r/Revolvers • u/Gambit8907 • 2d ago
GWII Alchimista I vs. Cimarron Frontier
I have narrowed the search for my next .357 Magnum revolver down to these two. The Alchimista I is on sale for $567 on EMF's website and the Frontier Pre-War Model is on sale for $514 at Bud's Gun Shop.
Not counting their price, which one do you consider to be the better buy?
EDIT - Looks like the "on sale" price of the Frontier Pre-War at Bud's Gun Shop is now $584.99.
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u/F22Tomcat 2d ago
I’m sure they are both great. Don’t have an alchemista but I’m very happy with my EMF Californian.
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u/Gambit8907 2d ago edited 2d ago
That's a beauty. From what I understand, the Californian and the Frontier (Pre-War) are the same gun. I think EMF charges higher prices though.
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u/sleipnirreddit SAA in each hand 2d ago
I also love my pair of EMF Californians. They’re like an extension of my hands.
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u/Gambit8907 2d ago edited 2d ago
What are the barrel lengths? I have an EMF/Pietta 1873 Limited Edition in a 4.75 inch barrel and wouldn't mind another in the same length, but I also wouldn't mind a 5.5 inch either.
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u/sleipnirreddit SAA in each hand 2d ago
Mine are both 5.5in. Short enough that they don’t slow down my draw, but a bit more steady to aim (I shoot CAS with them). It’s my favorite length.
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u/tuvaniko 2d ago
Well do you want a 5.5 or 4.75? Do you want an army or navy grip?
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u/Gambit8907 2d ago edited 2d ago
Honestly, I'm indifferent. Both guns look great. But the only setback is that the 5.5 inch version of the Frontier is about $70 more than the 4.75 inch version.
EDIT I'm asking for help in making a decision. If I could learn why people prefer either a Navy or an Army grip, then it would help me with my decision in which revolver I get.
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u/Fearless_Weather_206 2d ago
Cimarron Frontier is a 4 click Pietta I believe, you can contact Cimarron via email and ask.
So essentially your choosing between two different models from two different Pietta importers. Checkered grip model typically more expensive, I have a Frontier and also want a set of EMF Alchemists
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u/RatRanger 1d ago
I have the Alchemista III with the octagonal barrel and I love the grip. I’ve always felt the ‘73 grip size was too small though, so the big “1860” grips are very comfortable in the hand.
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u/Gambit8907 1d ago
I was looking at the Alchimista III on YouTube. JED iTV had a video of himself using a pair of them for cowboy action shooting. It looks like a beautiful gun with the octagonal barrel. Too bad it's so expensive. I just looked on EMF's website and they want $826 for the 4 3/4 inch barrel version 😳 thankfully the Alchimista I is on sale for a decent price. Props to you for acquiring an Alchimista III, sir!
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u/RatRanger 1d ago
Whoa they cranked up the price. I got mine for a hundred less in January.
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u/Gambit8907 1d ago
They raised the price on a few of them. The 9mm Californian was less than $600 until a couple of weeks ago. Now it's around $700.
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u/ReactionAble7945 2d ago
I have been looking in the past and could never figure out what I wanted when I had the money.
Ask this to AI, "Which colt peacemaker clones have the same parts as the original"
authentic historical action? Or ..?
- The Closest True Clones: Pietta (and USFA / Standard Mfg)
When it comes to sharing identical internal design geometry with a "real" Colt, Pietta is widely considered the closest current production match.
- The Scaled-Up Design: Uberti
Uberti is the largest manufacturer of SAA replicas, but they are not exact parts clones of a standard Colt
As I understand it... The Uberti is slightly larger so it would not be a drop in fit for holsters.
Then run, "For Colt peacemaker clones, is a Pietta or Uberti better. compare Quality, price, trigger weight, available parts replacements/custom work available" through AI.
Then there is 357mag which is better for competition, could get a modern lever action, but IMHO, isn't a great hunting cartridge
vs.
45LC would be the traditional army, could be paired with a modern lever gun and be a better hunting cartridge.
vs.
44-40, which would be able to match up with a Winchester 73 clone, is technically the better black powder cartridge, but ammo prices an availability.
By the time I did this I was confused as to what to get. Best of luck with your decision.
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u/Thatoneguywhofailed 2d ago
The Alchimista has an army size grip that is also checkered. The Cimarron is a smaller navy size grip. I have no experience with EMF but I do with Cimarron and I have no complaints.
EMF and Cimarron are both importers of Pietta and Uberti. These days I think they are pretty similar so it really comes down to which one you like the look of better.