Pietta 1873 Gunfighter Revolver .357 Mag 4.75 in
About this product
What is the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter Revolver .357 Mag 4.75 in? It's a modern-manufactured reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army pattern, chambered in .357 Magnum with a 4.75-inch barrel and a 6-round cylinder, built to contemporary proof-test standards while maintaining the external profile and manual of arms of the classic 1873 design. This specific configuration, designated as the 'Gunfighter' model, represents the most historically common barrel length for a personal sidearm of that era, though the chambering is a 20th-century development.
What is the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter Revolver used for?
The Pietta 1873 Gunfighter is primarily used for historical reenactment, informal target shooting, and as a mechanically straightforward collectible. It is a single-action revolver (SA), meaning you must manually cock the hammer for each shot—a process that takes a trained shooter approximately 1.5 seconds per round. This makes it poorly suited for any defensive or rapid-fire scenario, but ideal for cowboy-action shooting sports under SASS rules or for demonstrating the manual of arms used from roughly 1873 through the early 1900s. Load data must be followed precisely; this frame is built for modern .357 ammunition but is not designed for sustained high-volume +P usage.
How does the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter compare to the Uberti Cattleman series?
The Pietta 1873 Gunfighter is broadly comparable in function and price to the Uberti Cattleman but differs in a few key manufacturing details. Uberti typically receives praise for marginally smoother factory timing and a slightly more authentic external profile, while Pietta's advantage lies in its often more robust internal lockwork and more consistent hammer spring tension. For a shooter prioritizing out-of-the-box smoothness for competition, the Uberti might have a slight edge; for someone who values durability and plans to shoot the gun heavily with a mix of .357 Mag and .38 Special, the Pietta's mechanical resilience is the better choice. Both are Italian-made reproductions of comparable quality.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pietta 1873 Gunfighter has an unloaded weight of 3.2 pounds—that's 1,451 grams—which is substantial for its size and aids in recoil management. Its overall length is 10.5 inches from the front of the barrel to the rear of the grip frame. The 4.75-inch barrel is not the longest option (others go to 7.5 inches) but represents the best balance between sight radius and holsterability for most users. The cylinder measures 1.65 inches in diameter, and the grip frame has a circumference of approximately 5.2 inches, making it suitable for most average-to-large adult hand sizes. This is a full-size revolver, not a compact or concealed-carry piece.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm, a fast-shooting plinker, or a first-time gun owner looking for simplicity. The mandatory single-action operation and loading gate make it slower to operate than any modern double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308. It is also not for the budget-constrained enthusiast, as ammunition costs for .357 Magnum can be high, and historical authenticity requires period-correct leather, which adds expense. If you need a versatile, multi-role firearm for hunting, target, or home defense, look to a modern design.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver itself, one six-round cylinder, and a small cardboard box typically containing a generic owner's manual and a simple plastic bore brush. Pietta does not include a factory test target, a hard case, or any cleaning supplies beyond the most basic tool. There is no magazine, speed loader, holster, or additional grip panels included. Expect to source your own ammunition, proper cleaning solvents for black powder fouling if you shoot substitutes, and a secure transport case immediately. The packaging is functional but minimal, reflecting its status as a tool for knowledgeable shooters.
Is the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter worth it at $623.07?
At $623.07, the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter presents fair value within the modern reproduction market, which typically ranges from $550 to $750 for base models. It is approximately $75-100 less than a comparable new Uberti Cattleman, but you are paying for a mechanically sound, range-ready replica you can shoot immediately. The investment is justified if your goal is historical shooting sports or collecting a shootable piece of Americana. If your goal is purely functional target shooting with no historical interest, a modern Ruger GP100 or used S&W Model 19 at a similar price point will offer superior durability, double-action capability, and easier maintenance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Solid 3.2 lb (1.45 kg) frame weight soaks up .357 Magnum recoil effectively
- 4.75-inch barrel provides a 7.75-inch sight radius—optimal balance for the platform
- Six-shot cylinder accepts both .357 Magnum and cheaper .38 Special for versatile practice
- Manual of arms is identical to an original 1873, perfect for SASS competition or reenactment
- Italian proof-testing to CIP standards ensures a safe pressure vessel for modern ammo
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—requires manually cocking the hammer for every shot, eliminating rapid fire
- Loading gate design takes approximately 15-20 seconds to fully load or unload six rounds
- No factory-installed transfer bar safety—must be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer (true to original design)
- Checkered plastic grips provide minimal purchase compared to aftermarket walnut or rubber options
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 641996200311 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | HF357CHBR434NMP |
| shipping weight | 3.155 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a Weaver-style scope mount?
- No, the Pietta 1873's top strap is not drilled or tapped for any scope mounts, and its design cannot accept them. It is designed solely for iron sights. This is standard for historical reproductions. For a scoped revolver, you would need a modern, pre-drilled model like a Ruger Super Redhawk.
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Pietta 1873 Gunfighter chambered in .357 Magnum can safely fire .38 Special ammunition. This is a significant advantage for cost-effective range time, as .38 Special is generally cheaper. However, you must thoroughly clean the cylinder chambers after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon build-up that can impede the seating of longer .357 Magnum cartridges.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days once payment clears and your chosen FFL's license is verified. Transit via common carriers like UPS or FedEx adds 2-7 business days depending on your location. You must arrange FFL transfer directly with your local dealer before we ship; we cannot ship to a residential address for this item.
- Can I return it if the timing is off?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for un-fired items in original packaging with all factory seals intact. If you discover a mechanical defect like timing issues after firing, you must contact Pietta's warranty service center directly at 1-800-430-1310. We are an authorized dealer but do not perform armorer-level repairs on-site. Always perform a safety and function check upon receipt before firing.