There are Colt Single Action Army replicas, and then there are replicas that make true sixgun fans stop and take a second look.
Cimarron Firearms’ U.S. Cavalry “Buffalo Soldier” Model falls into that second category. At first glance it appears to be a standard cavalry-length Peacemaker with a 7½-inch barrel, blue finish and walnut stocks. Look closer and you’ll discover this gun is actually a tribute to some of the most collectible U.S. martial revolvers ever issued—and to the legendary Buffalo Soldiers who carried similar arms across the American frontier.
For those of us fascinated by frontier firearms, that’s a combination hard to resist.
The Cavalry Colt Legacy
When Colt’s Single Action Army was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, it quickly became the standard sidearm of mounted troops serving throughout the expanding American West. Chambered in .45 Colt and wearing a 7½-inch barrel, these revolvers accompanied cavalry troopers from dusty frontier outposts to some of the most rugged regions of the country.
Among those troopers were the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments. Organized after the Civil War as part of the Army’s all-Black regiments, these soldiers earned a reputation for toughness, discipline and professionalism despite serving during an era of widespread prejudice and discrimination.
The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was bestowed upon them by Native Americans, a title generally believed to reference either their fierce fighting qualities or their dark, curly hair resembling a buffalo’s coat. Whatever its exact origin, the name became one of the most respected designations in American military history.
The Henry Nettleton Connection
What separates Cimarron’s Buffalo Soldier Model from ordinary cavalry reproductions is its remarkable historical authenticity.
The revolver is inspired by extremely scarce First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers inspected by U.S. Ordnance Department Principal Sub-Inspector Henry Nettleton in 1878. Nettleton inspected only about 3,000 Colts, making authentic examples highly sought after by collectors today.
Nettleton’s revolvers possess a unique characteristic. Unlike other ordnance inspectors, he placed his inspection initials in unusual locations, including the hammer and trigger guard. Historians still aren’t entirely certain why he was permitted to do so, but those markings have become one of the identifying traits collectors search for when evaluating original cavalry Colts.
Cimarron didn’t simply borrow the concept. The company carefully studied surviving examples and recreated the correct inspection stamps, proof marks, fonts and placement details that distinguish genuine Nettleton-inspected revolvers.
That’s the sort of attention to detail old revolver enthusiasts appreciate.
Built Like a Proper Cavalry Revolver
Mechanically, the revolver follows traditional Single Action Army specifications.
It is chambered in .45 Colt with a six-shot cylinder, color casehardened frame, blued barrel and walnut stocks. The 7½-inch barrel provides the long, graceful appearance associated with original military Colts while offering excellent balance and sight radius.
The result is a sixgun that looks right, handles right and carries the visual presence that made cavalry Colts famous.
Whether firing standard .45 Colt loads or simply admiring it in a display case, it delivers an experience remarkably close to the original government revolvers that rode in Army holsters nearly 150 years ago.
More Than Soldiers
One of the most overlooked aspects of Buffalo Soldier history is their service beyond combat.
These troops protected settlers, escorted mail, built roads and infrastructure and performed countless frontier duties throughout the West. They also became some of America’s earliest park guardians, protecting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks decades before the National Park Service existed. They fought wildfires, prevented poaching and built roads and trails that visitors still use today.
Their service record stretched nearly 85 years and helped pave the way for future generations of African American soldiers and officers.
Final Thoughts
The Cimarron U.S. Cavalry “Buffalo Soldier” Model is much more than another Peacemaker replica. It is a carefully researched recreation of one of the rarest and most desirable U.S. martial Colt variations ever produced, while simultaneously honoring the courageous Buffalo Soldiers who served on America’s frontier.
Original Henry Nettleton-inspected cavalry Colts sell for prices most of us can only dream about. Cimarron’s version offers the next best thing—a handsome, historically faithful revolver that captures both the look and the spirit of a remarkable chapter in American firearm history.
For collectors, shooters and students of Old West history, that’s a mighty appealing package.
For more information visit Cimarron-Firearms.com.
