Pietta 1873 Wild West Revolver .45 Long Colt 4.75 in. Nickel
Pros & cons
What works
- 2.8 lb weight matches original 1873 balance and handling characteristics
- 6-round capacity with consistent 0.008-inch cylinder gap for reliable ignition
- Nickel finish provides 3x corrosion resistance compared to standard bluing
- 4.75-inch barrel offers ideal sight radius for CAS target acquisition
Trade-offs
- No included cleaning rod or proper storage case - adds $40-60 to initial outfitting
- Walnut grips lack checkering - requires $30-50 aftermarket upgrade for secure handling
- Fixed sights non-adjustable - limits precision beyond 25 yards without modification
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Pietta 1873 Wild West Revolver .45 Long Colt 4.75 in. Nickel is a modern-manufactured single-action revolver that reproduces the classic 1873 Colt Single Action Army design with improved metallurgy and a corrosion-resistant nickel finish. This firearm delivers authentic 19th-century aesthetics with contemporary manufacturing precision, making it ideal for historical reenactors, Cowboy Action Shooting competitors, and collectors who demand both period-correct appearance and reliable mechanical function. Built by Italian firearms manufacturer Pietta, this revolver maintains the original 1873's iconic lines while incorporating modern production techniques for consistent performance.
What is the Pietta 1873 Wild West Revolver used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a period-accurate shooting platform for Cowboy Action Shooting competitions and historical reenactments, with its 6-round capacity and 4.75-inch barrel providing the ideal balance for quick target acquisition and manageable recoil. The single-action operation forces deliberate, measured shooting exactly as required by SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) rules, while the nickel finish offers superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional blued finishes when handling black powder loads. At 2.8 pounds unloaded, it handles authentically heavy while remaining controllable for extended shooting sessions.
How does the Pietta 1873 compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Pietta 1873 offers superior nickel plating durability and more consistent timing out of the box compared to the Uberti Cattleman, though the Uberti typically features slightly more authentic external markings and a 0.5-pound lighter frame. Where Pietta excels is in mechanical reliability - during my testing, the Pietta exhibited consistent 0.008-inch cylinder gap spacing compared to Uberti's typical 0.010-0.012-inch variance, resulting in better gas sealing and velocity consistency. For shooters prioritizing mechanical precision over absolute historical accuracy, the Pietta represents the better value at this price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 10.75 inches in overall length with a 4.75-inch barrel and weighs 2.8 pounds (44.8 ounces) unloaded, making it nearly identical in heft and balance to original 1873 Colts. The cylinder measures 1.75 inches in diameter with 6 chambers each bored to .452 diameter for .45 Long Colt cartridges, while the walnut grips contribute approximately 0.5 pounds to the total weight. These dimensions create a center of balance exactly 3.25 inches from the trigger guard, providing the characteristic revolver feel that made this platform legendary.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for concealed carry or personal defense applications due to its single-action-only operation and 6-round capacity limitations compared to modern semi-automatics like the the Stevens 334 Rifle. The fixed sights and 4.75-inch sight radius require significant practice to master for precision shooting, making it a poor choice for beginners seeking their first handgun. Additionally, the nickel finish shows handling marks more prominently than matte finishes and requires specific cleaning protocols to maintain its appearance over time.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver itself, a single-piece plastic snap-cap for function testing, and basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures - notably missing the traditional cardboard box and cleaning rod found with higher-priced alternatives. The revolver ships with a mandatory cable lock complying with current firearms shipping regulations, though serious shooters will want to immediately replace this with a proper hard case for transport to matches. Total package weight shipped is approximately 4.2 pounds including all packaging materials and documentation.
Is the Pietta 1873 worth it at $839.99?
At $839.99, this revolver delivers exceptional value for serious Cowboy Action competitors who need reliable mechanical performance above absolute historical authenticity, though casual shooters might prefer the Stevens 555 Sporting for general range use. The investment justifies itself through Pietta's superior metallurgy and consistent manufacturing tolerances that reduce the need for immediate gunsmithing compared to budget alternatives. For collectors seeking a shooter-grade 1873 reproduction that will actually be used rather than displayed, this represents one of the best price-to-performance ratios available in the current market.
Key attributes
| upc | 641996200809 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | GW45WW434NMSN |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, this revolver handles standard modern .45 Colt ammunition with bullet weights from 185 to 255 grains without modification. The chambers are cut for .452 diameter bullets and properly headspace for both cowboy loads and full-power hunting ammunition. Always consult Pietta's manual for specific pressure limitations before using +P loads.
- Does it fit standard SASS holsters?
- Yes, the 4.75-inch barrel and standard frame dimensions make it compatible with most commercial SASS holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army replicas. The nickel finish may require slightly looser retention than blued finishes to prevent holster wear. Popular makers like El Paso Saddlery and Kirkpatrick Leather both offer models specifically fitted for Pietta 1873s.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping typically requires 3-7 business days for processing plus transit time to your local FFL dealer. All shipments require signature confirmation and cannot be left unattended. Ironclad Armory processes orders within 48 hours of FFL verification completion and uses FedEx for all firearm shipments.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for mechanical defects verified by their gunsmithing team, though shipping costs for firearms returns typically run $75-100 due to special handling requirements. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee on the $839.99 purchase price. All returns must initiate through their customer service portal before shipment.