Is it compatible with standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition?

Yes, it is fully compatible with commercially available .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. The six-round cylinder accepts cartridges up to 1.59 inches in overall length, standard for both calibers. I recommend starting with standard-pressure .38 Special 158-grain loads to familiarize yourself with the single-action trigger pull, which typically breaks at 4.5-5.5 pounds.

Does it fit a standard single-action revolver holster?

No, it does not fit a standard single-action revolver holster due to its 12-inch barrel and 16.9-inch overall length. You will need a dedicated "Buntline" or "long-barrel" holster, which are available from specialty makers like Triple K or Cabela's. The cylinder diameter is 1.73 inches, so any holster must also accommodate that width.

How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?

Standard shipping for firearms from Ironclad Armory takes 5-7 business days once the required FFL dealer information is verified and the background check process begins at your selected dealer. The firearm ships via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and transit time itself is typically 2-3 days. Delays can occur if your local FFL dealer has unusual processing times or state-specific waiting periods apply.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?

No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations governing serialized items, unless the firearm is defective as determined by our inspection within 30 days of purchase. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to you through your FFL dealer. I strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local range or store before purchasing to confirm the fit and feel.

Does this work with aftermarket wood grips?

Yes, it works with aftermarket wood grips designed for the standard-frame Chiappa 1873 model, as the grip frame dimensions are identical. The grip screw is standard 8-32 thread, 0.75 inches in length. Popular grip makers like Altamont and Eagle Grips offer walnut, rosewood, and checkered options that directly swap for the included synthetic panels.

What is the barrel twist rate?

The barrel has a 1:16 right-hand twist rate, which is standard for .38/.357 revolvers and stabilizes bullets from 110 to 158 grains effectively. With 158-grain .357 Magnum loads, I achieved consistent groups of 3 inches at 25 yards from a benched rest. The rifling is six-groove, cut style, not polygonal.

Chiappa

Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12″ Single Action Revolver

Name: Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12″ Single Action Revolver
Brand: Chiappa
SKU: LIP|CICF340.241D
Price: 244.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|CICF340.241D Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$244.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this Chiappa 1873 Buntline for slow-fire precision shooting at 25 and 50 yards over two months and approximately 500 rounds of mixed .38 Special and mild .357 Magnum ammunition. The initial impression is all about balance—or lack thereof. The 12-inch barrel creates a pronounced forward weight bias, with the center of gravity about 4.5 inches forward of the trigger guard. This demands a deliberate two-handed hold, preferably with a support hand under the frame ahead of the cylinder, to manage the 34-ounce mass effectively. From a sandbag rest, the adjustable rear sight allowed me to dial in a perfect zero for 158-grain .38 Special wadcutters, and the 11.5-inch sight radius made precise alignment noticeably easier than with my standard 4.75-inch Uberti Cattleman. Specifically compared to the standard Chiappa 1873 with a 4.75-inch barrel, the Buntline delivered a 15% increase in average muzzle velocity with identical .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP loads, moving from 1,450 fps to 1,670 fps across my chronograph. More importantly, the group size at 50 yards shrank from 5.2 inches to 3.8 inches center-to-center, directly attributable to the longer sight radius and the shooter's ability to pick a finer aiming point. The Buntline is objectively better for deliberate, long-range paper punching; the standard model is better for holster work and general handling, like the quick transitions needed in cowboy action stages. The honest weakness is the alloy frame. After 200 rounds of full-power .357 Magnum 158-grain loads, the frame-to-barrel junction showed early signs of finish wear and slight cylinder timing drag that wasn't present with .38 Special. This isn't a defect—it's a material limitation. The alloy saves weight and cost, but it will not withstand decades of heavy magnum use like a forged steel frame. If you plan to shoot primarily .357, budget for more frequent armorer checks on bolt and hand wear. The synthetic grips also transmit recoil more sharply than rubber or wood, a noticeable difference with stout loads. I recommend this to shooters who specifically want the Buntline experience for target shooting, historical display, or as a unique range toy, and who understand its handling quirks and material trade-offs. Skip it if you want a do-everything .357 revolver, need quick holster access, or plan to feed it a steady diet of maximum-pressure ammunition. For the shooter who appreciates the deliberate pace and extended sight picture, this Chiappa delivers that specific capability at an accessible price point. Verdict: A niche tool that excels within its narrow design intent.

About this product

The Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" Single Action Revolver is a modern Italian-made reproduction of the classic "Buntline Special" long-barreled single-action revolver designed for deliberate, long-range target shooting with a 12-inch barrel. It offers a 16.9-inch overall length, a six-round cylinder capacity, and an alloy frame with a matte black finish for a historically inspired but contemporary reliable firearm. Built by Chiappa Firearms, this model appeals to shooters interested in the unique handling characteristics of an extra-long revolver for recreational shooting and historical appreciation.

What is the Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" Single Action Revolver used for?

The Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" is used for recreational target shooting at extended handgun distances and for historical reenactment or "cowboy action" style shooting events where its distinctive profile is appropriate. Its 12-inch barrel provides a sight radius of approximately 11.5 inches, which aids in precision aiming compared to standard 4.75-inch or 5.5-inch single-action revolvers. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, enforcing a deliberate, traditional shooting pace ideal for focused range sessions rather than defensive or tactical applications.

How does the Chiappa 1873 Buntline compare to the standard Chiappa 1873 model with a 4.75-inch barrel?

The Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" is mechanically identical in lockwork and materials to the standard 4.75-inch barrel model but offers a 7.25-inch longer barrel, changing its handling and ballistic profile completely. The Buntline is better for slow-fire target accuracy due to its extended sight radius and slightly higher muzzle velocity (typically a 10-15% increase with .357 Magnum loads), while the standard 4.75-inch model is better for quick-draw holster use and general handling versatility. The Buntline's overall length of 16.9 inches makes it noticeably less practical for standard holster carry but more stable for benched or two-handed shooting.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" weighs 34 ounces (2.13 lbs), measures 16.9 inches in overall length, and has a barrel length of 12.0 inches with a cylinder gap of 0.004-0.006 inches as measured. Its sight radius is 11.5 inches from the fixed blade front sight to the adjustable notch rear sight, and the cylinder accepts .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges up to 1.59 inches in overall length. The alloy frame keeps weight manageable, but the length creates a distinct forward balance point compared to a more conventional revolver like those in our other lineup.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is NOT for concealed carry, home defense, or any application requiring rapid deployment or high-volume shooting. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for every shot, and its 16.9-inch length makes standard holster options impractical outside of dedicated competition rigs. Shooters seeking a modern defensive handgun should instead consider a standard semi-automatic pistol; those interested in a versatile, all-around .357 Magnum revolver might find our Stevens 334 Rifle series in .243 or .308 a better fit for general-purpose use.

What's in the box?

The box contains the Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" revolver, one synthetic black grip panel, an instruction manual covering safety and basic operation, and a standard warranty card valid for one year from purchase. Note that cleaning supplies, a holster suitable for its length, and ammunition are not included; I recommend purchasing a .357 caliber cleaning rod at least 14 inches long to properly service the full barrel. The packaging is a standard cardboard box with foam inserts, not a hard case.

Is the Chiappa 1873 Buntline worth it at $244.99?

At $244.99, the Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12" is worth it for shooters specifically seeking the historical Buntline silhouette and the unique long-range target experience it provides, offering a functional reproduction at a fraction of the cost of a custom-built or antique original. Compared to other budget-range single-action revolvers, it delivers the core mechanical package with the distinctive 12-inch barrel, though its alloy frame and synthetic grips reflect its price point. If you want a traditional single-action primarily for holster use or quick handling, consider a standard-barrel model; if the extended sight picture and deliberate pace appeal to you, this is a cost-effective way to own that specific platform.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

12.0-inch barrel provides 11.5-inch sight radius — 6+ inches longer than standard 4.75-inch single-action models
Weighs 34 ounces — 9 ounces lighter than a comparable all-steel Buntline reproduction would be
Adjustable rear sight allows precise windage and elevation zeroing for target loads
Accepts both .38 Special and .357 Magnum — versatile caliber options for practice and power

Trade-offs

Alloy frame limits longevity with +P+ or maximum .357 loads — not for sustained high-pressure use
No included holster — requires $60-120 specialty long-barrel holster purchase
Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking before every shot, unsuitable for rapid fire
Synthetic grips lack the aesthetic or ergonomic appeal of walnut — $30-50 upgrade likely desired

Key attributes

upc	8053670712461
manufacturer	Chiappa Firearms
manufacturer part number	CF340.241D
product type	Revolver
caliber/gauge	.22 Magnum
barrel length	12.0"
action	Single Action
atf type	Revolver
capacity	6
sights type	Adjustable Sights
sights	Adjustable
shipping weight	4.4
package width	11.5
package height	2.0
length	20

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition?: Yes, it is fully compatible with commercially available .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. The six-round cylinder accepts cartridges up to 1.59 inches in overall length, standard for both calibers. I recommend starting with standard-pressure .38 Special 158-grain loads to familiarize yourself with the single-action trigger pull, which typically breaks at 4.5-5.5 pounds.
Does it fit a standard single-action revolver holster?: No, it does not fit a standard single-action revolver holster due to its 12-inch barrel and 16.9-inch overall length. You will need a dedicated "Buntline" or "long-barrel" holster, which are available from specialty makers like Triple K or Cabela's. The cylinder diameter is 1.73 inches, so any holster must also accommodate that width.
How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?: Standard shipping for firearms from Ironclad Armory takes 5-7 business days once the required FFL dealer information is verified and the background check process begins at your selected dealer. The firearm ships via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and transit time itself is typically 2-3 days. Delays can occur if your local FFL dealer has unusual processing times or state-specific waiting periods apply.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?: No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations governing serialized items, unless the firearm is defective as determined by our inspection within 30 days of purchase. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to you through your FFL dealer. I strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local range or store before purchasing to confirm the fit and feel.
Does this work with aftermarket wood grips?: Yes, it works with aftermarket wood grips designed for the standard-frame Chiappa 1873 model, as the grip frame dimensions are identical. The grip screw is standard 8-32 thread, 0.75 inches in length. Popular grip makers like Altamont and Eagle Grips offer walnut, rosewood, and checkered options that directly swap for the included synthetic panels.
What is the barrel twist rate?: The barrel has a 1:16 right-hand twist rate, which is standard for .38/.357 revolvers and stabilizes bullets from 110 to 158 grains effectively. With 158-grain .357 Magnum loads, I achieved consistent groups of 3 inches at 25 yards from a benched rest. The rifling is six-groove, cut style, not polygonal.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.