Cimarron Arizona Ranger Big Iron

From the Peacemaker to the Big Iron

Few firearms are woven into the fabric of the American West quite like the single-action revolver. From cattle trails and mining camps to lawmen riding lonely stretches of desert, the sixgun became a symbol of authority, self-reliance, and frontier justice. More than 150 years after the introduction of Colt’s famed Single Action Army, shooters still appreciate the balance, handling, and sheer romance of a traditional Peacemaker-style revolver.

Cimarron Firearms has built its reputation on preserving that history, offering faithful reproductions that capture the look, feel, and spirit of the originals. Their newest competition-oriented revolver, the Arizona Ranger Big Iron, continues that tradition while paying tribute to another piece of Western Americana: Marty Robbins’ classic ballad, Big Iron. The revolver takes its name from the song’s heroic Arizona Ranger who faces the outlaw Texas Red with a “big iron on his hip,” a phrase forever etched into Western folklore.

Honoring the Arizona Rangers

The Arizona Ranger name itself carries significant historical weight. Organized in 1901, the Arizona Rangers were created to help restore law and order throughout the Arizona Territory during a period of train robberies, cattle rustling, and violent crime. Modeled after the success of the legendary Texas Rangers, the force quickly earned a reputation for professionalism and effectiveness across the Southwest. Cimarron selected the Arizona Ranger name for its competition single-action line as a tribute to those frontier lawmen and the enduring image of the American West.

The Big Iron model expands that heritage by combining period-correct styling with features designed for modern shooters.

Built for Competition, Styled for Tradition

At first glance, the Arizona Ranger Big Iron looks exactly as a classic sixgun should. Its profile is instantly recognizable, featuring the graceful lines that made the Peacemaker design one of the most successful handguns in history.

Look closer, however, and you’ll find details that reveal its competition pedigree.

The Big Iron is available in .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .44 WCF, allowing shooters to choose a chambering suited to Cowboy Action competition, recreational shooting, or simply personal preference. Barrel lengths include 4¾ inches, 5½ inches, and the traditional 7½-inch cavalry length. Both blued and nickel-finished versions are offered, giving buyers a choice between understated practicality and eye-catching presentation.

Fast Sights for Fast Shooting

One of the most significant improvements over many traditional single-action revolvers is the sight arrangement.

Competitive shooters know that speed starts with sight acquisition, and Cimarron addresses that need with a wide square-notch rear sight paired with a wide constant-width front sight. This combination provides a bold, easy-to-find sight picture that allows shooters to get on target quickly and transition faster between shots. Those improvements become especially noticeable during Cowboy Action stages where fractions of a second can make a meaningful difference.

The revolver also features slim, checkered walnut grips that provide a firmer, more secure purchase while maintaining the classic feel expected from a traditional single action. Unlike oversized target grips, these retain the trim dimensions many experienced sixgun shooters prefer.

A Sixgun with Character

Cimarron builds the Big Iron on a Pre-War frame and equips it with a standard hammer, preserving much of the handling character found in classic frontier revolvers. Each example also carries a distinctive roll-engraved “Arizona Ranger” marking on the barrel, setting it apart from ordinary reproductions.

What makes the Big Iron especially appealing is that it doesn’t attempt to reinvent the single action. Instead, it refines a proven formula. The revolver delivers the appearance enthusiasts want while incorporating practical enhancements that make it easier to shoot well.

The Bottom Line

The Cimarron Arizona Ranger Big Iron demonstrates that the appeal of the single-action revolver remains as strong today as it was a century ago. It captures the spirit of the frontier, honors the legacy of the Arizona Rangers, and tips its hat to one of the most beloved Western songs ever written.

For Cowboy Action competitors, dedicated sixgun enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates classic American firearms, the Arizona Ranger Big Iron offers an appealing blend of history, performance, and authenticity. With an MSRP starting at $743.75, it’s a revolver that looks ready to step out of a Western ballad while performing confidently on today’s firing line.

For more information visit Cimarron-Firearms.com.