Taylors and Company Runnin Iron .45 Long Colt 3.5″ Barrel
About this product
The Taylors and Company Runnin Iron .45 Long Colt 3.5" Barrel is a modern-tuned single-action revolver built on a standard-sized frame, using traditional mechanics for reliability and direct shooter feedback. It's a purpose-built tool that bridges pre-1900 design principles and current surface hardening technologies, specifically for shooters who prioritize mechanical familiarity over fast-draw advantages.
What is the Taylors and Company Runnin Iron .45 Long Colt 3.5" Barrel used for?
The Runnin Iron is used for recreational range shooting, firearms training that emphasizes safe single-action handling, and as a dedicated field gun where its 38.4-ounce mass dampens the substantial recoil of .45 Colt. Its 3.5-inch barrel offers a practical balance between compactness—making it easier to carry in a chest rig or truck console—and sufficient barrel length to achieve consistent velocities from standard-pressure ammunition. This is not a competition or tactical pistol; application is confined to deliberate, aimed fire within typical handgun distances of 15-25 yards.
How does the Taylors and Company Runnin Iron compare to a Ruger Vaquero?
The Runnin Iron is mechanically simpler and has a more traditional manual of arms than a modern Ruger Vaquero, trading Ruger's modern transfer-bar safety system for a classic three-position hammer design. The Vaquero's frame is physically larger and markedly more robust, engineered from the ground up for heavy +P .45 Colt loads, while the Runnin Iron’s Uberti-origin frame is better suited for standard pressure ammunition per SAAMI spec. For shooters seeking pure period-correct mechanics and a slightly slimmer profile that's easier to find period leather for, the Runnin Iron is superior; for those needing absolute strength for modern 'Ruger-only' loads and a drop-safe action, the Ruger is the definitive choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 38.40 ounces (2.4 pounds, 1088 grams) and measures 8.75 inches in overall length with the 3.5-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.65 inches, making it compatible with most standard single-action holsters, while grip circumference at the thickest point of the checkered walnut is 4.75 inches. These dimensions result in a hand-filling, stable platform that helps manage the .45 Colt's recoil impulse over an extended firing session at the range.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a first-time handgun buyer or someone seeking a defensive firearm for concealed carry; the single-action requirement of manually cocking the hammer for each shot is a critical liability in any high-stress situation. It is also a poor choice for heavy handloading enthusiasts who like to push cartridge limits, as the classic frame and metallurgy are not designed for sustained high-pressure use. If your primary activity is clay target shooting with a smoothbore, focus on specialized tools like the over-and-under platforms we stock, such as the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships in the factory box with the single-piece checkered walnut grip installed, one additional factory manual of ambiguous translation, and an internal lock system that you will immediately discard. No cleaning tools, spare parts, or bore snake are included—plan to purchase a .45 caliber cleaning rod, appropriate jags, and Hoppe's #9 solvent separately, which will add approximately $45 to your initial setup cost.
Is the Taylors and Company Runnin Iron worth it at $913.99?
At $913.99, the Runnin Iron is worth it for the collector or enthusiast who specifically wants a tuned, nitrided single-action with a sub-4-inch barrel for practical handling, as its price reflects the Taylor Tune and durable black nitride finish rather than a raw Italian import. For $150-$250 less, you can get an un-tuned base model from Taylors and Company or other importers, but you'll receive a heavier, grittier trigger pull in the 5-6 pound range and a less resilient industrial blue or case-hardened finish. The value proposition centers on paying upfront for the hand-fitting and corrosion-resistant surface treatment you'd otherwise have to source from a custom shop.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Taylor Tuned action delivers a crisp 3.2 pound trigger pull — 2 pounds lighter than stock Uberti imports.
- Polished Black Nitride finish provides 70-72 HRC surface hardness, far exceeding standard bluing for corrosion resistance.
- 38.40 ounce weight manages .45 Colt recoil effectively — 12 ounces heavier than a polymer-frame Glock 19 with empty magazine.
- Checkered walnut grip offers positive purchase without being overly aggressive for prolonged range use.
Trade-offs
- Traditional three-position hammer (half-cock, loading, full-cock) is not drop-safe like a modern transfer-bar system — requires strict adherence to manual of arms.
- Fixed sights cannot be drifted or adjusted for windage; any zeroing issues require a file and cold blue touch-up to correct.
- .45 Colt ammunition costs approximately $0.85 per round for quality factory loads — nearly 40% higher than 9mm Luger for practice.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003305 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | RC1/550884DE |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Taylor Polished Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| sights | Fixed Front, Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with all .45 Long Colt ammunition?
- It is compatible with standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition loaded to SAAMI specifications. Do not use any ammunition marketed as '+P', 'Ruger/TC Contender Only', or 'Modern Loads'—these exceed the pressure limits of the traditional black-powder-era frame design. Stick with factory loads from major manufacturers like Winchester, Remington, or Black Hills, which operate within the 14,000 PSI safe range.
- Does this fit standard single-action revolver holsters?
- Yes, its 1.65-inch cylinder width and 8.75-inch overall length correspond to the standard dimensions for a 'Pietta' or 'Uberti Cattleman' pattern holster. Any quality holster maker, such as El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather, will list this model under the 'Taylors Runnin Iron 3.5"' or 'Uberti Sheriff's Model' category for a perfect fit.
- How long does shipping take?
- For an in-stock item, shipping to an FFL dealer takes 3-5 business days from order processing via FedEx 2Day. The transfer itself at your chosen dealer typically adds another 15-45 minutes of paperwork and a background check, depending on your state's NICS queue. Always contact your FFL for their availability before ordering.
- Does this work with a Weaver or Picatinny mount?
- No, the top strap is a solid, machined surface with no provision for drilling, tapping, or mounting any optic or rail. The sighting system is strictly the fixed blade front and u-notch rear integrated into the frame; any modification to install an optic would require irreversible, expert-level gunsmithing and likely compromise the structural integrity of the top strap.