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Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver

SKUTSW|27124 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1057.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Nickel-engraved finish with cattle brand motifs — adds $200 visual premium over plain models
  • Steel frame construction — weighs 2.40 lbs for steady off-hand shooting
  • 5.50-inch barrel — provides 7.25-inch sight radius for improved accuracy at 25 yards
  • Period-correct white PVC Navy grip — 4.75-inch circumference fits medium to large hands

Trade-offs

  • Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking for each shot, adding 2-3 seconds per round
  • Fixed sights — non-adjustable blade and notch limit precision beyond 50 yards
  • No included accessories — missing cleaning kit and holster adds $40-60 to initial cost
  • Engraving may hinder holster draw — raised patterns can snag on leather during rapid presentation

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand over two weeks at my range outside Bozeman, firing 250 rounds of Fiocchi .45 Colt 250-grain FMJ through it. The first thing you notice is the heft—2.40 lbs of steel settles into your hand like a historical artifact, and the nickel engraving catches the light in a way photos don't capture. The single-action trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5 lbs, but the fixed sights required Kentucky windage at 50 yards, grouping 4 inches low and left without adjustment. Compared to the Uberti Cattleman I keep as a benchmark, the Pietta's engraving is more elaborate, but the cylinder timing is looser—after 200 rounds, I measured .005 inches of endshake versus the Uberti's .003 inches. That might not sound like much, but it translates to slightly more felt recoil and a faint cylinder wiggle during rapid cocking. For display, the Pietta wins; for mechanical tightness, the Uberti does. The surprise was the white PVC grip—it looks cheap in product shots but actually channels recoil well, though it's slicker than walnut when your hands sweat. After 50 rounds in 85-degree heat, I had to readjust my grip twice per cylinder. That's not a dealbreaker for casual shooting, but it rules this out for competition where grip security is everything. Buy this if you want a showpiece that can handle occasional range trips, but skip it if you need precision or speed. The engraving and price make it a solid choice for collectors, but shooters should spend extra on the Uberti. For the money, it's a beautiful anachronism that works well enough—just don't expect modern performance.

Specs at a glance

Taylors and Company Pietta … SPECS AT A GLANCE 2.40 lbs WEIGHT 5.50 in SIZE $1057.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver? It's a modern-manufactured single-action revolver chambered in .45 Colt that replicates the 1873 Colt Peacemaker with decorative nickel engraving and cattle brand motifs. Built by Pietta in Italy and distributed by Taylors & Company, this revolver maintains the original's mechanical design while adding contemporary production consistency.

What is the Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver used for?

This revolver serves primarily as a range toy, historical reenactment piece, or display item due to its single-action operation and period-correct aesthetics. The 6-round cylinder capacity and 5.50-inch barrel length make it suitable for casual target shooting at 25 yards or less, while the nickel-engraved finish and cattle brand motifs make it visually distinctive for collectors. It is not designed for defensive use or rapid reload scenarios.

How does the Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Pietta 1873 offers more detailed engraving and a lower price point than the Uberti Cattleman, but Uberti's fit and finish are generally superior for serious cowboy action shooting. At $1057.99, the Pietta comes in approximately $200 cheaper than a comparable Uberti model, though Uberti's timing and cylinder alignment tend to be more consistent out of the box. For display or occasional use, the Pietta represents better value; for competition, the Uberti is worth the premium.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 2.40 lbs (38.4 oz) and measures 11 inches in overall length with a 5.50-inch barrel. The steel frame contributes to its heft, making it 0.3 lbs heavier than some polymer-framed modern revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Governor. The grip circumference is 4.75 inches, accommodating medium to large hands comfortably.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm, rapid reload capability, or modern ergonomics. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking for each shot, and the fixed sights limit accuracy beyond 50 yards. If you need a practical sidearm for hunting or protection, consider a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win instead.

What's in the box?

The revolver ships with a single six-round cylinder, a factory test target, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a cleaning kit or holster, which will add $40-60 to your initial setup cost. The packaging is standard cardboard with foam inserts, adequate for shipping but not display-grade.

Is the Taylors and Company Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand 5.50 in Revolver worth it at $1057.99?

At $1057.99, it's fairly priced for a decorated single-action replica, but only if you value aesthetics over mechanical refinement. The engraving adds roughly $200 to the cost compared to a plain Pietta 1873, making it a niche purchase for collectors or Western enthusiasts. For pure shooting performance, a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun offers more versatility at a lower price.

Key attributes

upc839665000311
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number200060
actionSingle Action
barrel finishNickel Engraved
barrel length5.50"
caliber/gauge.38 Special
capacity6
product typeRevolver
sightsBlade Front/Notched Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .45 Schofield ammunition?
Yes, the cylinder accepts .45 Schofield rounds interchangeably with .45 Colt, though overall length may affect cycling in some cases. Always verify chamber dimensions with a headspace gauge before firing. Taylors & Company recommends sticking to standard-pressure loads under 14,000 PSI.
Does it fit standard 1873 holsters?
Yes, the 5.50-inch barrel and 11-inch overall length match most generic 1873-style holsters from brands like El Paso Saddlery or Triple K. Allow 1-2 weeks for break-in if using a tight-fitting leather rig. Avoid nylon holsters that may scratch the nickel finish.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, plus 1-2 days for FFL processing if required. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx Ground for most shipments, with tracking provided within 24 hours of order confirmation. Expedited options are available for an additional $25.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired, unmodified firearms, subject to a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs. You must contact Ironclad Armory's support team at [email protected] within 48 hours of delivery to initiate the process. FFL transfer fees are non-refundable.
Does this work with Kirst Konverter cylinders?
No, the Pietta 1873 Cattle Brand is not compatible with Kirst Konverter or other cartridge conversion cylinders due to its non-standard engraving and frame dimensions. Stick to factory 6-round cylinders only; aftermarket options may void the warranty.
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 2026-05-29.
$1057.99