Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR Revolver 4.75in 6-Shot
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic 1873 dimensions - 10.25" overall length matches historical specs
- 35.2 oz all-steel construction - proper heft for recoil management
- 6-round capacity - standard loading for single-action drills
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety - requires empty chamber under hammer for carry
- Fixed sights only - no elevation or windage adjustment
- Blued finish shows holster wear faster than stainless
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR Revolver? It's a faithful single-action reproduction of the 1873 Colt Peacemaker pattern chambered in .22 Long Rifle, built by Chiappa Firearms with a 4.75-inch barrel and six-shot cylinder. This rimfire version maintains the classic external profile and manual of arms while offering substantially lower ammunition costs and reduced recoil compared to centerfire calibers. With an overall length of 10.25 inches and weight of 35.2 ounces, it delivers authentic handling characteristics without the expense of shooting .45 Colt.
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR Revolver used for?
This revolver is designed for low-cost plinking, introductory single-action training, and small game hunting within 25 yards. The .22 LR chambering allows for extended range sessions at approximately 4 cents per round compared to 50 cents for .45 Colt, while the 4.75-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for taking squirrels and rabbits. Fixed sights and traditional single-action operation make it ideal for mastering fundamental revolver mechanics without distractions.
How does the Chiappa 1873 SAA compare to the Heritage Rough Rider?
The Chiappa offers superior fit and finish with fully blued steel construction versus the Heritage's color-case-hardened frame and polished aluminum cylinder. While both are single-action .22 LR revolvers, the Chiappa's 35.2-ounce weight provides more authentic heft compared to the Rough Rider's 32 ounces, but the Heritage includes an optional .22 Magnum cylinder for approximately $30 extra. For pure historical authenticity in handling, the Chiappa wins; for caliber versatility, the Heritage holds the advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 10.25 inches overall with a 4.75-inch barrel and weighs 35.2 ounces unloaded. The cylinder accepts six rounds of .22 LR with a chamber diameter of 0.226 inches, and the grip frame has a 4.5-inch circumference that fits most hands comfortably. These dimensions closely match the original 1873 pattern while accommodating the smaller rimfire cartridge.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for defensive carry or rapid engagement scenarios due to its single-action-only operation requiring manual cocking for each shot. The fixed sights and .22 LR chambering limit effective range to about 50 yards maximum, making it poor for precision target work beyond basic plinking. Anyone needing modern features like transfer bar safeties or adjustable sights should consider our Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and basic documentation—no cleaning tools or additional accessories. The cylinder must be manually loaded and unloaded through a loading gate, requiring approximately 15 seconds per round for experienced users. Expect to purchase separate snap caps for dry fire practice and a .22 caliber cleaning rod, as neither is included.
Is the Chiappa 1873 SAA worth it at $189.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a historically accurate single-action platform that costs less to shoot than centerfire alternatives. The all-steel construction and proper bluing justify the $50 premium over entry-level .22 revolvers with alloy frames, though you'll want to budget another $25 for a basic holster and cleaning kit. For traditionalists seeking affordable single-action practice or a small game sidearm, this delivers authentic mechanics without the maintenance headaches of antique firearms.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670712393 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 340.053 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 14 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short ammunition?
- Yes, it will fire .22 Short rounds, but they may not cycle reliably through the ejection system due to shorter cartridge length. Expect increased fouling after 50-100 rounds that requires brushing the cylinder chambers.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for 4.75-inch barrel Colt Peacemaker clones, though some tight leather may require break-in. The 1.4-inch cylinder width matches original specifications within 0.02 inches.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via FedEx from our warehouse, plus your FFL's processing time. We ship within 24 hours of cleared payment and FFL verification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects, but cosmetic issues from handling or minor timing adjustments are not grounds for return. All returns must go through your FFL with original packaging.