Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR 10-Shot 7.5in Blued
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About this product
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR 10-Shot 7.5in Blued? The Chiappa 1873 SAA is a 10-shot single-action revolver chambered in .22 LR that replicates the iconic 1873 Colt Peacemaker format using modern CNC manufacturing. This reproduction maintains the classic external profile and manual-of-arms while offering increased capacity and reduced recoil compared to period-correct calibers. It's built on a medium-frame platform with a 7.5-inch rifled barrel, blued finish, and adjustable rear sights for practical target applications.
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA .22 LR used for?
This revolver is engineered for deliberate target shooting and low-cost skill development. The 7.5-inch barrel provides a 14.5-inch sight radius, enhancing mechanical accuracy potential for stationary paper or steel target work at 25-50 yards. The single-action trigger breaks cleanly at approximately 4.5 pounds, supporting precise shot placement during slow-fire drills where time isn't a factor. Its 10-round capacity in .22 LR makes it economical for extended range sessions—about half the cost per round compared to centerfire pistol calibers—while the classic manual-of-arms reinforces fundamental firearms handling discipline.
How does the Chiappa 1873 SAA compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Chiappa offers superior historical authenticity and sight adjustability over the Ruger Wrangler. Where the Wrangler uses a transfer-bar safety system and fixed sights on a simplified zinc-aluminum frame, the Chiappa replicates the 1873's four-click hammer, loading-gate cylinder access, and fully adjustable rear sight on a steel construction that weighs 47.2 ounces versus the Wrangler's 35 ounces. The Ruger is more durable for field carry and simpler to operate, but the Chiappa provides a more authentic single-action experience with precision sighting capability, better suiting deliberate target shooters who value historical mechanics over utilitarian ruggedness.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 47.20 ounces (2.95 pounds) with an overall length of 13.0 inches from muzzle to grip base. The 7.5-inch barrel contributes to a sight radius of 14.5 inches between the fixed front blade and adjustable rear notch, providing substantial leverage for precise alignment. The cylinder measures 1.43 inches in diameter and accepts ten .22 LR cartridges in a configuration that adds approximately 0.9 inches to the frame width when loaded. This weight-forward balance makes it steady for offhand shooting but less concealable than compact revolvers like the Stevens 334 Rifle in tactical applications.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is unsuitable for defensive carry or rapid-fire scenarios requiring double-action capability. The single-action mechanism demands manual cocking before each shot, adding 2-3 seconds per round to engagement sequences compared to modern semi-automatics. The blued finish shows holster wear noticeably after 50-60 draws, and the exposed hammer can snag on clothing during presentation. If you need a firearm for home defense or competitive action shooting, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge with quicker follow-up capability or a modern polymer-frame semi-automatic pistol instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the Chiappa 1873 SAA revolver, one 10-round cylinder, and typically a generic plastic case with foam insert—no factory-supplied speedloaders, additional cylinders, or specialized tools. The firearm ships with a standard cable lock through the cylinder window and minimal documentation covering basic operation and safety warnings. No cleaning kit, bore snake, or sight adjustment tool is included, so budget $25-40 for a .22-caliber cleaning rod, patches, and solvent before your first range session to maintain the rifling after 250-300 rounds.
Is the Chiappa 1873 SAA worth it at $219.99?
At $219.99, this revolver delivers substantial value for historical reproduction and target shooting applications. You're paying approximately $22 per round of capacity in a steel-frame construction, compared to $18 per round for aluminum-frame alternatives with fixed sights. The authentic four-click hammer and adjustable rear sight justify the $40-60 premium over entry-level .22 LR revolvers that sacrifice these features for cost reduction. For recreational shooters seeking classic single-action mechanics without centerfire ammunition expenses, this represents a logical entry point before investing in more expensive Italian or U.S.-made reproductions costing $500-900.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 10-round capacity — double the traditional 1873 SAA cylinder count in .22 LR
- 47.20-ounce steel frame provides stable 14.5-inch sight radius for target work
- Adjustable rear sight offers ±40 MOA elevation/windage correction versus fixed alternatives
- Authentic four-click hammer mechanism replicates 1873 manual-of-arms precisely
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual cocking before each shot, adding 2-3 seconds per round
- Blued finish shows holster wear after 50-60 draws without periodic cold blue treatment
- No included speedloading system — full cylinder reloads take 12-15 seconds through loading gate
- Black plastic grips lack the checkering depth of walnut or G10 alternatives
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710276 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 340.170 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 7.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 |
| length | 14 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.85 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum ammunition?
- No, the cylinder chambers are cut specifically for .22 Long Rifle cartridges and will not safely accept .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) rounds. Attempting to fire .22 WMR in this revolver creates excessive pressure risks and potential cylinder damage—the case dimensions differ by 0.053 inches in length. For magnum capability, you need a dedicated .22 WMR revolver like the Heritage Rough Rider with interchangeable cylinders.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- Yes, the external dimensions match Colt Single Action Army holster patterns for 7.5-inch barrel models within a 0.1-inch tolerance. We've confirmed compatibility with leather rigs from Simply Rugged (Sourdough Pancake), El Paso Saddlery (No. 1920), and nylon options from Hunter Company. The 47.2-ounce weight requires a holster with at least 8-ounce leather or reinforced polymer to prevent sagging during all-day carry.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment via UPS or FedEx with 2-5 day transit to your selected Federal Firearms License holder. Rural locations may add 1-2 days—Montana deliveries from our warehouse typically require 4 total days. You must provide your dealer's signed FFL copy before we release the firearm; without it, shipment delays extend to 7-10 business days for verification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. We test-fire 3-5 rounds upon receipt to confirm cycling issues before authorizing replacement or refund. Cosmetic wear from normal handling isn't grounds for return—the blued finish shows holster marks after approximately 60 draws. Shipping costs for returns are customer-responsible unless we confirm a manufacturing defect.
- Does this work with quick-loaders?
- Partial compatibility exists with HKS 22-A speedloaders, but they require modification to clear the loading gate geometry. The factory cylinder lacks the recessed notches for positive retention common on modern double-action revolvers. Most users load individual rounds through the gate—expect 12-15 seconds for a full 10-round reload versus 3-4 seconds with optimized speedloader systems on Ruger GP100 models.