Cimarron Firearms Celebrating 40th Anniversary

by
posted on September 19, 2024
** 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 Firearms 40th Anniversary set with lever-action rifle horse saddle bandolier
Photo courtesy of CimarronFirearms.com.

Cimarron Firearms, a premier name in authentic Old West firearm replicas, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Founded by Mike and Mary Lou Harvey in 1984, the company has become highly regarded in the firearm community and is known for its meticulous attention to historical detail as well as craftsmanship and innovation. It holds several patents and was the first to offer antique finishes on modern-made guns.

Mike was captivated by the guns carried in the old west, so he began collecting, trading and selling genuine antique firearms. He and his wife opened a retail store in Houston, Texas, in the 1970s to support that growing collection and customer base.

Recognizing the demand for affordable, modern-made replicas of historic firearms, the couple established partnerships with several renowned Italian gunmakers, including Uberti and Pietta. Together, they produced authentically crafted old west firearms with meticulous attention to detail— each designed from an original in Mike Harvey's collection. Looks that were as close to the original as possible wasn’t enough, though. Each was required to pass rigorous fit, form and function tests before being offered to the public. Demand from enthusiast grew and Cimarron Firearms was born.

“The test of any company in its ability to last 40 years and still go strong is a mix of making a superior product above the competition and being an innovator,” said Bryce Wayt, Cimarron Firearms vice president of media and operations. “That’s what Cimarron has been doing since it first opened its doors in 1984.”

Without Harvey being such a stickler when it comes to historically accurate firearms, many innovations found in Cimarron guns would not exist. He designed and incorporated the Cowboy Comp Action in several single-action revolvers being used in competitions today. It incorporates the Cimarron—made in the USA—competition hammer and trigger/bolt springs, which are lighter and smoother. The firm’s gunsmiths in the United States perform the installation, then finely tune to a crisp, no-creep trigger pull.

Cimarron Firearms have appeared in a variety of movies, including True Grit, Back to the Future Part III, Unforgiven, Lonesome Dove and many others. Today the company is headquartered in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Latest

Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web
Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Charter Arms Double Dog

For this Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with a convertible wheelgun from Charter Arms, and it’s one that goes from .357 Mag to 9 mm Luger quickly and easily. Welcome to the Double Dog.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 17, 2025

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

The Robbins & Lawrence Story: Pioneers Of Mass Production

The Robbins & Lawrence company of Windsor, Vt., was an early pioneer in the field of mass production, using machine tools and interchangeable parts to produce firearms for both the U.S. and British governments.

CMP Auctions Move To GunBroker.com

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has moved its popular auctions to GunBroker.com, an online firearm marketplace that launched in 1999, to further support the future of the shooting sports and firearm ownership.

I Have This Old Gun: The French Charleville Musket

One of the most important military arms ever made, the French Charleville musket saw use in the American Revolution and armed French troops throughout the Napoleonic Wars.

CVA Endura Series: The Modernized Muzzleloader Of 2025

CVA built on the success of its Paramount muzzleloader to create the Endura, a design that the company calls "the most advanced muzzleloader series CVA has ever built."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.