Standard Manufacturing Single Action Revolver .45 Colt, 5.5-inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Standard Manufacturing Single Action Revolver? It's a faithful reproduction of a Colt Single Action Army pattern revolver chambered in .45 Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel. This is a true single-action-only design with no transfer bar safety and traditional fixed sights.
What is the Standard Manufacturing Single Action Revolver used for?
This revolver is designed for single-action competition, cowboy action shooting, and historical reenactment. The 5.5-inch barrel provides excellent sight radius for precise shooting at 25-yard targets, while the six-round capacity matches period-correct rules for shooting competitions. It handles best with standard pressure .45 Colt loads rather than +P ammunition.
How does the Standard Manufacturing Single Action compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Standard Manufacturing revolver features superior case hardening and fire blued screws compared to most Uberti Cattleman models. Uberti's finish typically uses less intricate case coloring and standard blued hardware, making the Standard Manufacturing revolver approximately 30% more visually authentic for serious reenactors. However, the Uberti offers better aftermarket support and costs about $800 less.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 40.2 ounces with an overall length of 11 inches. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 7.25 inches, and the grip frame measures 5.75 inches in circumference. Balance point sits exactly at the cylinder pin, making it handle like the 1873 original.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for concealed carry, home defense, or anyone needing modern safety features. The lack of a transfer bar means it cannot safely carry six rounds, requiring an empty chamber under the hammer. New shooters accustomed to double-action revolvers like those in our Stevens 334 rifle collection may find the manual cocking and loading process cumbersome.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic cardboard box. Unlike modern firearms, there are no additional accessories, cleaning kits, or cable locks included. You'll need to purchase .45 Colt ammunition and a proper revolver cleaning rod separately.
Is the Standard Manufacturing Single Action worth it at $2274.99?
At $2274.99, this revolver justifies its price through exceptional finish quality and historical accuracy that surpasses most Italian reproductions. The bone-and-charcoal case hardening alone represents approximately 12 hours of specialized labor compared to modern chemical treatments. For collectors and serious cowboy action shooters, this represents better value than many Stevens 555 shotguns in similar price ranges.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic bone-and-charcoal case hardening – 12-hour process vs. chemical treatments
- Fire blued screws and pins – 43 individual components hand-finished
- 5.5-inch barrel provides 7.25-inch sight radius for precision shooting
- Weight distribution balances perfectly at cylinder pin – 40.2 oz total weight
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety – requires empty chamber under hammer for safe carry
- Fixed sights only – no adjustment for windage or elevation without gunsmith
- Walnut grips lack checkering – slippery with sweaty hands during rapid fire
- Price premium over Italian reproductions – $800 more than Uberti Cattleman
Key attributes
| upc | 854851007503 |
| manufacturer | Standard Manufacturing |
| manufacturer part number | SAR5C1 |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket grips?
- Yes, it uses standard Colt Single Action Army pattern grips. Most aftermarket companies like Altamont and Eagle Grips make direct replacements. The grip frame measures 5.75 inches in circumference for reference.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army revolvers with 5.5-inch barrels. The frame dimensions match the original 1873 pattern within 0.02 inches. Popular makers like El Paso Saddlery and Simply Rugged offer direct-fit options.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping typically takes 3-7 business days after FFL verification. All shipments require signature confirmation and transfer through a licensed FFL dealer. We recommend contacting your local FFL before ordering to confirm their transfer fees.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects only. All returns must go through an FFL transfer and include original packaging. Non-defective returns incur a 15% restocking fee plus shipping costs both ways.
- Does this work with .45 ACP using moon clips?
- No, this revolver is chambered exclusively for .45 Colt only. The cylinder is not cut for moon clips and the chamber dimensions are specific to .45 Colt cartridge dimensions. Attempting to fire .45 ACP could cause dangerous pressure issues.