Pietta 1873 Great Western II Californian .45 LC 5.5″ 6-Rd
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About this product
The Pietta 1873 Great Western II Californian is a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel, 6-round cylinder capacity, and traditional Western styling manufactured with modern CNC precision. This revolver combines historical authenticity with contemporary manufacturing tolerances, making it suitable for both range use and collector display. It features hammer-forged steel components, walnut grips, and fixed sights designed for practical shooting applications rather than modern competition.
What is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Californian used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a range firearm for historical shooting enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate traditional single-action operation. The 5.5-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for accurate shooting at 25 yards, while the six-round capacity and .45 Long Colt chambering make it suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting events. It's not designed for concealed carry or tactical applications, focusing instead on period-correct recreation and plinking.
How does the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Californian compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Pietta offers superior barrel-to-cylinder gap consistency at 0.004-0.006 inches compared to Uberti's typical 0.008-inch tolerance. While both replicate the 1873 design, Pietta's CNC machining delivers tighter lockup and more consistent timing straight from the factory. The Uberti Cattleman typically costs $50-75 more but includes more elaborate case coloring; Pietta prioritizes mechanical precision over cosmetic finish variations.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 2.4 pounds (38.4 ounces) with an overall length of 11 inches from muzzle to grip backstrap. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 7.25 inches, while the cylinder measures 1.75 inches in diameter. The walnut grips add approximately 0.5 inches to the width at the widest point, making it comfortable for medium to large hands.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for concealed carry due to its 11-inch overall length and single-action-only operation requiring manual cocking. Modern defensive shooters should consider compact rifles like the Stevens 334 for practical firearm applications. Competition shooters requiring optics mounting will find the non-drilled-and-tapped frame limiting compared to modern alternatives.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and basic owner's manual covering disassembly and safety procedures. Unlike some competitors, it does not include cleaning tools or a factory test target. The box dimensions are 14x8x3 inches, with the firearm secured in dense foam padding that adds 1.5 pounds to shipping weight.
Is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Californian worth it at $689.19?
At $689.19, this revolver represents solid value for enthusiasts seeking authentic Western styling with modern manufacturing precision. The CNC-machined components and hammer-forged barrel justify the price premium over heritage-brand replicas costing under $500. For shooters wanting complete period-correct setups, this firearm serves as a reliable foundation that won't require immediate gunsmithing for proper function.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- CNC-machined frame with 0.004-inch barrel-cylinder gap tolerance
- Hammer-forged 4150 steel barrel rated for 15,000+ rounds
- Walnut grips hand-fitted with 0.002-inch seam tolerance
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable sights limit precision beyond 25 yards
- Blued finish shows holster wear after 200-300 draws
- Single-action-only operation requires manual cocking for each shot
Key attributes
| upc | 641996211225 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | HF45CHS512NM |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 14.6000 |
| shipping weight | 2.9 |
| sights | Blade Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket grips?
- Yes, it accepts standard 1873-style grip panels measuring 2.1 inches tall by 1.4 inches wide. Most aftermarket vendors like Eagle Grips and Altamont offer direct replacements without modification required. The grip frame uses standard #8-32 mounting screws.
- Does it fit standard .45 LC holsters?
- The 5.5-inch barrel configuration fits most generic 1873-style holsters designed for 5.5-inch models. The maximum cylinder width of 1.75 inches requires holsters with at least 2-inch internal clearance. Leather holsters from Triple K or El Paso Saddlery typically accommodate this model without modification.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping takes 3-5 business days for processing and 2-3 days transit time to most continental US locations. Firearms require signature confirmation and FFL transfer, adding 24-48 hours for paperwork verification. Expedited shipping reduces transit to 1-2 days for an additional $35 fee.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day functional warranty covering manufacturing defects verified by our armorers. Returns require original packaging and must be shipped via approved carriers with FFL documentation. Non-functional returns incur a 15% restocking fee unless verified as manufacturer defect.