CHIAPPA FIREARMS CHIAPPA 1873-22 REV 17HMR BLCK
About this product
What is the Chiappa Firearms 1873-22 Rev 17HMR BLCK? It's a modern rimfire single-action revolver that replicates the classic 1873 Colt Peacemaker pattern chambered for .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), not .22 LR. This provides a period-correct aesthetic with significantly flatter ballistic performance compared to traditional .22 rimfire cartridges. The model uses a transfer-bar safety system and a 4-click trigger, marrying old-world mechanics with modern internal firearm safety standards.
What is the Chiappa Firearms 1873-22 Rev 17HMR BLCK used for?
This revolver is best used for varmint control and dedicated rimfire target shooting on a budget. The .17 HMR cartridge offers a hyper-velocity round that sheds energy quickly past 150 yards, making it ideal for dispatching pests like prairie dogs below 75 yards without excessive report or ricochet risk found with larger centerfire calibers. It’s a niche tool, not a general-purpose plinker, and you will need to purchase a separate speedloader as the loading gate prohibits use of standard .17 HMR moon clips.
How does the Chiappa Firearms 1873-22 Rev 17HMR BLCK compare to the Heritage Rough Rider?
The Chiappa 1873-22 in .17 HMR is ballistically superior but more expensive to feed than the Heritage Rough Rider in .22 LR. While the Heritage averages 8-10 cents per round and offers a convertible .22 Magnum cylinder, this Chiappa demands .17 HMR ammo at 25-40 cents per round but delivers nearly double the muzzle velocity (2550 fps vs. ~1250 fps) and dramatically flatter trajectory. For precision shooting on small targets, the Chiappa wins; for casual plinking volume, the Heritage is the better financial choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the revolver weighs 2.3 pounds (36.8 ounces) with a barrel length of 5.5 inches and an overall length of 11 inches. The grip frame replicates the original 1873 pattern, which means shooters with hands larger than a medium glove size will have their pinky finger hanging below the grip frame—a trade-off for historical accuracy. The fixed sights are a blade front and notch rear, set for a 25-yard zero with standard 17-grain V-Max loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for someone seeking a defensive firearm, a cheap plinking companion, or a first-time shooter. The single-action operation, mandatory manual cocking of the hammer before each shot, and the specialized, relatively expensive .17 HMR ammunition make it a poor choice for self-defense or high-volume training. New shooters would be better served by a double-action .22 LR like a Ruger Wrangler for fundamental mechanics before stepping into this specialized, velocity-focused platform.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a basic cable lock, and the mandated safety manual. Unlike some competitors, there is no included holster, cleaning rod, or second cylinder for a different caliber. The packaging is utilitarian—a simple cardboard box—which explains part of the lower price point compared to presentation-grade models. You will need to source .17 HMR ammunition, a speedloader (recommended for the loading gate), and a cleaning kit separately.
Is the Chiappa Firearms 1873-22 Rev 17HMR BLCK worth it at $195.99?
At $195.99, it represents solid value **only** if your use-case aligns with its specific ballistic profile for varminting or you prioritize the historical single-action experience in a modern, high-velocity rimfire. For the price, you get a functional, aesthetic replica chambered in a potent small-game cartridge, but you trade off the versatility and lower ammo cost of a .22 LR/.22 WMR convertible platform. Consider it a dedicated tool, not an all-arounder, and budget an additional $1.50 per magazine for the specialized ammunition it requires.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Chambered in .17 HMR — delivers 2550+ fps muzzle velocity, not the standard 1200-1400 fps of .22 LR.
- Faithful 1873 SAA pattern — 11-inch overall length and 5.5-inch barrel provide classic handling characteristics.
- Transfer bar safety — meets modern drop-test standards while maintaining a traditional 4-click trigger pull.
- Six-round capacity — standard for the platform, loaded via a period-correct loading gate.
Trade-offs
- Ammunition cost — .17 HMR averages 25-40 cents per round, 3-4x the cost of .22 LR for plinking.
- No convertible cylinder — unlike the Heritage Rough Rider, this model is fixed to .17 HMR only.
- Requires gate-loader — standard moon clip speedloaders won't work, adding $15 for the correct HKS tool.
- Grip size — the original 1873 grip profile leaves the pinky hanging for medium-to-large hands.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670717022 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CF340.261 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 13.6500 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 5.9 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR or .22 Magnum ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire). The cylinder dimensions are specific to the .17 HMR case head and will not accept or safely fire .22 LR or .22 WMR. Attempting to do so is dangerous and will damage the firearm. You must source .17 HMR ammunition, commonly available from Hornady, CCI, and Winchester.
- Does this model have a transfer bar safety?
- Yes, it incorporates a transfer bar safety system, which is a modern requirement absent from original 1873 Colt designs. This means the firing pin will only strike the cartridge if the trigger is fully pulled to the rear with the hammer cocked. It prevents an accidental discharge if the hammer is struck without the trigger engaged, providing a crucial level of drop-safety not found on true antique replicas.
- Can I use a standard .17 HMR speedloader?
- No, you cannot use a standard push-button moon clip speedloader due to the loading gate on the 1873 frame. You must use a specific gate-loading speedloader, such as the HKS 1873 model, which typically costs between $12 and $18. Reloading all six chambers without one will take approximately 40-60 seconds versus 10-15 seconds with the proper tool.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 2-3 business days before the firearm is shipped via FedEx or UPS to your selected FFL dealer. Transit time then depends on your location, generally adding 3-7 business days. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license and coordinate the transfer, which usually incurs a separate fee of $25-$50.
- Does this work with aftermarket holsters for the 1873 pattern?
- Yes, it will fit most generic 1873 Single Action Army (SAA) or 'Peacemaker' pattern holsters designed for a 5.5-inch barrel. The frame dimensions and trigger guard are faithful to the original design. We recommend checking specific fit with brands like Triple K or Galco, but a standard 5.5-inch 'Cowboy' holster should provide a proper, secure fit without modification.