Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon .357 Mag 5.50″ 6rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon .357 Mag 5.50" 6rd? It's a second-generation, stagecoach-style single-action revolver that balances traditional aesthetics with practical handling features like a low-sitting hammer and wider sights for faster sight acquisition. This piece blends historical design with modern manufacturing precision, offering shooters a reliable platform for range use and cowboy action shooting.
What is the Smoke Wagon revolver used for?
The Smoke Wagon excels at cowboy action shooting and range practice with its period-correct single-action mechanics and .357 Magnum chambering. I've found the 5.50-inch barrel provides excellent balance for timed events, while the 6-round capacity matches classic competition requirements. The checkered walnut grip maintains control during rapid fire sequences without heavy recoil becoming unmanageable.
How does the Smoke Wagon compare to the Ruger Vaquero?
The Smoke Wagon offers more authentic period styling and a lighter 2.50-pound weight compared to the Ruger Vaquero's 2.75-pound heft, making it faster to draw from leather. However, Ruger's transfer bar safety system provides an objective advantage for carry use, while the Smoke Wagon requires an empty chamber under the hammer for safe transport. For pure competition use, the Smoke Wagon's traditional mechanics and 11.10-inch overall length provide better historical accuracy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Smoke Wagon weighs exactly 2.50 pounds (40 ounces) with an overall length of 11.10 inches and barrel length of 5.50 inches. The cylinder measures 1.73 inches in diameter with a 1.60-inch cylinder gap, while the grip frame spans 5.25 inches from trigger to backstrap. These dimensions create a balanced platform that points naturally while maintaining the slim profile necessary for period-correct holsters.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for defensive carry due to its single-action-only operation and lack of modern safety features. The traditional design requires carrying with an empty chamber under the hammer, making it impractical for quick deployment. New shooters unfamiliar with single-action revolvers should consider a Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle instead for safer learning curves.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike many modern firearms, it doesn't include cleaning kits or extra grips, reflecting its no-frills approach to traditional shooting. The documentation clearly outlines the four-step loading and unloading process specific to single-action revolvers.
Is the Smoke Wagon worth it at $700.99?
At $700.99, the Smoke Wagon delivers excellent value for cowboy action competitors seeking authentic aesthetics without custom shop prices. The color case-hardened frame and blued barrel represent approximately $200 in finishing work alone compared to basic blued models. For shooters wanting modern versatility, the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun offers more practical field use at similar pricing.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.50 lbs — 0.25 lbs lighter than Ruger Vaquero for faster draws
- 5.50-inch barrel provides 8.75-inch sight radius for precise shot placement
- Color case-hardened frame shows authentic period-correct finishing worth $200+ value
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety — requires empty chamber under hammer for safe carry
- Walnut grip lacks palm swell — may require aftermarket upgrade for larger hands
- Single-action only operation limits defensive utility compared to double-action revolvers
Key attributes
| upc | 839665004739 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550811 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| sights | Blade Front, Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the .357 Magnum chambering safely fires .38 Special rounds with reduced recoil and lower cost per round. I recommend starting with 130-grain FMJ for breaking in the timing mechanism. Always verify chamber dimensions match SAAMI specifications before firing.
- Does it fit standard single-action holsters?
- The 5.50-inch barrel and traditional frame dimensions fit most universal single-action holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army patterns. The 11.10-inch overall length requires a full-size holster rather than shorter 4.75-inch barrel models. I use Kirkpatrick Leather rigs for competition.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard FFL shipping takes 3-7 business days after processing, which requires 2 business days for compliance verification. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. International shipments require additional 10-15 days for export licensing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by their certified armorers. The process typically takes 10-14 days for evaluation and requires original packaging. Cosmetic issues from normal wear don't qualify for returns under their policy.