SHOT Show 2018: Cimarron 1862 Colt Pocket .380 ACP Conversion Revolver

by
posted on February 1, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
cimarron_lede_1862_380_01s.jpg

Last year, Cimarron Firearms gave some folks a sneak peek at an 1862 Colt Pocket .380 ACP Conversion revolver that was still in the prototype phase. At this year's SHOT Show, we got to see early production models with deliver dates planned for early 2018. The company is now in the final process of obtaining approval from the ATF, so no firm dates have been pinned down as of yet.

This five-shot replica of the black powder Colt Pocket Navy single-action revolver comes equipped with the new patented automatic safety. Built into the interior of the hammer, it goes undetected when the gun is assembled so that it won't detract from this revolver's authentic appearance and operation. Rather than converting the gun to fire some obscure or hard-to-find antique revolver cartridge, the cylinder chambers the ubiquitous .380 ACP.

There is no loading gate on this gun (which is historically accurate). Instead, the cylinder indexes in such a way that the rims of the cartridges rest against the interior of the frame on either side of the opening to prevent them from falling out. Several folks seem really concerned about this. Years ago, I worked with a USFA SHOT revolver chambered in .45 Colt/.410 (the gun never made it to market) that also had no loading gate. I had no problems with shells staying put until the hammer was placed in the half-cocked position and the cylinder rotated accordingly. I think this 1862 Colt Pocket revolver will be just as easy to use. 

Latest

target with holes
target with holes

Resisting the Temptation of "Good Enough" for Firearm Performance

No matter what firearm you're using for whatever purpose, even if it's simply a trip to the range, always resist the temptation to accept “good enough” if there is the possibility of better performance.

Armed Citizens Stop a Lot More Criminals Than Most in the Media Will Admit

Since January 2025, the Crime Prevention Research Center has documented 16 defensive gun uses in which police say armed citizens stopped mass public killings.

Federal & Mossberg Collaborate on Autonomous Airborne Drone Defense

Federal and Mossberg are working with Palladyne AI in the creation of SwarmShot, a kinetic defense system that employs swarms of armed drones to shield troops from unmanned aircraft system threats.

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.