860 in antique finish.

http://www.covecreekoutfitters.com/gun-room/cimarron-1860-henry-military-44-wcf-24-antique-finish-ca239

[Curley Cole]

I won a pair of Remingtons and a Jesse James rig for a $10 ticket. Thought that was good luck. I went to sign for the Rem. and saw a 66 in the back corner of the store. I asked to see it. It was a nib EMF and he was asking $625 (it was 38sp and that was ok as that is my second caliber.) I racked it and it felt smooth as a pig roller  skating on glass. I had to have it.

It has been my second day gun for 5-6 years (I shoot 45lc day one of a match and 38sp second day. last Ambush it jambed for the first timeI took it to Jim Bowie and he said it was one of the smoothest out of the box he had ever seen. for $50  he made it even better. )

so, my point is quit worring about the looks, you are gonna wear that down anyway. if the action is to your liking...what is the problem.

curley

[1972]

NO problem at all actually.  The more I handle it the more I like it.  I never did NOT like it, just didn't know what to make of it.  I guess I'm used to new guns coming out of the box looking new - not old.  But as I say, I'm quite attached to it now. 

[Pettifogger]

After you've fired twenty or thirty thousand rounds and it has sat in your gun cart for a few months the finish won't make any difference.  The loading gate in the 66 is junk as are all of the after market replacements.  If you shoot a lot beef up the little bent tab on the loading gate or it will fail eventually.

[1972]

I thought Cimarron had beefed that up.  Perhaps not.  Not sure why I thought that.

Are there aftermarket pieces you can buy to replace it with something stronger?

[Molasses Mike]

I think for our CAS it doesn't make much sense to have a gun that has the look of being around for a hundred years when we are suppose to be portraying people who lived in the old west., but maybe that is just me.  

+1  Been thinking that for years.
                         Molasses Mike

[Coffinmaker]

At one time, Cowboys and Indian Store in California offered a really nice replacement ladle they (C&I) reinforced.  I don't know if they
still do or not. 
VTI Gunparts also offered a reinforced ladle for the '66, again, don't know if they still do.  Give em a Call.

It's also my recommendation, to change out the OEM Lever Side Springs for after-market.  I like SlixSprings.  At the same time, change out
the Main Spring or have it reduced (I think the Main Spring from "the Smith Shop" is little or no improvement.  Might want to try Slick
McClade.  The side springs will take some minor fitting, but you will be amazed what changing those springs will do to the feel of your
rifle.

Coffinmaker

[wildman1]

The new mainsprings from VTI are already slimmer and do not have the cross section grind marks that the old ones used to have. At least that was my experience with the last ones I ordered. wM1

[Molasses Mike]

Had mine for some years. Mine worked so hard my knuckles hurt after a match. Did the main spring thing, plus. Now it works smooth and easy with one finger. Made all the difference in the world.
                 Molasses Mike

[Abilene]

Bluing back in the day wasn't as robust as modern stuff, and guns that had been given hard use in the elements for 10 or 20 years would show it.  Here's one set of mine:


115 years antiqued the Colt .45 in front, Uberti antiqued the Model P that is an exact match, I antiqued the TTN (and often get asked if it is an original  ), and black powder antiqued the yellowboy (I refinished the wood).

When I want to be more of a gunfighter type, I have various newish looking guns.

When I want to be a gambler or more high society, I have the fancy engraved guns.

It's all fun.