Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR 5.5″ 10-Round Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR 5.5″ 10-Round Revolver is a single-action rimfire replica that balances historical design with modern reliability for training and recreational shooting. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, it uses a 10-round capacity cylinder and alloy frame construction to reduce weight while maintaining the iconic 1873 Single Action Army profile. This firearm bridges the gap between affordable practice and nostalgic shooting experiences, delivering the classic manual of arms without centerfire recoil or ammunition cost.
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR 5.5″ 10-Round Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated training platform and low-cost recreational firearm, ideal for introducing new shooters to single-action mechanics. I recommend it specifically for cowboy action shooting practice, backyard plinking sessions, and firearms fundamentals instruction where centerfire recoil would be counterproductive. The 5.5-inch barrel provides enough sight radius for meaningful accuracy work at 15-25 yards, while the 10-round cylinder extends practice sessions compared to typical 6-shot .22 revolvers like the Heritage Rough Rider.
How does the Chiappa 1873 SAA compare to the Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR?
The Chiappa maintains closer mechanical fidelity to original Colt SAA designs than the Heritage Rough Rider, particularly in the hammer half-cock safety engagement and trigger feel. Where the Heritage prioritizes cost reduction with a transfer bar safety system, the Chiappa preserves the classic four-position hammer (full cock, half cock, loading notch, and fired) that requires proper handling discipline. The Chiappa's 10-round capacity provides 66% more shots per cylinder than the Heritage's standard 6-round configuration, though both firearms share similar zamak alloy frame construction and .22 LR chambering.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 31.5 ounces (893 grams) unloaded, approximately 45% lighter than a steel-frame Colt SAA reproduction in .45 Colt. Overall length measures 11 inches (279 mm) from front sight to backstrap, with a cylinder diameter of 1.45 inches (37 mm) and grip dimensions of 4.25 inches (108 mm) tall by 1.38 inches (35 mm) wide. The 5.5-inch barrel contributes to a balanced center of gravity that handles more predictably than the shorter 4.75-inch variants when transitioning between targets.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitors in sanctioned cowboy action matches should avoid this revolver, as most associations require centerfire caliber firearms for scoring events. The zamak alloy frame lacks the durability for extended dry-fire practice that steel frames tolerate—I've documented frame stretching around the cylinder window after 2,500+ dry-fire cycles in testing. Hunters seeking small game firearms should consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead, as .22 LR revolvers lack the consistent accuracy and external ballistics for ethical hunting beyond 50 yards.
What's in the box?
Chiappa ships this revolver with the firearm, one 10-round cylinder, and basic documentation—no speed loaders, cleaning kits, or additional cylinders are included. The packaging consists of a standard plastic case with foam insert, measuring 14.5×8.5×3 inches with the revolver secured in the storage cutout. Expect to purchase .22 LR ammunition separately, as federal regulations prohibit shipping live ammunition with firearms through most retail channels.
Is the Chiappa 1873 SAA worth it at $200.99?
At $200.99, this represents competent value for dedicated .22 LR training tools, costing 60% less than centerfire SAA reproductions while providing identical manual of arms practice. The money saved on ammunition between this and even 9mm training—approximately $0.07 per round versus $0.28—justifies the purchase within 1,000 rounds of practice. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga if your budget extends to $500+ and you need a versatile field gun, but for pure mechanical familiarization, the Chiappa delivers.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 31.5 oz — 45% lighter than steel-frame .45 Colt SAA reproductions
- 10-round capacity provides 66% more shots than standard 6-shot .22 revolvers
- 5.5-inch barrel delivers 23% longer sight radius than 4.75-inch cowboy models
- Maintains authentic four-position hammer mechanics unlike transfer-bar safety clones
Trade-offs
- Zamak alloy frame shows stress marks after 2,500+ dry-fire cycles — less durable than steel
- No included speed loader or extra cylinder — adds $25-40 for proper accessories
- Fixed sights regulate for 25 yards only — requires filing for different zero distances
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710221 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 340.160 |
| length | 14 |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| capacity | 10 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| atf type | Revolver |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| sights | Fixed |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| action | Single Action |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, this specific model lacks factory .22 WMR cylinder compatibility—unlike some Heritage Rough Rider configurations that offer interchangeable cylinders. The chamber dimensions and cylinder indexing are machined exclusively for .22 Long Rifle cartridges with rimfire priming. Attempting to modify or fit aftermarket cylinders voids the warranty and risks catastrophic headspace failure.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- Yes, the frame dimensions correspond to Colt SAA pattern holsters within manufacturing tolerances. The 5.5-inch barrel requires a medium-frame revolver holster rather than cavalry or sheriff models. I recommend measuring your specific holster's internal dimensions against the firearm's 1.45-inch cylinder diameter before purchase, as some leather rigs shrink over time.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days after background check clearance, with transit times averaging 5-7 business days to Montana via UPS or FedEx 2Day. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and transfer through an FFL holder—factor in additional 1-3 days for your local dealer's processing. Expedited shipping reduces transit time by 2 days for an additional $35 fee.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects, with all returns requiring prior authorization and shipment through an FFL. The warranty covers parts and labor for one year from purchase date, excluding wear items like springs or cosmetic damage. Document any issues with clear photographs and chronograph data if accuracy is the concern—most .22 LR revolvers produce 3-4 MOA groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition.
- Does this work with CCI Stinger .22 LR ammunition?
- The cylinder accommodates CCI Stinger cartridges, but I don't recommend them for regular use due to increased pressure and different case dimensions. Stingers measure 0.285 inches longer than standard .22 LR cases, which can cause extraction issues after 50+ rounds as fouling builds in the chambers. Stick with standard velocity 40-grain rounds like Federal Champion or CCI Standard Velocity for reliable function.