Taylors 1873 SA Army .357 Mag 5.5″ Blued
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taylors 1873 SA Army .357 Mag 5.5″ Blued is a modern reproduction of the classic single-action Army revolver built on a steel frame with period-correct styling and updated manufacturing tolerances. Chambered for .357 Magnum but equally capable with .38 Special, this 2.5 lb revolver bridges historical authenticity with practical shooting performance using a six-shot cylinder and 5.5-inch barrel that provides a 11.10-inch overall length.
What is the Taylors 1873 SA Army .357 Mag used for?
This revolver excels as a range and recreational shooter, not a defensive or duty firearm. The single-action mechanism and fixed sights make it ideal for deliberate target shooting at distances out to 25 yards, while the .357 Magnum chambering allows flexibility from light .38 Special practice loads to full-power hunting rounds. I've found it handles best with mid-range .357 loads that balance recoil management with the 2.5 lb frame weight.
How does the Taylors 1873 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taylors revolver provides handgun versatility where the Stevens 334 Rifle delivers precision rifle performance. At $640.99, the Taylors costs approximately $260 more than the Stevens but offers historical design and handgun convenience versus the Stevens' modern bolt-action accuracy. The Stevens is better for 200+ yard shooting while the Taylors excels at 25-yard deliberate fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs exactly 2.5 lbs (40 oz) with an 11.10-inch overall length and 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder measures 1.73 inches in diameter, and the walnut grips add 1.25 inches of width at their thickest point. The balance point sits 3.25 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it slightly muzzle-heavy for steady aiming.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for tactical or defensive applications requiring rapid follow-up shots. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between rounds, making it unsuitable for self-defense scenarios where speed matters. Competition shooters needing adjustable sights or lighter triggers should look to modern double-action revolvers instead.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with one six-round cylinder, a basic owner's manual, and a factory test target showing 3-inch groups at 15 yards. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include a case or cleaning kit - plan to add $35-50 for proper storage. The documentation includes ATF compliance information specific to antique-style firearms.
Is the Taylors 1873 worth it at $640.99?
At $640.99, it represents fair value for a historically accurate reproduction with modern steel construction. Comparable Italian imports typically run $50-75 less but often have softer metal components, while custom-built replicas start around $900. For shooters wanting authentic 1873 handling with reliable ignition, this price strikes a reasonable balance between mass production and craftsmanship.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.5 lbs (40 oz) - substantial enough to manage .357 Magnum recoil effectively
- 5.5-inch barrel provides 11.10-inch sight radius for improved accuracy over 4-inch revolvers
- Six-shot cylinder capacity matches original 1873 design while accommodating modern .357 Magnum
- Case-hardened frame shows authentic color case patterns that deepen with use over 500+ rounds
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety - must carry with empty chamber under hammer like original design
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation - requires filing for zeroing
- Walnut grips show handling marks after approximately 200 drawing cycles from leather holsters
- Single-action only operation limits practical rate of fire to about 2 rounds per second maximum
Key attributes
| upc | 810012513012 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 200114 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.15 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, this revolver fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds interchangeably. The chamber dimensions accommodate the shorter .38 Special cartridges without adapters. I recommend thorough cleaning after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup in the longer .357 chambers.
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Ironclad Armory provides a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. The warranty requires registration within 30 days of purchase and excludes finish wear, grip damage, or issues from aftermarket modifications. For service, you'll need to ship to their facility in Knoxville, TN.
- Can I mount optics on this revolver?
- No, the 1873 design has no provision for optic mounting. The fixed blade front sight and notch rear are integral to the frame. Some gunsmiths offer drilling and tapping services starting around $150, but this voids the warranty and compromises historical authenticity.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping runs 3-5 business days once the FFL verification is complete. Expedited 2-day shipping costs $35 extra. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, so coordinate with your dealer before ordering.