Cimarron EL MALO Handgn .45 LC 6rd Capacity 7.5″ Barrel Case Color

If you’ve been scouring the big shows or online auctions for a single-action that’s as mean as it looks, the Cimarron EL MALO Handgn .45 LC 6rd Capacity 7.5″ Barrel Case Color is the revolver that stops the conversation. Chambered in the legendary .45 Colt and packing a full 7.5-inch barrel, this six-shooter delivers the kind of balance and pointability that makes old-school cowboy action feel new again. The case-hardened frame and smooth walnut stocks give it that classic frontier look, but the weight—just 2.5 lbs.—keeps it fast on the draw. This is a production gun that feels like a custom shop piece.

Manufacturer	Cimarron Firearms
Model	EL MALO
Material	Steel frame, color case hardened finish; walnut smooth stocks (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Colt (LC) ammunition; standard 6-round cylinder
Finish	Case hardened frame, blued barrel and cylinder
Weight	2.5 lbs. (40 oz.)
Condition	New production, factory fresh

Key Features

• Case Hardened Frame & Blued Accents – WHY IT MATTERS: The color case hardening isn’t just for looks; it adds a layer of surface toughness that resists wear and gives each revolver a unique, mottled pattern. You won’t see two exactly alike.
• 7.5″ Barrel Length – WHY IT MATTERS: That extra inch-and-a-half over a standard 5.5″ barrel gives you a longer sight radius for tighter groups at 25 yards, while still being short enough to carry in a cross-draw rig. According to Cimarron specs, this barrel profile also reduces muzzle flip with hot .45 Colt loads.
• Smooth Walnut Stocks – WHY IT MATTERS: The smooth finish lets your hand slide into position naturally without snagging on checkering, which is critical when you’re shooting fast in a side match or just want a comfortable grip for a full day at the range.
• 6-Round Capacity in .45 LC – WHY IT MATTERS: You get six rounds of the most versatile big-bore revolver cartridge ever made—light cowboy loads for plinking, or heavy hunting loads that can take down a whitetail. The cylinder gap on this model is tighter than many imports, keeping velocity loss minimal.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who appreciates the artistry of a color case-hardened frame and the history of the .45 Colt. It’s also ideal for cowboy action shooters who want an authentic-looking six-gun that actually shoots well out of the box. If you’re a gun show regular who values fit and finish over plastic and polymer, the EL MALO belongs in your display case—or on your hip.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Authentic case-hardened finish with deep, even bluing on the barrel and cylinder. The fit of the cylinder to the frame is tight—no slop when the hammer is at half-cock.
• Pro: Weighs only 2.5 lbs., so it carries well in a belt holster all day without dragging your pants down.
• Con: The front sight is a standard blade, not serrated or fiber optic. Under low light, it can be harder to pick up compared to a modern adjustable sight. A quick dab of white paint on the blade fixes it, but it’s worth noting if you plan to shoot in dim conditions.

Comparison

Feature	Cimarron EL MALO	Uberti 1873 Cattleman	Ruger Vaquero (Blued)
Caliber	.45 LC	.45 LC	.45 LC
Barrel Length	7.5″	5.5″	5.5″
Frame Finish	Case hardened	Case hardened	Blued
Weight	2.5 lbs.	2.4 lbs.	2.6 lbs.
Grip	Smooth walnut	Checkered walnut	Hard rubber
Price (approx.)	$638.49	$599.00	$719.00
Action Type	Single action	Single action	Single action

FAQ

Is the Cimarron EL MALO a replica of a specific historic model?

Yes, it’s based on the classic Colt Single Action Army pattern, but with a slightly heavier barrel profile and a case-hardened frame that mirrors the original Colt finish. Cimarron builds these to modern tolerances, so you get the look of a 19th-century six-gun with reliable 21st-century lockwork.

Can I shoot modern .45 Colt +P ammunition in this revolver?

Per Cimarron’s specs, the EL MALO is designed for standard-pressure .45 Colt loads. While the steel frame is strong, +P ammunition can accelerate wear on the cylinder and barrel. Stick to factory cowboy loads or standard-velocity hunting ammo to keep it shooting for decades.

Does the 7.5″ barrel affect concealability?

Absolutely. The 7.5″ barrel is a full-size holster gun, not a pocket piece. You’ll want a strong-side or cross-draw belt holster. But for open carry at the range, in competition, or on the trail, the longer barrel gives you a sight radius advantage that’s hard to beat.

What does “Case Color” mean in the product name?

“Case Color” refers to the color case-hardened finish on the frame. It’s a heat-treating process that creates a mottled pattern of blues, grays, and purples. Each gun has a unique pattern. The barrel and cylinder are blued steel, giving you a two-tone look that stands out in any collection.

Trust Block

• ✅ Nationwide delivery – ships to all 50 states
• ✅ Ships in 1–2 business days from our warehouse
• ✅ 30-day return policy – no restocking fee
• ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment processing

Browse more single-action revolvers in our Revolvers category, or check out Firearms and Cowboy Action Gear for the full collection.

Last updated: April 2026