Chiappa 1873 Engraved Revolver — 6rd Black
About this product
The Chiappa 1873 Engraved Revolver is a modern-manufactured, single-action pistol chambered in .45 Colt that delivers an authentic 1873 Colt Single Action Army aesthetic with laser-engraved scrollwork on a black finished steel frame for recreational shooting and collector display. Produced by Chiappa Firearms under the Charles Daly brand, it incorporates updated metallurgy and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining the classic external profile and manual-of-arms. For clarity, this is not a transferable Title II firearm or an antique; it ships new from a modern factory, requiring standard FFL procedures.
What is the Chiappa 1873 Engraved Revolver used for?
This revolver is designed for casual target shooting, cowboy action shooting on approved matches that allow modern replicas, and as a display piece for collectors who prioritize visual presentation over defensive practicality. Its single-action-only operation means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot, enforcing deliberate shooting cadence and traditional handling; this makes it unsuitable for any defensive scenario where rapid follow-up shots under stress are required. The decorative engraving is purely aesthetic and provides no functional advantage, aligning the piece squarely with recreational and historical interest applications.
How does the Chiappa 1873 Engraved compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Chiappa 1873 is a six-round, single-action revolver for historical recreation, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a bolt-action centerfire rifle built for practical hunting and precision firing at ranges exceeding 300 yards. The Stevens 334 offers significantly greater effective range, kinetic energy, and magazine capacity for game taking, whereas the Chiappa 1873 excels at delivering tactile, close-range shooting satisfaction (<25 yards) with period-correct form. Choose the Stevens 334 for putting meat in the freezer; choose the Chiappa 1873 for the experience of shooting a classic design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver has an overall length of 11.2 inches, a barrel length of 5.5 inches, and weighs approximately 36.5 ounces (2.28 pounds) unloaded. The cylinder's diameter is 1.6 inches, and the grip-to-trigger distance measures 3.9 inches, fitting most medium-to-large hands. These measurements are critical for holster selection and transport, as the weight and length exceed many compact modern carry pistols by a factor of two.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not buy this revolver if you need a home defense firearm, a concealed carry piece, or a high-volume training tool. Its six-round capacity, mandatory single-action operation, and lack of modern safety features like a transfer bar make it objectively inferior for defensive use compared to any modern double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol. Collectors seeking original, investment-grade antiques should also look elsewhere, as this is a modern production replica with no historical provenance.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a single six-round cylinder, and minimal paperwork including safety warnings and a manufacturer's warranty card. No holster, speed loaders, cleaning kit, or spare parts are included, which is standard for firearms in this price tier. The cylinder is pre-fitted at the factory and should not be swapped without professional gunsmithing, as timing is critical for safe operation.
Is the Chiappa 1873 Engraved worth it at $167.99?
At $167.99, it represents strong value as an entry-point into historically-styled single-action shooting, costing roughly $300 less than a base-model Uberti Cattleman without engraving. The investment covers a functional, safe shooter with decorative appeal, not a heirloom-quality firearm. For buyers comparing against a purely utilitarian tool like a used Glock 19, the value proposition shifts entirely toward the intangible satisfaction of handling a 19th-century design.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 36.5 oz — provides a solid, historically accurate heft that dampens felt recoil with standard .45 Colt loads.
- Six-round cylinder capacity matches the original 1873 design for authentic manual-of-arms and reloading drills.
- Laser-engraved scrollwork on a blackened steel frame adds collector visual appeal without the $800+ cost of hand-engraving on a premium replica.
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety — hammer must be kept on an empty chamber for safe carry, reducing practical capacity to 5 rounds.
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable — limits precision shooting beyond 15 yards compared to the adjustable rear sight on a Ruger Blackhawk.
- Single-action-only operation mandates manual hammer cocking for every shot, making it unsuitable for any defensive scenario.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800948289 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 340.340 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| shipping weight | 2.3 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for standard .45 Long Colt (also labeled .45 Colt) commercial ammunition. Do not use +P or high-pressure handloads, as the frame is not rated for modern magnum pressures. Stick to factory loads under 14,000 PSI for safe, reliable operation.
- Does this qualify as an antique firearm?
- No. Despite its 1873 design, this is a newly manufactured replica produced after 1898. It must be transferred through a licensed FFL dealer in compliance with all federal and state laws, exactly like a modern polymer-frame pistol. Do not assume it qualifies for C&R or antique status.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. All firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL dealer due to federal regulations. Handle a similar single-action revolver at a local range or store to assess ergonomics before purchasing. The grip circumference is 4.8 inches, comparable to many 1911-style pistols.
- Does this work with cowboy action holsters?
- Yes, its 5.5-inch barrel and 1.6-inch cylinder diameter are dimensionally identical to most modern replicas of the Colt SAA, so it will fit standard 'single-action army' holsters from vendors like Triple K or El Paso Saddlery. Confirm holster specifications list '1873 replica' or 'Colt SAA pattern' for compatibility.