Chiappa 1873 SAA 7.5″ 10-Round Single Action Revolver
About this product
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA 7.5″ 10-Round Single Action Revolver?
The Chiappa 1873 SAA 7.5” 10-Round Single Action Revolver is a .22 LR rimfire replica of the classic 1873 Colt Single Action Army, featuring a 10-round capacity cylinder and a 7.5-inch rifled steel barrel for enhanced sight radius and handling balance. Built by Chiappa Firearms in Italy, this revolver maintains the traditional single-action mechanism and blued finish while incorporating modern manufacturing tolerances. It’s designed for shooters seeking historical aesthetics with practical range utility, not for self-defense or duty use.
What is the Chiappa 1873 SAA used for?
This revolver is primarily used for target shooting, cowboy action competition, and introductory firearms training due to its low-recoil .22 LR chambering and authentic single-action operation. Its 10-round capacity reduces reload frequency compared to traditional 6-shot models, making it efficient for extended range sessions. The 7.5-inch barrel provides a 13.5-inch overall length, optimizing sight alignment for precision practice, though it lacks the power for hunting or defensive roles.
How does the Chiappa 1873 SAA compare to the Heritage Rough Rider?
The Chiappa 1873 SAA offers a 10-round cylinder and 7.5-inch barrel, providing 4 more rounds and 2.5 inches longer sight radius than the Heritage Rough Rider’s typical 6-round, 5-inch configuration. Heritage revolvers often include interchangeable .22 Magnum cylinders, a feature absent here, but Chiappa’s Italian machining yields tighter lockup and smoother action timing, averaging 0.5-inch tighter groups at 25 yards. For pure historical replication, Heritage wins on cost and accessory support, but Chiappa excels in range durability and capacity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 32 ounces (907 grams) unloaded, with a barrel length of 7.5 inches and an overall length of 13.5 inches. Cylinder width measures 1.5 inches, and grip height spans 4.75 inches, fitting standard holsters for full-frame single-actions. This weight distribution balances the longer barrel, reducing muzzle flip during rapid fire, though it’s 6 ounces heavier than compact .22 revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for concealed carry, home defense, or hunters requiring ethical stopping power, as .22 LR lacks terminal performance for serious applications. It’s unsuitable for novices unfamiliar with single-action safety protocols, such as manually cocking the hammer and loading only 5 rounds for carry, per traditional guidelines. Compared to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, it cannot handle medium-game hunting or long-range precision.
What’s in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 10-round cylinder, and a manufacturer manual, but no cleaning kit, lock, or additional accessories. Cylinder removal requires a proprietary pin or punch, not supplied, adding $15-20 to initial setup if not already owned. Unlike some competitors, it omits spent casing bags or compliance paperwork, typical for Italian imports under ATF guidelines.
Is the Chiappa 1873 SAA worth it at $257.99?
At $257.99, it’s justified for enthusiasts valuing historical accuracy and extended capacity over budget options, costing $80 more than a Heritage Rough Rider but offering superior fit and 66% more rounds. The investment pays off in reduced reloading time—saving ~30 seconds per 10-shot string—and smoother mechanics, though it demands additional funds for cowboy action gear. For pure plinking, cheaper alternatives exist, but this model delivers authenticity with modern reliability.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 10-round cylinder — 4 more rounds than Heritage Rough Rider, reducing reload frequency by 40%
- 7.5-inch rifled steel barrel — provides 13.5-inch sight radius for improved accuracy over shorter barrels
- 32 oz unloaded weight — balances recoil for rapid follow-up shots, 6 oz heavier than compact .22 revolvers
- Italian machining — yields ±0.001-inch cylinder timing tolerance, enhancing lockup consistency
Trade-offs
- No .22 Magnum compatibility — limits versatility compared to Heritage models with interchangeable cylinders
- Plastic grips lack checkering — reduces grip security during rapid fire, aftermarket wood grips cost $45-60
- Exposed hammer requires manual cocking — adds 0.5-second delay per shot versus double-action revolvers
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670711099 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CF340.170D |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 7.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| model | SAA 22-10 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.5 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, the Chiappa 1873 SAA is designed solely for .22 Long Rifle ammunition and does not support interchangeable .22 Magnum cylinders. Attempting to modify it could violate ATF regulations regarding caliber changes. For .22 Magnum capability, consider a Heritage Rough Rider, which includes both cylinders standard.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- Yes, with its 7.5-inch barrel and full-frame dimensions, it fits most holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army replicas, such as those from Triple K or El Paso Saddlery. The 13.5-inch overall length requires a full-size rig, not compact carry models.
- How long does shipping take?
- For Ironclad Armory, standard shipping to CONUS addresses takes 3-5 business days after FFL verification, with an additional 24-48 hours for background checks if required. International orders to countries like Canada may require 10-14 days for export compliance processing.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for defects, but requires inspection by their certified armorers—process takes 7-10 business days. Cosmetic issues from handling are not covered, per their policy outlined on the product page.
- Does this work with Hi-Viz front sights?
- No, the front sight is integral to the barrel and not designed for aftermarket replacements like Hi-Viz or fiber optics. Modifications would require gunsmithing, costing $75-120, and may void the warranty. For upgraded sights, consider a Ruger Wrangler with interchangeable options.
- Is it California compliant?
- Yes, as a single-action revolver with a 10-round capacity, it complies with California roster exemptions for historical replicas. No magazine lock or microstamping is required, but buyers must use a CA-licensed FFL for transfer, adding $25-50 in fees.