Pietta 1873 GWII Buntline .45 Colt 6rd 12″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 43.3 oz with an 12-inch barrel — provides a stable, muzzle-heavy platform for deliberate aiming.
- Features a 6-round cylinder with traditional fluting — historically accurate to the 19th-century Buntline design.
- Uses a deep color case-hardened steel frame — more durable and visually distinct than a standard blued or painted finish.
Trade-offs
- Requires manual safety procedure (load one, skip one, load four) for five-round carry — a critical operational complexity for new shooters.
- Lacks any adjustable sights — the fixed blade front limits precision adjustment for different ammo ballistics at varying ranges.
- No cleaning tools or basic maintenance kit included — adds $25-$40 to the initial cost of ownership.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Pietta 1873 GWII Buntline is a modern-manufacture reproduction of a classic 19th-century long-barreled single-action revolver, built in Italy to meet contemporary import and safety standards. It captures the profile and manual of arms of the original design while being manufactured with modern CNC tooling and metallurgy. This specific model is chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge, features a 12-inch barrel, and carries six rounds in its cylinder.
What is the Pietta 1873 GWII Buntline used for?
This revolver's primary use is recreational target and plinking shooting at a dedicated range. Its 12-inch barrel provides a long sight radius that aids in precision on paper targets, and the .45 Colt cartridge loaded to standard pressure levels offers manageable recoil for extended sessions. The design is not intended for defensive carry—its 43.3-ounce weight and 15.5-inch overall length make it impractical—and serves better as a historical display piece or a dedicated range tool for shooters focused on traditional single-action mechanics.
How does the Pietta 1873 GWII Buntline compare to a standard Ruger Vaquero?
The Pietta Buntline is more historically authentic in its silhouette and manual of arms, while the Ruger Vaquero is significantly more robust and safer for modern recreational use. Specifically, the Pietta requires the hammer to be manually placed on a safety notch between chambers or carried with an empty hammer cup for safe transport—a pure 1873-style operation. The Ruger Vaquero incorporates a modern transfer-bar safety that allows it to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded. If your priority is period-correct handling, the Pietta wins; if you value drop-safety and simpler handling, the Stevens 334 or a transfer-bar-equipped revolver is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this revolver weighs 43.3 ounces (1227 grams) and has an overall length of 15.5 inches from the muzzle to the back of the grip frame. The 12-inch barrel is 0.75 inches in diameter at the muzzle, and the walnut grips add approximately 1.5 inches of width at their thickest point. For comparison, its bulk is similar to a compact .308 rifle like the Stevens 334, but configured in a handgun format, which directly affects balance and holstering options.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive sidearm, a first firearm, or a tool for fast-paced action shooting competitions. The mandatory 'load one, skip one, load four' procedure for five-round carry, the lack of any modern safety mechanism beyond the half-cock notch, and the slow reload process disqualify it for defensive use. New shooters will find its manual of arms unintuitive compared to a modern double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol, and competitors will be hampered by its fixed sights and single-action trigger in timed events.
What's in the box?
You will receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic plastic storage box with foam insert. Pietta does not include any accessories like a cleaning rod, brush, or bore snake with this model. You will need to supply your own .45 Colt caliber cleaning kit, a suitably sized screwdriver for grip panel removal, and a quality gun oil for maintenance after firing its typically proof-test load of 20 rounds.
Is the Pietta 1873 GWII Buntline worth it at $770.64?
At this price point, it represents fair value for a dedicated enthusiast of single-action revolvers who specifically wants the Buntline's extended barrel profile. You are paying for the specialized machining of the long barrel and frame, the case-hardening finish process, and the import costs from Italy. If your interest is purely in shooting .45 Colt without the historical fetish, a used Ruger Blackhawk or a Stevens 334 rifle in a pistol-caliber carbine configuration would offer more practical utility per dollar.
Key attributes
| upc | 641996211522 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | HF45CHS12NM |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 12" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
| sights | Blade Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it is designed for standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition, also known as .45 Long Colt. Do not use high-pressure or +P .45 Colt loads, as this is a black-powder-era design frame. Stick to ammunition from major manufacturers like Winchester, Remington, or Federal with advertised velocities around 850-900 fps for a 250-grain bullet.
- Does it fit a standard holster?
- No, it requires a specialized 'Buntline' or 'long-barrel single-action' holster due to its 12-inch barrel and 15.5-inch overall length. Standard holsters for 4.75-inch or 5.5-inch barreled single-actions will not accommodate it. Expect a lead time of 4-6 weeks for a custom leather holster from a maker like Mernickle or Simply Rugged.
- How long does shipping take?
- For an in-stock item, processing and shipment to your FFL typically takes 3-5 business days. Transit time via ground service adds another 5-7 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Montana. You must have your local FFL dealer's license information ready at checkout to avoid delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Yes, we accept returns for mechanical defects within 30 days of your FFL receiving the firearm. The firearm must be unfired, in its original packaging, and the return must be initiated through your originating FFL. You are responsible for all transfer fees and shipping costs associated with the return, which typically total $75-$100.