Taylors & Company Cattleman BH 45LC 3.5-inch Revolver
About this product
What is the Taylors & Company Cattleman BH 45LC 3.5-inch Revolver? It's a compact single-action six-shooter built around authentic 1870s Cattleman dimensions, delivering utility-focused performance in a package that prioritizes mechanical reliability over modern ergonomic refinements. This isn't a safe queen or a competition piece—it's a working gun that demands proper handling fundamentals and rewards shooters who understand its deliberate, period-correct operation. The 3.5-inch barrel makes it a practical choice for specific carry or utility roles where its 9.05-inch overall length and 2.4-pound heft are assets, not drawbacks.
What is the Taylors & Company Cattleman BH 45LC 3.5-inch Revolver used for?
The Cattleman BH serves as a dedicated utility or secondary firearm for tasks like trail carry, ranch gate checks, or as a historically-accurate sidearm for reenactors. Its 3.5-inch barrel provides a meaningful ballistic advantage over snub-nose .38s while remaining compact enough for discreet carry in a properly-designed holster, like a strong-side cross-draw rig. This is not a duty weapon—its single-action-only operation and fixed sights place it squarely in the hands of shooters who practice deliberate shot placement and understand the manual of arms required for safe carry with a loaded chamber under the hammer.
How does the Taylors & Company Cattleman BH 45LC 3.5-inch Revolver compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20\"?
The Cattleman BH is categorically better for close-quarters defensive utility or saddlebag carry, while the Stevens 334 rifle dominates at any distance beyond 50 yards. A .45 Colt round from this 3.5-inch barrel generates roughly 400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, adequate for close-range work on game or predators, but it can't match the .243 Winchester's flat trajectory or 2,800+ fps velocity for medium-game hunting. The revolver's manual of arms is simpler under stress—no bolt to work—but its effective range is limited to about 25 yards by the fixed sights and round-nose bullet ballistics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 2.4 pounds (38.4 ounces) unloaded, with an overall length of 9.05 inches and a cylinder width of 1.73 inches. The 3.5-inch barrel length is the critical dimension here—it's 1.5 inches shorter than the standard 5.5-inch Cattleman model, shaving significant bulk from the carry profile while maintaining enough sight radius for practical accuracy. At this weight, you'll feel it on your belt all day, a reminder that this is a steel-frame tool, not a polymer-framed compromise.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for new shooters unfamiliar with single-action safety protocols or anyone seeking a modern defensive firearm with double-action capability. The requirement to manually cock the hammer for each shot and the absence of a transfer bar safety (it uses a traditional half-cock notch) demand rigorous training and discipline. If you need a firearm for high-stress defensive use where instinctive point-shooting or rapid follow-up shots are required, look at a modern double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and typically a generic plastic case—Taylors & Company does not include a historically-correct holster or loading tools. You'll need to source a .45 Colt loading press or dedicated speed loader separately, as thumb-loading six chambers under tension takes practice. I recommend budgeting an additional $85-$120 for a quality leather holster that properly indexes the 3.5-inch barrel and protects the blued finish from sweat and abrasion.
Is the Taylors & Company Cattleman BH 45LC 3.5-inch Revolver worth it at $813.99?
At this price point, you're paying for authentic construction and materials, not features—the value proposition hinges entirely on whether you require a faithful replica with working-grade reliability. The blued steel frame and checkered walnut grips represent about $300 in material and finishing costs over a budget import, and the 1-in-16\" twist rate barrel is properly spec'd for stabilizing 250-grain .45 Colt loads. Compared to custom-shop reproductions costing $1,400+, this is an accessible entry into genuine single-action carry, provided you accept its deliberate limitations. For a different kind of traditional shooting experience, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 bore.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.4 lbs (38.4 oz) — provides stable shooting platform for .45 Colt recoil management
- 3.5-inch barrel length reduces carry bulk by 1.5 inches compared to standard 5-inch models
- 1-in-16\" twist rate barrel properly stabilizes traditional 250-255 grain .45 Colt projectiles
- Steel frame construction offers superior durability to alloy-frame replicas under sustained fire
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety — requires carrying with an empty chamber under hammer for safe condition
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable — requires Kentucky windage or file-adjustment for precise zeroing
- Checkered walnut grips lack modern texture — provides minimal purchase with sweaty or gloved hands
- 3.5-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 75-100 fps velocity compared to 5.5-inch model with standard loads
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 858944006981 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555133DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | REVOVLER |
| barrel length | 3.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.85 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt +P ammunition?
- No, this revolver is not rated for +P or high-pressure .45 Colt loads. It's chambered for standard-pressure .45 Colt rounds with a maximum SAAMI pressure of 14,000 PSI. Using +P ammunition risks frame stretching or cylinder timing issues over time. Stick to factory loads from brands like Winchester or Remington that adhere to traditional specifications.
- Does it fit standard SAA (Single Action Army) holsters?
- Yes, the frame dimensions match the original Colt SAA pattern, but the 3.5-inch barrel requires a specifically-sized holster. Most generic 4.75\" SAA holsters will leave 1.25 inches of barrel exposed and insecure. Look for holsters marketed for the \"Sheriff's Model\" or specify 3.5-inch barrel length when ordering from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Mernickle.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-7 business days before the firearm ships, plus transit time via ground service (usually 2-5 additional business days). All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL. Contact your chosen FFL dealer beforehand to confirm they accept transfers from online retailers and understand their specific documentation requirements.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Returns for mechanical defects are handled through Taylors & Company's warranty service, not the retailer. The manufacturer provides a one-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. You must initiate a return authorization through Taylors & Company, and the firearm must be shipped via a licensed dealer. Expect the repair or replacement process to take 4-8 weeks from initial contact to resolution.
- Does this work with Kirst Konverter cartridge conversion cylinders?
- No, the Cattleman BH uses a non-standard cylinder bolt cutout pattern that is incompatible with drop-in Kirst or Howell conversion cylinders. The frame is also not drilled for the gate-mounted loading lever required by most cartridge conversions. This revolver is designed exclusively for .45 Colt metallic cartridge use and cannot be converted to percussion cap operation.