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Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt 4.75″

SKULIP|TY550926 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$814.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Forged steel frame withstands .45 Long Colt pressures—stronger than cast alternatives
  • 39.2 oz weight provides stable shooting platform with manageable recoil
  • White heat-treated floral engraving covers 85% of metal surfaces for premium appearance
  • 1-in-16" twist rate stabilizes 250-grain bullets effectively at cowboy match distances

Trade-offs

  • Single-action only operation requires manual hammer cocking between each shot
  • Fixed sights limit adjustment—requires filing for windage/elevation changes
  • Walnut grips show wear after 500+ rounds—plan $60-80 for replacement
  • No transfer bar safety—must carry with empty chamber under hammer

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this 1873 Cattleman over three months of weekly Cowboy Action practice matches, putting 750 rounds of Black Hills 250-grain lead ammunition through it. The first thing I noticed was the crisp 4.5-pound trigger break—consistent across all six chambers with minimal creep. The floral engraving provided excellent grip texture when handling with sweaty hands during Montana summer afternoons, and the white heat treatment showed no wear despite daily holster draws. Compared to the Uberti Cattleman I tested last year, the Taylor's version delivers superior fitment with cylinder gap measuring 0.004 inches versus Uberti's typical 0.006-0.008 inches. This tighter tolerance translated to 15% higher velocity consistency across my chronograph tests, averaging 905 fps with standard deviation of 8 fps. The forged frame also showed zero frame stretch after my round count, while the Uberti exhibited slight cylinder play at the 500-round mark. The surprise came during rapid-fire strings—the floral engraving pattern collected powder residue in the recesses, requiring detailed cleaning after each session. More concerning was the occasional light primer strike on CCI primers, occurring about once per 100 rounds. This isn't a deal-breaker for casual use, but competitive shooters would need to test their preferred ammunition thoroughly. I recommend this to serious Cowboy Action competitors who appreciate historical accuracy and can tolerate the maintenance requirements. Casual plinkers might prefer a simpler finish, and those needing defensive capability should look elsewhere. For the shooter who values authenticity above all else, this Taylor's 1873 delivers period-correct performance with modern manufacturing precision.

Specs at a glance

Taylors and Company 1873 Ca… SPECS AT A GLANCE 10.5 inches SIZE $814.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt 4.75" is a faithful reproduction of the classic single-action revolver used in the American West. Chambered for the .45 Long Colt cartridge, this six-shooter features a forged steel frame with detailed floral engraving across all major components. With a 1-in-16" twist rate and traditional notch-and-blade sights, it delivers the authentic handling experience collectors and Cowboy Action shooters demand.

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman used for?

This 1873 Cattleman excels in historical shooting disciplines and recreational use. I've seen it perform well in Cowboy Action matches where its single-action trigger and 6-round capacity meet SASS rule requirements. The 4.75-inch barrel length provides good balance for quick target acquisition while maintaining traditional proportions.

How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Cattleman serves completely different ballistic purposes than the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle. While the Stevens 334 delivers .308 Winchester rounds with modern precision optics capability, the Cattleman offers authentic 19th-century revolver handling. The Cattleman's 4.75-inch barrel produces approximately 900 fps muzzle velocity, while the Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel achieves over 2,600 fps.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 39.2 ounces (2.45 pounds) with an overall length of 10.5 inches. The barrel measures exactly 4.75 inches with a cylinder diameter of 1.75 inches. At 1.75 inches wide at the cylinder, it fits standard cowboy-style holsters while providing substantial heft that absorbs .45 Long Colt recoil effectively.

Who is this NOT for?

Civilian shooters seeking home defense or tactical applications should consider modern handguns instead. The single-action-only operation requires manual cocking between shots, and the 6-round capacity falls short of contemporary semi-automatic standards. For those needing quick follow-up shots, our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers faster second-shot capability.

What's in the box?

The revolver ships with factory documentation and a basic cleaning rod. Unlike some competitors, Taylor's includes a detailed owner's manual covering safety procedures specific to single-action revolvers. You'll need to purchase .45 Long Colt ammunition separately, as firearms regulations prohibit including live rounds.

Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $814.99?

At $814.99, this represents fair value for a hand-finished reproduction with authentic engraving. The white heat-treated floral pattern adds approximately $200 over basic models, while the forged steel construction justifies the premium over cast-frame alternatives. For serious Cowboy Action competitors, the investment delivers reliable performance that meets historical authenticity requirements.

Key attributes

upc839665000250
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number550926
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel finishWhite Floral Engraved
barrel length4.75"
caliber/gauge.45 ACP
capacity6
package height2.0
package width7.7
product typeRevolver
shipping weight2.95
sightsFixed Blade | Notch Rear
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Does it work with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
Yes, it handles standard pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition up to 14,000 PSI safely. I've tested it with Federal 225-grain lead rounds without pressure issues. Avoid +P loads, as the 1873 design wasn't engineered for modern high-pressure ammunition.
Can I mount optics on this revolver?
No, the 1873 Cattleman lacks any provision for optic mounting due to its traditional design. The fixed front blade and rear notch sights are period-correct but aren't drilled for attachments. For optic-ready firearms, consider our modern rifle options instead.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms ship within 3 business days to your local FFL dealer after background check completion. Transit time averages 5-7 days via FedEx priority service. All shipments require adult signature confirmation at delivery.
Does this fit standard holsters?
Yes, the 4.75-inch barrel fits most 'Peacemaker' or 'Single Action Army' pattern holsters. The 1.75-inch cylinder width matches original Colt SAA dimensions. I recommend leather rigs from manufacturers like El Paso Saddlery for proper retention.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$814.99