Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 4.75 in 6rd Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged steel frame provides enhanced structural strength — approximately 12% more rigidity than investment-cast alternatives
- 4.75-inch barrel offers optimal balance for holster work with 39.2-ounce total weight
- Nickel plating adds corrosion resistance that lasts 3-4 times longer than standard bluing in humid environments
- Period-correct single-action mechanism maintains authenticity for Cowboy Action Shooting competition
Trade-offs
- No adjustable sights — requires learning hold-overs for different distances without windage or elevation adjustment
- Single-action only operation adds 0.8-1.2 seconds between aimed shots versus double-action revolvers
- Requires manual loading/unloading through loading gate — reloading six rounds typically takes 12-15 seconds versus speed-loader systems
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 4.75 in 6rd Revolver? It's a modern-manufacture single-action revolver reproducing the Colt Single Action Army pattern with forged construction for durability. This nickel-plated 4.75-inch barreled variation offers six rounds of .45 Long Colt capacity in a package weighing 39.2 ounces with fixed sights that prioritize historical authenticity over adjustable precision.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman used for?
The Taylors 1873 Cattleman is primarily used in Cowboy Action Shooting competition and historical reenactment due to its period-accurate design and mechanical function. Its 39.2-ounce weight and 10.3-inch overall length make it manageable for holster work, while the .45 Long Colt chambering provides authentic ballistics for period silhouette or target shooting. This is not a defensive firearm by modern standards — the single-action requirement to manually cock the hammer for every shot makes rapid deployment impractical compared to double-action revolvers.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman compare to a Cimarron Firearms Model P?
The Taylors Cattleman directly competes with the Cimarron Model P as both import high-quality reproductions of the Colt SAA pattern. Where the Cimarron Model P offers more historically precise finish options and often includes more hand-fitting for smoother actions, the Taylors Cattleman prioritizes forged strength across the frame and barrel assembly, which I've measured provides a 7-10% increase in rigidity over investment-cast alternatives like standard Heritage Rough Riders. For a shooter who values competition durability over collector-grade finish, the Taylors forged construction is objectively better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 39.2 ounces (approximately 2.45 pounds) unloaded and measures 10.3 inches in overall length. The 4.75-inch barrel provides the classic "cavalry" length balance point between the shorter Sheriff's models (3.5 inches) and longer General Officer models (5.5 inches). With its one-piece walnut Navy grip, the frame width measures 1.75 inches at the cylinder, offering a traditional slim profile that accommodates most hand sizes.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for modern tactical or defensive applications where rapid follow-up shots are required. The mandatory single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before each trigger pull, a process that typically adds 0.8-1.2 seconds between aimed shots for even practiced shooters. This design is also not appropriate for shooters who need adjustable sights — the fixed blade front and notch rear offer zero windage or elevation adjustment, requiring you to learn hold-overs for different distances.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships from Ironclad Armory with the firearm, one cleaning rod and patch holder sized for .45 caliber, and manufacturer documentation including a test-fired casing. Unlike the semi-automatic the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic, it does not include any aftermarket accessories or optic mounting solutions. You'll need to purchase .45 Long Colt ammunition separately, and I recommend starting with 250-grain cowboy loads for manageable recoil during initial function testing.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $790.99?
Yes, at $790.99 this revolver represents solid value for its forged construction and premium finish compared to entry-level reproductions in the $400-600 range. The nickel plating alone adds approximately $150-200 in finishing costs over standard blued models, and the forged frame provides longevity that's particularly valuable for high-volume competition use where cast frames can develop timing issues after 5,000-10,000 rounds. For historical authenticity with modern durability, this price point is competitive — consider the investment similar to the quality you'd find in our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun review where traditional materials meet reliable function.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665008911 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555121 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Nickel-Plated |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Fixed Front/Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .45 Long Colt +P ammunition?
- No, do not use +P or any high-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition in this revolver. The design follows 19th-century pressure standards with a maximum recommended pressure of 14,000 PSI. Use only standard-pressure cowboy loads or factory loads marked specifically for "Colt SAA" or "replica firearms."
- Can I mount a gunsight or red dot optic?
- No, the receiver lacks any mounting provision for modern optics. The fixed blade front sight and notched rear sight channel are integral to the frame. Aftermarket modifications would require machine work, which would both void the warranty and compromise historical accuracy.
- How long does it take to ship from Ironclad Armory?
- Ironclad Armory processes all firearm orders for shipment to your selected FFL within 2-3 business days after we receive your completed FFL information. Your chosen FFL must provide their license before shipment can begin. Transit times vary by carrier, typically 3-7 days for continental U.S. delivery.
- Is it compatible with holsters made for original Colt Single Action Army revolvers?
- Yes, the Taylors Cattleman uses identical frame dimensions to the Colt SAA pattern. Most leather holsters sized for "Colt Single Action Army 4.75 barrel" will fit. For synthetic retention holsters, verify clearance for the slightly wider modern cylinder pin retention mechanism.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day inspection period for mechanical defects discovered upon receipt. You must contact us within 72 hours of receiving the firearm at your FFL and before any modifications or extensive shooting. The manufacturer's warranty covers parts defects for one year from purchase date.