Taylors and Company Gunfighter 1873 .45 Colt 5.5in 6rd
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter 1873 .45 Colt 5.5in 6rd? It's a modern production single-action revolver built to period-correct 1873 specifications with forged steel construction and authentic finishes. Chambered in .45 Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel and six-round cylinder, this revolver delivers the classic handling characteristics that made the original design legendary while incorporating modern manufacturing tolerances for improved reliability.
What is the Gunfighter 1873 used for?
The Gunfighter 1873 excels in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions due to its period-correct design and reliable single-action operation. With its 5.5-inch barrel providing excellent balance and fixed sights tuned for black powder trajectory, it meets SASS regulations while offering modern durability. This revolver also serves well as a collector's piece or recreational shooter for those who appreciate historical firearms.
How does the Gunfighter 1873 compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Taylors Gunfighter 1873 features superior case hardening and a more authentic retractable firing pin system compared to the Uberti Cattleman's transfer bar safety. While both use Italian manufacturing, Taylors imposes stricter quality control standards, resulting in tighter cylinder timing and smoother action out of the box. The Uberti offers better availability but suffers from occasional timing issues that require immediate gunsmith attention.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Gunfighter 1873 weighs 42 ounces (1190 grams) unloaded and measures 11.25 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter measures 1.75 inches across with a 0.480-inch chamber mouth diameter specific to .45 Colt. The Army-size walnut grips provide a 5.25-inch circumference that fits most adult hands without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for concealed carry or defensive use due to its single-action design and 6-round capacity limitations. The fixed sights and traditional black powder-oriented chamber dimensions make it less effective with modern defensive ammunition compared to options like our Stevens 334 Rifle. New shooters seeking a first firearm should consider more modern designs with safety features.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one set of keys for the security lock, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Unlike many competitors, Taylors does not include cleaning kits or spare parts, requiring additional investment in proper black powder revolver maintenance tools. The factory packaging consists of a standard cardboard box with foam insert rather than a display case.
Is the Gunfighter 1873 worth it at $654.99?
At $654.99, the Gunfighter 1873 represents solid value for serious Cowboy Action competitors needing SASS-legal hardware. The forged steel construction and authentic retractable firing pin justify the $150 premium over basic Uberti models, providing better long-term durability and period correctness. For recreational shooting, the investment requires commitment to learning single-action revolver operation and maintenance protocols.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged steel frame withstands 15,000+ rounds—double the lifespan of cast frame alternatives
- 42 oz weight provides perfect balance for rapid target acquisition in cowboy action stages
- Retractable firing pin eliminates transfer bar reliability issues common in cheaper clones
- 0.005-inch cylinder gap ensures consistent velocity and eliminates gas cutting
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety—requires empty chamber under hammer for safe carry
- Walnut grips lack checkering—adds $75-125 for aftermarket stippled options
- Fixed sights require filing for precise windage adjustment—adds gunsmith costs
- Half-hour disassembly time for thorough cleaning versus 5 minutes on modern revolvers
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665009970 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550858 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
| sights | Blade Front, Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, but only with standard pressure loads under 14,000 PSI. The chamber dimensions are optimized for black powder cartridges, so high-pressure defensive rounds may cause excessive leading and timing issues. Stick to cowboy action loads from brands like Winchester or Black Hills for best performance.
- Does it fit standard SASS holsters?
- Absolutely—the 1.75-inch cylinder diameter and 5.5-inch barrel length conform to standard Single Action Shooting Society holster patterns. Most leather makers including El Paso Saddlery and Kirkpatrick Leather produce ready-made rigs that accommodate this configuration without modification.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which typically adds 1-2 business days. All firearms shipments require signature confirmation and transfer through your local FFL holder, adding another 24-48 hours for background check completion.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorer team. The firearm must be unfired and in original packaging, and return shipping must be arranged through our approved carrier network. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse situations incur a 15% restocking fee.