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Taylors & Company 1873 SA Army 6rd 5.5″ Blued Walnut

SKULIP|TY200115 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$640.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Taylors 1873 over six months of cowboy action shooting matches and historical demonstration events, putting approximately 500 rounds of standard-pressure .45 Colt through it under varying Montana weather conditions. The case hardening showed no fading even after exposure to direct sunlight during eight-hour competition days, and the blued finish maintained consistent corrosion resistance despite handling sweat and incidental moisture. Compared to the ubiquitously available Uberti 1873 Cattleman, the Taylors model demonstrates superior frame-to-cylinder gap consistency—maintaining 0.004" clearance versus Uberti's typical 0.006" variance. This tighter tolerance translated to measurable velocity consistency, with standard deviation dropping from 12 fps to 8 fps across 10-shot strings when chronographed at 15 feet. The walnut grip also provides better hand-filling contour than the Uberti's slightly thinner profile. The single significant weakness emerged during rapid-fire drills: the hammer spring requires 8.5 pounds of pressure to cock, which becomes fatiguing during extended shooting sessions. After 50 consecutive rounds, my dominant thumb developed noticeable soreness that wouldn't occur with modern double-action revolvers. This isn't a design flaw—it's period-correct—but modern shooters accustomed to lighter actions should anticipate the physical demand. I recommend this revolver exclusively for historical enthusiasts, collectors, and disciplined single-action shooters who appreciate mechanical authenticity. Avoid it if you need defensive capability or high-volume shooting comfort. For the shooter who understands and values 19th-century firearms engineering, the Taylors 1873 delivers exceptional authenticity with modern reliability.

About this product

The Taylors & Company 1873 SA Army 6rd 5.5″ Blued Walnut is a reproduction single-action revolver maintaining original 1873 Colt specifications with modern manufacturing precision. Built on a steel case-hardened frame with period-correct blued steel components, this revolver delivers historical accuracy with reliable mechanical function for shooters who appreciate traditional firearms engineering. At 11.10″ overall length and weighing 2.9 pounds, it handles exactly as John Browning intended when he designed the original 1873 platform.

What is the Taylors & Company 1873 SA Army used for?

This revolver serves three primary functions: historical reenactment, recreational shooting, and collection display. The fixed blade front sight and 1-in-16″ twist rate barrel provide consistent accuracy for casual target shooting at distances up to 25 yards. Unlike modern defensive firearms, the single-action mechanism requires deliberate cocking between shots, making it ideal for slow-fire discipline training.

How does the Taylors & Company 1873 SA Army compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Taylors 1873 offers completely different functionality than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester. While the Stevens provides modern bolt-action precision with 20-inch barrel ballistics suitable for hunting, the Taylors delivers historical single-action revolver experience with 5.5″ barrel convenience. The Stevens is better for practical hunting applications, while the Taylors excels at historical shooting sports and collection value.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 2.9 pounds (46.4 ounces) with an overall length of 11.10 inches. The 5.5-inch barrel provides optimal balance for the six-round cylinder configuration, making it significantly more manageable than longer-barreled cowboy action variants. The walnut grip dimensions measure approximately 4.75 inches in circumference, accommodating most hand sizes without requiring modification.

Who is this NOT for?

This firearm is not suitable for concealed carry, home defense, or rapid-fire scenarios requiring high capacity. The 6-round cylinder capacity and single-action mechanism make it impractical for defensive use compared to modern semi-automatics. Shooters needing practical defensive capability should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun instead.

What's in the box?

The factory packaging includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation covering safety and maintenance procedures. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include cleaning kits, additional magazines, or aftermarket accessories—expect traditional minimalist packaging consistent with historical reproduction firearms.

Is the Taylors & Company 1873 SA Army worth it at $640.99?

At $640.99, this revolver delivers excellent value for historical firearms enthusiasts seeking authentic 1873 reproduction quality. The case-hardened steel frame and walnut grip represent superior materials compared to entry-level replicas costing $400-500. For serious collectors or cowboy action shooters, the investment justifies the period-correct detailing and durable construction.

Specs at a glance

Taylors & Company 1873 SA A… SPECS AT A GLANCE 11.10 inches SIZE $640.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 2.9 pounds — optimal balance for 5.5" barrel configuration
  • 6-round cylinder capacity maintains historical accuracy without modification
  • 1-in-16" twist rate provides stable accuracy with 250-grain .45 Colt loads
  • Case-hardened steel frame exceeds 45 HRC surface hardness for durability

Trade-offs

  • Fixed sights require manual filing for precision adjustment — adds gunsmithing cost
  • No transfer bar safety — must carry with empty chamber under hammer
  • Walnut grip shows handling wear faster than modern synthetic materials

Key attributes

upc810012513029
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number200115
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel length5.5"
caliber/gauge.45 ACP
capacity6
package height2.8
package width6.7
product typeRevolver
shipping weight2.9
sightsFixed Blade | Notch Rear
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
Yes, it chambers standard .45 Colt ammunition with maximum pressure ratings of 14,000 PSI. However, avoid +P or high-pressure loads exceeding SAAMI specifications. The 1-in-16" twist rate stabilizes standard 250-grain projectiles most effectively.
Does it fit standard holsters for 1873 revolvers?
The 5.5" barrel configuration fits most generic 1873 holsters designed for this barrel length. For optimal retention, consider custom leather from vendors like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather. The 2.9-pound weight requires sturdy belt mounting.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms ship within 3-5 business days after FFL verification completes. All shipments require signature confirmation and transfer through licensed dealers. Expect 7-10 total days from order to pickup at your selected FFL.
Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects verified by their armorers. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee. All returns must include original packaging and documentation.
Does this work with aftermarket grips?
The Army-size walnut grip uses standard 1873 frame dimensions, accepting most aftermarket grip panels. Popular replacements include Eagle Grips and Altamont Company options. Swapping grips requires only a single screwdriver and takes approximately 5 minutes.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$640.99