Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 5.5″
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 5.5″? It's a single-action revolver built on the iconic Colt Single Action Army pattern with modern metallurgy and chambered for .357 Magnum/.38 Special. This specific configuration features a 5.5-inch barrel that balances traditional aesthetics with practical handling characteristics, combining historical authenticity with modern shooting capability. The Charcoal Blue finish and casehardened frame provide distinctive visual appeal while maintaining functional durability.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a range firearm and collector's piece, not as a modern defensive weapon. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking before each shot, making it ideal for deliberate target shooting and historical reenactment scenarios rather than rapid defensive use. It handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition effectively, though the fixed sights limit precision beyond 25 yards for most shooters.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Cattleman revolver operates entirely differently from bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334, serving completely distinct purposes rather than competing directly. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers effective range out to 300+ yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Cattleman's 5.5-inch barrel and revolver mechanics make it optimal for 25-yard pistol work and historical shooting disciplines. The Stevens platform provides superior long-range accuracy and hunting capability, while the Cattleman excels in close-range traditional shooting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs exactly 2.5 pounds unloaded and measures 11.10 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter measures 1.73 inches across, and the grip frame stands 5.25 inches tall from trigger guard to butt, providing substantial heft that aids in recoil management with full-power .357 Magnum loads. These dimensions place it squarely in the traditional single-action revolver category rather than modern concealed carry alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for defensive carry or rapid engagement scenarios due to its single-action mechanism and fixed sights. Modern defensive shooters requiring quick follow-up shots should consider polymer-framed semi-automatics instead, as the Cattleman's manual cocking requirement adds approximately 1.5 seconds per shot compared to striker-fired designs. Competition shooters needing adjustable sights for precision work will also find the fixed blade and notch limiting beyond 25 yards.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver itself, one set of keys for the internal safety lock, and typically basic documentation covering operation and safety protocols. Unlike modern firearms that often include cleaning kits or additional magazines, the Cattleman ships without accessories beyond what's necessary for basic function—expect to purchase speed loaders and cleaning equipment separately. The walnut grips come pre-fitted and finished, requiring no additional preparation before use.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $744.99?
At $744.99, this revolver represents fair value for shooters specifically seeking traditional single-action mechanics with modern chambering. Compared to Italian replicas that often retail around $550, the Taylors version offers superior fitment and more authentic finish options, though it commands approximately a 35% premium for these refinements. For historical shooting enthusiasts or collectors wanting a .357 Magnum-capable single-action, the price aligns with market expectations for quality reproduction firearms.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.5 pounds — substantial mass reduces felt recoil with .357 Magnum loads by approximately 30% compared to lighter framed revolvers
- 5.5-inch barrel provides ideal sight radius for traditional iron sight shooting at 15-25 yard distances
- Charcoal Blue finish develops authentic patina over 6-12 months of regular use, enhancing historical appearance
- Steel frame construction withstands thousands of full-power .357 Magnum rounds without frame stretching or timing issues
Trade-offs
- Single-action mechanism requires manual cocking before each shot — adds 1.5 seconds per round compared to double-action revolvers
- Fixed sights limit precision adjustment — cannot be drifted for windage or elevation like modern adjustable sights
- No accessory rail or optics mounting capability — strictly traditional configuration without modernization options
- Walnut grips lack modern texturing — may require aftermarket checkering or stippling for secure grip during rapid fire
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003381 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555120 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.4 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Cattleman handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition interchangeably. The chamber dimensions accommodate the shorter .38 Special cartridge without issues, though extraction may require more force due to carbon buildup in the longer .357 chamber. Always verify ammunition compatibility in your specific firearm before use.
- Does it fit standard holsters for Colt Single Action Army?
- The Cattleman replicates Colt SAA dimensions closely and fits most holsters designed for 5.5-inch barreled Single Action Army revolvers. The 1.73-inch cylinder diameter and 11.10-inch overall length match historical patterns within manufacturing tolerances. For optimal fit, consider holsters specifically advertised for Taylors or Uberti reproductions rather than vintage Colt pieces.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically requires 3-7 business days after processing, depending on your location relative to distribution centers. All firearms shipments must go through mandatory background check processing at the receiving FFL, which adds 1-2 business days to the transfer timeline. Contact your chosen FFL for their specific processing times before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Firearms may be returned only for legitimate mechanical defects verified by manufacturer inspection, not for cosmetic preferences or buyer's remorse. Taylors and Company requires direct communication and a return authorization number before accepting any returns, with typical resolution taking 14-21 business days for evaluation and repair or replacement. All returns must ship through licensed FFL dealers following ATF regulations.