Fredericksburg, Texas (July 2024) – Cimarron Firearms, the premier name in authentic Old West firearm replicas, proudly celebrates forty years of trail-blazing innovation without compromise. Founded by Mike and Mary Lou Harvey in 1984, the company has become a cornerstone of the firearms community, known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and multiple innovative patents and firearms. Recognized as the leader of historically accurate firearm replicas by collectors, competition shooters, Old West enthusiasts, and the replica manufacturing competition, Cimarron Firearms is just warming up.
Mike Harvey’s passion for the Old American West ignited his journey into the world of firearms. Captivated by the guns carried by settlers, soldiers, Texas Rangers, bank and train robbers, the Pony Express, Conestoga waggoners, overland coach drivers, and even a few saloon keepers, Harvey began collecting, trading, and selling genuine antique firearms. His dedication extended beyond the commercial aspects as he initiated Old West shooting events that the entire family could enjoy.
In 1979, the Harvey’s’ opened a retail store in Houston, Texas, to support Mike’s growing collection and a burgeoning customer base. Recognizing the demand for modern-made replicas of historic firearms, Harvey partnered with renowned Italian gunmakers such as Uberti and Pietta. Together, they produced authentically crafted Old West firearms, meticulously replicating even the obsolete stamping fonts of the era.
What consistently sets Cimarron Firearms apart from the competition is its unparalleled attention to detail. Adhering to their motto, “The Highest Quality,” each firearm is designed from originals in Mike Harvey’s extensive historic collection. Every gun must pass rigorous fit, form, and function tests before being offered to the public. This dedication ensures that Cimarron’s firearms are not only display case and heirloom-worthy but also built to perform on the range, in competition, and out hunting.
“The test of any company in its ability to last forty years and still go strong is a mix of making a superior product above the competition and being an innovator. That’s what Cimarron has been doing since it first opened its doors in 1984,” Bryce Wayt, VP of Media and Operations, explained. “If it wasn’t for Mike helping the Italian gunmakers understand what the real historic firearms looked, felt, and shot like, the American public wouldn’t have the authentic replicas we do today. The original Italian-made replicas were only slightly similar to real Old West firearms; they were much larger, heavier, and without any accuracy in finishes, markings, and working parts. Cimarron changed all that, and that is why in almost all the Western movies being made today, they carry Cimarron firearms.”
Cimarron Firearms has had great success with creating Hollywood versions such as “The Man with No Name”, the “Preacher,” and the “Tuco,” named for Eli Wallach character’s firearm comprised of multiple gun parts put together from the famous spaghetti western “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”.
Without Harvey being such a stickler when it comes to historically accurate firearms, many of the innovations currently found in Cimarron guns and the competitions would not exist. Harvey designed and incorporated the Cowboy Comp® Action into several SA model revolvers. The action is finely tuned by Cimarron’s skilled gunsmiths in the US and incorporates the Cimarron (made in the USA) competition hammer and trigger/bolt springs that are lighter, smoother, and offer a crisp, no-creep trigger pull, along with improved internal parts to increase reliability. Harvey also developed the 1st generation Colt hammer with no unsightly internal safety; grip frames that accept Colt screws, beveled cylinder face just like the 1st generation, improved springs; 3 ½ inch barrels with ejectors; original finishes; and most importantly in regards to authenticity, his fierce tenacity on original fonts, proof marks, 19th-century style wording, and caliber markings. Over the years, Harvey has introduced over 33 different handguns, including revolvers, conversions, open-top, Hollywood versions, and 1911’s.
Cimarron’s thirteen-plus rifle introductions heralded the most famous of rifles from the classic Henry lever-action; the 1873 Long and Short rifles, Saddle Shortys, and 16-inch Trappers, Sharps, Carbines, Single-shots, and several Cimarron Signature Rifles. Cimarron rifle innovations included the .45 Colt, 38-40, and 32-20 calibers, the Cimarron Butt Tamer™, original finishes, and accurate markings to match the originals on the Henry and others.
As Cimarron Firearms celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to honor the legacy of the Old West with every meticulously crafted firearm. The company looks forward to many more years of bringing history to life for enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
For more information on Cimarron Firearms and accessories, visit www.cimarron-firearms.com.
Keep up with the history and happenings at Cimarron on YouTube.
About Cimarron Firearms:
Cimarron is the leader in quality and authenticity in replica firearms. For the past 30 years, Cimarron has worked continuously to perfect the authentic detail, fit, finish, and function of our line of frontier firearms. There is no other firearm that is near equal in value, strength, reliability, and authentic detail as is the line from Cimarron Firearms Co.
