Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Magnum 4.75-inch Engraved
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Magnum 4.75-inch Engraved? It's a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that combines traditional Western aesthetics with modern forged-steel construction, featuring extensive laser floral engraving on the frame, cylinder, and barrel. As a Title I firearm under federal law, it ships directly to your FFL dealer, bypassing the NFA paperwork required for short-barreled rifles or suppressors. Its 6-round capacity and 4.75-inch barrel position it directly between compact defensive revolvers and longer-barreled target models.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Magnum used for?
This revolver is primarily used for cowboy action shooting competitions, recreational range training, and as a display piece for collectors who appreciate engraved firearms. The fixed iron sights and single-action trigger require deliberate shot placement, making it excellent for developing fundamental marksmanship skills under low-pressure conditions. I recommend at least 100 rounds of .38 Special for initial break-in to assess timing and lockup before moving to full-power .357 Magnum loads.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman compare to a Ruger Vaquero?
The Taylors Cattleman offers superior cosmetic detail with its laser engraving, but the Ruger Vaquero provides better mechanical durability for high-volume shooting. Ruger's transfer-bar safety system allows carrying six rounds safely, while the Taylors replica maintains the traditional four-click hammer and requires an empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry. For cowboy action competitors shooting 300+ rounds per match, the Vaquero's coil-spring internals and thicker forcing cone will outlast the Taylors' traditional leaf-spring design. For occasional use and display, the Taylors' engraved finish justifies its premium.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 39.2 ounces (1111 grams) unloaded and measures 11.5 inches overall with its 4.75-inch barrel. The grip circumference is 5.25 inches around the walnut panels, accommodating medium to large hands comfortably. At the cylinder, width measures 1.75 inches including the engraved floral patterns, requiring a correspondingly wide holster if used for competition. The sight radius from rear notch to front blade is exactly 5.9 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for anyone seeking a defensive carry pistol or rapid-firing capability. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, adding approximately 2 seconds per round compared to modern double-action revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686. The engraved white finish shows handling marks more readily than blued or stainless surfaces, requiring careful maintenance after each range session. For high-volume competitive shooters, consider our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge or dedicated competition firearms.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a single 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation—no holster, speed loaders, or cleaning kit. The factory packaging includes minimal protective foam, so inspect for finish damage during FFL transfer. Expect to spend $40-60 on proper revolver maintenance tools, including a .357 caliber cleaning rod, bronze brush, and quality gun oil. No extra grip panels or sight upgrades are included, though aftermarket options exist from companies like Eagle Grips.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $806.99?
At $806.99, it's worth the premium if you value display-quality engraving on a functional shooter, not if you need a no-frills competition workhorse. The engraving adds approximately $300 over basic models, comparable to custom gunsmith pricing but applied via precise laser technology. For collectors who appreciate Western reproductions, this represents fair value, especially compared to custom-engraved revolvers starting at $1,500+. For practical shooting, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win delivers more accuracy per dollar.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Extensive laser engraving covers 65% of visible metal surfaces—more coverage than most factory-decorated revolvers
- 39.2 oz weight provides stable shooting platform with .357 Magnum loads
- Walnut grip panels are hand-fitted with no visible seam at the frame junction
- 6-round capacity matches maximum legal limit for single-action revolvers in cowboy action competitions
Trade-offs
- Traditional leaf-spring action requires gunsmith adjustment after 2,000-3,000 rounds—coil-spring alternatives last longer
- White engraved finish shows carbon fouling visibly after 50 rounds, requiring immediate cleaning
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable for elevation or windage—zeroed for 25 yards with specific 158-grain ammunition only
Key attributes
| upc | 839665000274 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550928 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | White Floral Engraved |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers and fires .38 Special ammunition safely, providing lower recoil and cost for training. The cartridge overall length difference requires proper cylinder cleaning after .38 Special use to prevent fouling rings that can impede .357 Magnum chambering. Expect a 25% reduction in muzzle velocity when using standard 158-grain .38 Special versus .357 Magnum loads.
- Does it fit standard 1873-style holsters?
- Yes, it fits any holster designed for the 1873 Colt Single Action Army replica with a 4.75-inch barrel. The engraving adds negligible thickness, but check for sharp edges on floral patterns that might catch on leather. For competition use, measure your cylinder width at 1.75 inches to verify holster compatibility.
- How long does shipping take to my FFL?
- Processing takes 1-2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-7 days depending on your FFL dealer's location. Your dealer must provide their current license before shipment—allow 24 hours for verification. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $35 via UPS 2nd Day Air.
- Can I return it if there's mechanical damage?
- Returns for mechanical defects are accepted within 30 days through Taylors & Company's warranty, not through Ironclad Armory directly. Cosmetic damage from shipping must be documented with your FFL within 72 hours of receipt. Expect a 15-20 day turnaround for warranty repairs, plus return shipping time.