Taylors & Company Top Break Schofield .45 Long Colt 7″ 6rd Blued
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taylors & Company Top Break Schofield .45 Long Colt 7" 6rd Blued? It is a faithful replica of the 1875 cavalry sidearm engineered for single-handed reloading while mounted, chambered specifically for .45 Long Colt with a six-round capacity in a blued steel frame. This modern reproduction maintains the mechanical authenticity demanded by historical reenactors and competitive shooters, with a total weight of 2.97 pounds and an overall length of 12.75 inches. I evaluate it against the dominant modern alternatives for both mechanical function and historical relevance.
What is the Taylors & Company Top Break Schofield used for?
This revolver is specifically engineered for Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) cowboy action competition, historical firearms demonstrations, and dedicated sporting use with period-correct ammunition. Its single-action-only mechanism and break-open design enforce a deliberate firing pace, while the 7-inch barrel provides a stable sight radius of approximately 5.5 inches for target work. You cannot rapid-fire this piece like a Glock; it's a tactical instrument from an era where deliberate shot placement governed survival on horseback.
How does the Top Break Schofield compare to a modern double-action revolver like the Ruger GP100?
The Schofield is mechanically superior for rapid unloading/reloading specific to its era, but significantly slower to operate and less robust than a modern duty revolver. A break-open action allows simultaneous ejection of all six spent casings in under two seconds, a task requiring roughly 10-12 seconds with a swing-out cylinder. However, the Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum offers double-action capability, superior metallurgy, and compatibility with +P defensive ammunition—making it objectively better for personal protection or high-round-count training.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is precisely 2.97 pounds (47.5 ounces), with an overall length of 12.75 inches and a barrel length measured from the cylinder face to muzzle of 7 inches. The grip circumference measures approximately 5.25 inches around the two-piece walnut panels, making it suitable for medium-to-large hands. This is a substantial piece of forged steel, heavier by 9 ounces than a comparable Ruger Blackhawk with a 5.5-inch barrel in the same caliber.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for anyone seeking a practical defensive firearm, a low-maintenance range toy, or a first revolver for a novice shooter. The .45 Long Colt is an expensive cartridge averaging $0.80-$1.10 per round versus $0.30 for .38 Special, and the blued finish requires diligent oiling to prevent corrosion. If your primary goal is concealed carry or home defense, consider a modern firearm like our Stevens 334 Rifle instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a generic plastic hard case, and manufacturer documentation, but no factory cleaning kit, spare parts, or speed loaders. The case provides basic transport protection, though serious collectors often invest in a period-correct leather holster costing an additional $150-$300. There is no included warranty card from Taylors & Company; Ironclad Armory provides a 1-year service warranty on all mechanical function.
Is the Taylors & Company Top Break Schofield worth it at $4,449.99?
It is worth the investment exclusively for the historian, SASS competitor, or collector who values mechanical authenticity over modern features and can budget $1,000 annually for ammunition and maintenance. The price reflects the specialized forging, hand-fitting, and bluing processes that modern revolvers automate, resulting in a piece 200% more expensive than a production-grade Uberti Cattleman. If you need a general-purpose firearm, our Stevens 555 Sporting Shotgun offers superior versatility for one-fifth the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic break-open action ejects all six empties simultaneously in under 2 seconds
- Forged steel frame and walnut grips provide a durable 2.97-pound platform for .45 Long Colt
- 7-inch barrel yields a 5.5-inch sight radius for precise single-action target work
- Period-correct case-hardened hammer and latch meet SASS competition requirements
Trade-offs
- Blued steel finish requires diligent oiling and will show holster wear after 50 draws
- Single-action-only mechanism and fixed sights limit practical defensive utility
- .45 Long Colt ammunition costs $0.80-$1.10 per round, triple the cost of .38 Special
- No modern transfer bar safety; carry with an empty chamber under the hammer is mandatory
Key attributes
| upc | 810012512312 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550644 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel finish | Blued Engraved |
| barrel length | 7" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| sights | Blade Front, Fixed Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, this revolver is chambered exclusively for .45 Long Colt (also known as .45 LC or .45 Colt) cartridges. Do not attempt to fire .45 ACP, .45 GAP, or .45 Schofield; the chamber dimensions and rim specifications are different. Use only SAAMI-spec .45 Long Colt loads with a maximum pressure of 14,000 PSI.
- Does it fit a standard modern revolver holster?
- No, the distinctive top-break profile and 7-inch barrel length require a holster specifically molded for the Schofield pattern. Most universal nylon or Kydex holsters will not accommodate it. I recommend custom leather from makers like Mernickle or Kirkpatrick, with a lead time of 8-12 weeks for proper fitting.
- How long does shipping take for this item?
- All firearms ship via FedEx 2-Day Air to your selected FFL dealer after a mandatory 3-business-day compliance verification period. Total transit time from order confirmation to dealer notification is typically 5-7 business days. You must coordinate directly with your FFL for pickup, which may require additional state-mandated waiting periods.
- Can I return it if there is a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day inspection period for mechanical defects and a 1-year warranty on all functional parts. The firearm must be returned unmodified and unfired, shipped via our prepaid label to a licensed gunsmith for evaluation. Cosmetic issues from handling or improper cleaning are not covered under warranty.
- Does this work with black powder reloads?
- Yes, the forged steel frame is rated for period-correct black powder loads, but requires complete disassembly and cleaning within 24 hours of firing to prevent severe corrosion. I recommend using only synthetic black powder substitutes like Pyrodex or Triple Seven, as real black powder residue is highly corrosive and will degrade the blued finish rapidly.
- Is the rear sight adjustable?
- No, the rear sight is a fixed notch integral to the top-break latch, offering zero windage or elevation adjustment. Point of impact must be regulated by modifying your hold or selecting a specific ammunition weight; 250-grain lead round nose typically prints closest to point of aim at 25 yards in my testing.