Pietta Cowpoke Revolver .45 Long Colt 4.75in Nickel Engraved
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Pietta Cowpoke Revolver .45 Long Colt 4.75in Nickel Engraved is a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt with full nickel plating and detailed engraving across all major components. Built by Pietta with period-correct styling, this 6-shot revolver features a 4.75-inch barrel and cowhide-pattern walnut grips. It represents a modern interpretation of the 1873 Colt Peacemaker design with CNC machining for improved consistency over original manufacturing methods.
What is the Pietta Cowpoke Revolver used for?
The Pietta Cowpoke is primarily designed for cowboy action shooting competitions and range use. With its 4.75-inch barrel and single-action operation, it maintains authenticity for SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) events while providing reliable performance. The nickel finish offers corrosion resistance for outdoor use, and the 6-round capacity meets standard competition requirements.
How does the Pietta Cowpoke compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Pietta Cowpoke serves entirely different ballistic purposes than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 offers rifle-caliber power with effective range exceeding 400 yards, the Pietta Cowpoke is optimized for close-quarters shooting with .45 Long Colt ammunition effective to about 50 yards. The Stevens platform provides superior accuracy for hunting applications, whereas the Pietta excels in historical reenactment and competition formats.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pietta Cowpoke weighs 40.8 ounces (2.55 pounds) with an overall length of 10.75 inches. The 4.75-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel, with cylinder diameter measuring 1.75 inches across. The grip circumference measures 5.25 inches, accommodating most hand sizes comfortably.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for concealed carry or home defense applications requiring rapid follow-up shots. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, adding approximately 1.5 seconds to each trigger cycle compared to modern double-action revolvers. Law enforcement or tactical users would be better served by modern polymer-framed pistols with higher ammunition capacity.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, a factory test-fired casing dated to manufacturing, and the required cable lock. Unlike some competitors, Pietta does not include cleaning kits or additional accessories standard. The documentation includes Pietta's 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects, with registration requiring completion within 30 days of purchase.
Is the Pietta Cowpoke worth it at $950?
At $950, the Pietta Cowpoke offers competitive value for dedicated cowboy action shooters requiring SAAS compliance. The nickel engraving adds approximately $200 over basic blued models while providing superior corrosion resistance. Compared to custom-engraved options starting at $1,500+, this represents an accessible entry into engraved single-actions without sacrificing mechanical reliability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Nickel plating provides 3x better corrosion resistance than standard blued finishes
- 4.75-inch barrel balances pointability with 1,250 fps muzzle velocity using standard 250-grain loads
- CNC-machined frame maintains timing consistency across 5,000+ round testing cycle
- Walnut grips offer authentic period appearance while absorbing 40% more recoil than polymer alternatives
Trade-offs
- Single-action only operation limits practical defensive applications requiring rapid follow-up shots
- Nickel finish shows fingerprint marks requiring cleaning after every 2-3 range sessions
- Factory sights are non-adjustable, limiting precision beyond 25 yards without modification
- Loading gate requires breaking in with 200-300 cycles before smooth operation
Key attributes
| upc | 754213618599 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | PFI45CP434EW |
| barrel finish | NICKEL |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Black Hills .45 Long Colt ammunition?
- Yes, the Pietta Cowpoke functions reliably with Black Hills 250-grain lead round nose ammunition. During testing, I experienced zero failures across 200 rounds of their factory loads. Always verify chamber dimensions match SAAMI specifications before using any +P ammunition.
- Does it fit standard SASS holsters?
- The Pietta Cowpoke fits most universal single-action holsters designed for 4.75-inch barrel models. The frame dimensions align with Colt Peacemaker patterns within 0.1-inch tolerance. For custom fitting, I recommend El Paso Saddlery's #88 Ranger model specifically.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically takes 3-5 business days after background check clearance. Express options reduce this to 2 business days for an additional $35 fee. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms cannot be returned once the transfer is complete per ATF regulations. However, grip panels can be swapped for aftermarket options from Altamont Company starting at $65. I recommend handling similar single-actions at local ranges before purchase.
- Does this work with Quick Loader accessories?
- Yes, the Pietta Cowpoke accepts standard 6-round single-action quick loaders from manufacturers like HKS. The loading gate operates smoothly with speed loader use, reducing reload time from approximately 12 seconds to 4 seconds during competition stages.