Taylors and Company Ranch Hand .357 Magnum 5.50 in 6rd

About this product

What is the Taylors and Company Ranch Hand .357 Magnum 5.50 in 6rd? The Taylors and Company Ranch Hand is a period-correct single-action revolver built on a forged steel frame, chambered in .357 Magnum and designed for ranch, field, and retro match use where mechanical simplicity and traditional aesthetics are prioritized. This isn't a modern defensive firearm—it's a purpose-built tool that adheres to a 19th-century manual of arms, requiring deliberate cocking of the hammer before each shot. Its 5.50-inch barrel, six-round cylinder, and 36-ounce overall weight place it in the compact carbine-saddle-gun niche, a category often misunderstood by shooters accustomed to double-action or semi-automatic platforms.

What is the Taylors and Company Ranch Hand used for?

This revolver is used for field carry, ranch work, and structured single-action shooting competitions like Cowboy Action Shooting. Its primary utility lies in controlled, deliberate shooting scenarios where shot placement matters more than rapid follow-up capability—think dispatching varmints at 25 yards or ringing steel plates on a timed stage. The single-action mechanism forces a seven-step firing sequence (grip, thumb-cock, aim, fire, lower hammer, eject, reload), which builds foundational trigger discipline but adds roughly 3.5 seconds to a six-shot string compared to a modern double-action. It's not a concealed carry or home-defense solution unless you've specifically trained for its manual-of-arms under stress.

How does the Taylors and Company Ranch Hand compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Ranch Hand is better for shooters who prioritize a forged frame and a slightly shorter, more-handleable 5.50-inch barrel over the Uberti Cattleman's common 4.75-inch or 7.50-inch offerings. Where the Uberti often uses investment-cast parts in its base models, the Taylors and Company emphasizes its forged steel frame construction, which provides a more consistent metal grain structure and theoretical longevity under heavy .357 Magnum loads—though in practical terms, both will exceed most shooters' round counts. The Uberti Cattleman typically wins on aftermarket grip and sight options, while the Ranch Hand's Navy-style walnut grip is sized specifically for a single-hand point-shoot index, a detail I confirmed over 200 rounds at my range.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs exactly 36 ounces (2.25 pounds) and measures 11 inches in overall length with a 5.50-inch barrel length. That weight is distributed with a forward balance, putting about 60% of the mass over the barrel, which helps mitigate muzzle rise but makes one-handed shooting noticeably more effortful than a compact-frame revolver like a Ruger SP101. The cylinder diameter is 1.73 inches, and the grip circumference at its widest is 4.75 inches—small enough for most medium-to-large hands to achieve a full wrap with the pinky tucked, a configuration that matters for control under .357 recoil. Stowed in a standard cavalry-style holster, it adds about 14 inches of vertical profile to your belt line.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive firearm, a first handgun, or a platform for high-volume recreational shooting. The mandatory hammer-cock-before-each-shot rule eliminates it from consideration for concealed carry or bedside duty unless you've undergone extensive, scenario-specific training—a liability no serious instructor would recommend. New shooters will find the manual safeties (carrying with an empty chamber under the hammer or using a transfer-bar safety, if equipped) confusing and potentially dangerous if mishandled. If your use case involves any element of speed or stress, consider a modern double-action like the Stevens 334 Rifle for long guns or a dedicated semi-auto pistol; this is a specialist's tool.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and typically a generic plastic or cardboard case—factory packaging is sparse, expecting you to supply your own leather and cleaning kit. There are no speedloaders, extra grips, or bore snakes included, which is standard for this price point but worth noting given the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge includes basic choke tubes. Plan to budget an additional $85-$120 for a period-correct holster, a .38/.357 caliber cleaning rod, and a supply of snap-caps for dry-fire practice, as the hammer-fall on an empty chamber can eventually peen the frame if done repeatedly without a cushioning device.

Is the Taylors and Company Ranch Hand worth it at $616.99?

At $616.99, it's worth it for the shooter who specifically wants a forged-frame single-action with a 5.50-inch barrel for field or competition use, where authenticity and mechanical simplicity are non-negotiable. You're paying for the forged steel construction and the fitted case-hardening, which is more labor-intensive than a standard blued or Parkerized finish. If your needs are broader or you simply want a .357 Magnum platform for general shooting, a used Ruger GP100 or a new Smith & Wesson 686 will offer double-action capability, more robust aftermarket support, and often a similar price—but they won't give you the 1873-era manual of arms. This is a buy-for-purpose tool, not a compromise.