Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman 45 Colt 4.75-inch
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman 45 Colt 4.75-inch is a single-action revolver chambered in 45 Colt that preserves the classic lines and mechanical authenticity of the original 1873 design. Built on a New Model frame with color case-hardened steel and walnut navy-style grips, this revolver delivers period-correct aesthetics with modern manufacturing precision. At 2.8 pounds unloaded and measuring 10.75 inches overall length, it occupies a specific niche between modern tactical revolvers and purely decorative reproductions.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman used for?
The Cattleman excels in cowboy action shooting competitions and recreational range use where historical accuracy matters. Its 6-round cylinder and 4.75-inch barrel balance quick acquisition with manageable recoil, making it suitable for timed events requiring multiple shots. The fixed blade front sight and notched rear provide adequate precision for targets at 25 yards or less.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Cattleman operates on entirely different principles than the bolt-action Stevens 334—it's a close-range revolver versus a precision rifle platform. Where the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200+ yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Cattleman's effectiveness diminishes beyond 50 yards due to its fixed sights and pistol ballistics. For collectors and action shooters, the Cattleman offers historical charm the utilitarian Stevens cannot match.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 2.8 pounds (44.8 ounces) unloaded and measures 10.75 inches in overall length. The 4.75-inch barrel provides a sight radius of approximately 7 inches, while the walnut grips add 1.5 inches of width at the widest point. This balances well in the hand without feeling front-heavy like longer-barreled single-actions.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is poorly suited for home defense or concealed carry due to its single-action mechanism and 6-round capacity. The required manual cocking between shots creates a 1.5-second delay in follow-up fire compared to modern double-action revolvers. Competitive shooters requiring quick reloads should consider alternatives with swing-out cylinders rather than the Cattleman's loading gate system.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with a single 6-round cylinder, owner's manual, and a basic cable lock compliant with current safety regulations. Unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting which includes interchangeable chokes, the Cattleman comes without additional accessories—expect to purchase cleaning supplies and a period-correct holster separately.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $651.99?
At $651.99, the Cattleman represents fair value for shooters prioritizing historical authenticity over modern features. The color case-hardened frame and walnut grips show superior finish quality compared to $400-500 Italian replicas, while remaining $200-300 below custom-grade reproductions. For cowboy action competitors or collectors, this price point delivers acceptable mechanical reliability without decorative compromise.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 2.8-pound weight balances well for quick target transitions
- Color case-hardened frame resists wear better than blued-only finishes
- 4.75-inch barrel provides 7-inch sight radius for improved accuracy
- Walnut grips offer traditional aesthetics without modern synthetic materials
Trade-offs
- Single-action mechanism requires 1.5-second cocking between shots
- 6-round capacity limits practical use compared to modern designs
- No included accessories beyond basic cable lock and manual
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665001028 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550887 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Blade Front/Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern 45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, the Cattleman handles standard pressure 45 Colt ammunition up to 14,000 PSI including brands like Winchester and Federal. Avoid +P or Ruger-only loads which exceed the frame's design limits. The chamber dimensions accommodate both 250-grain and 255-grain bullets without modification.
- Does this work with universal revolver holsters?
- The 4.75-inch barrel fits most medium-frame revolver holsters designed for similar dimensions. For period correctness, consider a 1873-specific rig from makers like El Paso Saddlery. The 2.8-pound weight requires a sturdy belt—avoid flimsy nylon holsters that may sag during movement.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers to Montana typically take 5-7 business days via Ironclad Armory's standard shipping. Expedited 2-day service adds $45 but requires FFL confirmation before dispatch. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL.
- Can I return it if there's mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by their armorer team. Cosmetic issues like wood grain variation don't qualify—the revolver must fail basic function testing. Return shipping to our Bozeman facility typically takes 3-5 business days via insured carrier.