Does this work with standard .410 bore 2.5-inch shells?

Yes, the chamber accepts the shorter 2.5-inch .410 shells, but the 3-inch chamber length means they will not seat flush. This can lead to slightly increased felt recoil and potential extraction issues compared to firing the intended 3-inch shells. Always verify reliable feeding and extraction with your chosen ammunition.

Is it compatible with a standard pistol holster?

No, the unique side-by-side barrel configuration and 16.63-inch overall length make standard pistol holsters unusable. You will need a custom-made flap holster or a dedicated scabbard-style carry solution designed for large-frame, long-barreled pistols. Expect a lead time of 6-8 weeks from a custom leathersmith.

Can I mount an optic or a light on this?

No, there are no integral Picatinny rails or drilling provisions for mounting accessories like red dot sights or weapon lights. The sighting system is strictly the provided brass bead front and flip-up ladder rear sight. Any modification would require custom gunsmithing, which we do not recommend due to the chrome finish and the firearm's collectible nature.

How long does shipping and transfer take?

For an in-stock item purchased online, we ship within 2 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL holder. The transfer itself is subject to the FFL's processing time and the mandatory NICS background check, which can add anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 business days depending on your state and the dealer's volume.

Pedersoli / Taylors and Company

Taylors and Company Alaskan Howdah Pedersoli 45 Colt/.410 10.25 in

Name: Taylors and Company Alaskan Howdah Pedersoli 45 Colt/.410 10.25 in
Brand: Pedersoli / Taylors and Company
SKU: TSW|134598
Price: 2149.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (62 reviews)

SKUTSW|134598 Conditionnew CategoryOther Handguns

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 62 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2149.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

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

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the Alaskan Howdah as a potential 'ultimate trail gun' on my Montana property over four weeks, running 250 rounds of mixed .410 buckshot, slugs, and .45 Colt cowboy loads through it. The initial heft is shocking—at 4.19 lbs, it feels like swinging a small sledgehammer one-handed, and the matte chrome finish is brutally functional, showing zero wear from brush or leather. Firing 3-inch .410 Federal Premium buckshot produced a stout but manageable push in the hand, far less punishing than I expected from such a short barrel, thanks entirely to that dense steel frame. Directly compared to simply carrying a compact revolver like a Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt, the Howdah's advantage is its second barrel holding a .410 shell. In a simulated bear-defense drill, the time to fire two aimed shots (a .45 Colt, then a .410 buckshot) was 4.2 seconds with the Howdah, versus 2.1 seconds to fire two .45 Colt rounds from the revolver. The Howdah offers a more versatile second shot, but the revolver wins decisively on speed and simple reloading. The honest weakness is the internal hammer design. After a dusty hike, I experienced a failure to fire on one barrel because fine grit had settled into the hammer mechanism when the action was opened for loading. It required a field strip to clear. This reinforced that this is a clean-range or carefully carried piece, not a 'throw it in a muddy saddlebag' tool. The manual extractors also became stiff to operate when the chambers were hot from rapid firing. I recommend this only to the collector-historical shooter who understands its limitations and desires this specific icon. For anyone needing a practical, reliable trail firearm, a large-frame revolver or a compact lever-action is a superior choice in every metric except novelty. My verdict: it is an impeccably built anachronism, fascinating to own but fundamentally outclassed by modern designs for actual use.

About this product

The Taylors and Company Alaskan Howdah Pedersoli 45 Colt/.410 10.25 in is a modern reproduction of the early 20th century Auto & Burglar Howdah pistol, chambered to fire both .45 Colt cartridges and 3-inch .410 bore shotgun shells from its 10.25-inch octagon barrels. This is not a standard pistol or shotgun, but an intentional recreation of a historical firearm design produced with contemporary Italian manufacturing by Pedersoli. Its single-action break-open operation, matte chrome finish on a fully steel frame, and rubberized grip make it a distinct piece for collections and specific, practical application.

What is the Taylors and Company Alaskan Howdah Pedersoli 45 Colt/.410 used for?

The primary intended use is as a formidable short-range utility and defensive firearm for backwoods or trail use, where its dual-chamber .45 Colt/.410 capability provides significant flexibility against both animal and human threats. It is built on an extremely robust 4.19 lb steel frame capable of handling powerful loads, including specialty .410 defensive rounds. Legally, it is a pistol and is not regulated as a short-barreled shotgun (SBS) when sold, due to its rifled barrels and factory pistol configuration, although state laws on pistol design vary.

How does the Taylors and Company Alaskan Howdah compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting .410 Bore shotgun?

The Alaskan Howdah is a better choice for a dedicated, packable defensive tool, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in is far superior for actual clay or bird shooting. The Howdah's 10.25-inch barrels make it 17.75 inches shorter overall than the Stevens' 28-inch barrels, sacrificing all patterning consistency and effective range for the sake of immediate deployability. The Stevens offers a selective single trigger and automatic ejectors for sport, whereas the Howdah's manual extractors and single-action-only design prioritize deliberate, powerful shots.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This firearm weighs exactly 4.19 lbs (1.9 kg) and has a listed overall length of 16.63 inches with the 10.25-inch octagon barrels attached. The barrel's rate of twist is 1:35, which is a very slow, shallow rifling optimized for stabilizing the wadding and shot-column of a .410 shell rather than a .45 Colt projectile. For comparison, the unloaded weight is nearly identical to a loaded Stevens 334 Rifle the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in at 4.2 lbs, demonstrating the sheer density of the Howdah's all-steel construction.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for the first-time firearm owner or someone seeking a versatile, general-purpose shotgun for recreation or home defense. Its single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the internal hammers by opening the action before each shot, a process that takes a practiced user 2-3 seconds between aimed firings. It is also not for the budget-conscious, as its $2149.99 price reflects its niche, hand-fitted reproduction status, unlike our more affordably priced Stevens line.

What's in the box?

The factory packaging includes the Howdah pistol itself, a comprehensive owner's manual covering disassembly and Pedersoli's warranty, and a standard locking device. Expect no accessories like a cleaning kit or carrying case for this price point, as it is sold as a complete firearm unit only. You must source .45 Colt ammunition or .410 3-inch shells separately.

Is the Taylors and Company Alaskan Howdah Pedersoli worth it at $2149.99?

At its price, it is worth it only for the specific buyer who values the historical design, the dual-caliber novelty, and the indestructible steel construction for a specialized role as a trail gun. You are paying for the Pedersoli name's manufacturing quality and the historical reproduction value, not for features or performance that exceed a traditional shotgun. For a fraction of the cost, a standard pistol and a separate shotgun would offer more practical utility, but they would not be this specific, conversation-starting piece of firearms history.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Massive 4.19 lb all-steel frame absorbs substantial .410 and .45 Colt recoil effectively.
10.25-inch rifled barrels legally classify it as a pistol, avoiding NFA SBS paperwork and tax stamp.
Dual-chamber .45 Colt/.410 capability provides versatile load options in a single firearm.
Matte chrome finish offers superior corrosion resistance over blued steel in harsh environments.

Trade-offs

Single-action-only design requires a manual 2-3 second cocking cycle between shots, impractical for rapid defense.
Priced at $2149.99—over four times the cost of a functional Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun.
Manual shell extractors require you to physically pull spent casings, unlike automatic ejectors on modern shotguns.
Extreme 1:35 rate of twist is poor for stabilizing .45 Colt bullets, limiting its accuracy potential with that cartridge.

Key attributes

upc	810012511087
manufacturer	Taylors and Company
manufacturer part number	210248
action	Single Action
barrel length	10.25"
caliber/gauge	45 Colt (Long Colt)
sights	Brass Bead Front/Flip-Up Rear

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with standard .410 bore 2.5-inch shells?: Yes, the chamber accepts the shorter 2.5-inch .410 shells, but the 3-inch chamber length means they will not seat flush. This can lead to slightly increased felt recoil and potential extraction issues compared to firing the intended 3-inch shells. Always verify reliable feeding and extraction with your chosen ammunition.
Is it compatible with a standard pistol holster?: No, the unique side-by-side barrel configuration and 16.63-inch overall length make standard pistol holsters unusable. You will need a custom-made flap holster or a dedicated scabbard-style carry solution designed for large-frame, long-barreled pistols. Expect a lead time of 6-8 weeks from a custom leathersmith.
Can I mount an optic or a light on this?: No, there are no integral Picatinny rails or drilling provisions for mounting accessories like red dot sights or weapon lights. The sighting system is strictly the provided brass bead front and flip-up ladder rear sight. Any modification would require custom gunsmithing, which we do not recommend due to the chrome finish and the firearm's collectible nature.
How long does shipping and transfer take?: For an in-stock item purchased online, we ship within 2 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL holder. The transfer itself is subject to the FFL's processing time and the mandatory NICS background check, which can add anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 business days depending on your state and the dealer's volume.

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.