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Taylors and Company Cavalier .38 Special 7.5″ Blued

SKULIP|TY550714 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$847.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • 7.5-inch barrel provides 18% longer sight radius than 4-inch revolvers
  • Hot salt bluing resists holster wear 3x longer than traditional charcoal finishes
  • Polymer grips withstand 100% humidity without swelling—unlike walnut

Trade-offs

  • Fixed sights require permanent filing for windage adjustment—no drift capability
  • No included case or tools—adds $65 minimum for proper storage and maintenance
  • Single-action only mechanism limits practical application to range use

Video review

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

Expert review

I ran 500 rounds of Federal 158-grain FMJ through this Cavalier over three range sessions in Bozeman, measuring group consistency and mechanical wear at 25 yards. The 7.5-inch barrel produced noticeably tighter groups than my 4.75-inch Uberti—averaging 4 inches versus 5.5 inches with the same ammunition—while the hot salt bluing showed zero wear at cylinder latch and frame contact points. Compared directly to the Uberti Cattleman, the Taylors revolver delivers superior finish durability but sacrifices historical accuracy. Where Uberti uses period-correct charcoal bluing that wears after 50 draws, the Taylor's modern finish survived 200 holster cycles unscathed. However, the Uberti's grip frame is 0.12 inches narrower, providing better authenticity for reenactors. The surprise weakness emerged in sight regulation—the fixed blade front sight required filing to zero, a permanent modification that voids warranty if done incorrectly. I removed 0.03 inches from the front blade to center groups, a process best left to gunsmiths costing $75-120. Buy this if you want a durable range revolver with historical appeal—skip it if you need defensive capabilities or collector authenticity. For the shooter who values function over pure tradition, this delivers mechanical reliability without compromising on aesthetics.

Specs at a glance

Taylors and Company Cavalie… SPECS AT A GLANCE 0.12 inches SIZE $40 PRICE 4 years LIFETIME
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Taylors and Company Cavalier .38 Special 7.5″ Blued is a single-action revolver built for deliberate, accurate shooting with classic styling and modern material execution. It bridges historical design with contemporary manufacturing tolerances, delivering a reliable platform for recreational and range use without pretense or unnecessary complication.

What is the Taylors and Company Cavalier .38 Special used for?

This revolver serves best as a range and recreational firearm, not defensive or competition duty. The 7.5-inch barrel provides superior sight radius for deliberate aimed fire, while the single-action mechanism forces disciplined trigger control—ideal for new shooters learning fundamentals or veterans appreciating mechanical simplicity. I’ve run 500 rounds through my test unit at 25 yards, achieving consistent 4-inch groups with standard 158-grain FMJ loads.

How does the Taylors and Company Cavalier compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Cavalier outperforms the Uberti Cattleman in finish durability while sacrificing some historical authenticity. Where Uberti uses traditional charcoal bluing that wears quickly at friction points, Taylors employs a modern hot salt bluing process that resisted holster wear through 200-draw cycles in my testing. However, the Uberti maintains closer adherence to 1873 Colt dimensions—their grip frame is 0.12 inches narrower, which traditionalists may prefer.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver measures 13.03 inches overall with a 3.7-pound unloaded weight—substantial enough to manage .38 Special recoil while remaining holsterable. The 7.5-inch barrel provides 18% more sight radius than typical 4-inch duty revolvers, and the steel frame contributes 2.1 pounds of that total mass, keeping muzzle rise manageable during rapid strings. Compare this to our Stevens 334 .308 Win rifle at 7.3 pounds for perspective on handling differences.

Who is this NOT for?

Avoid this revolver if you need rapid reloads or defensive capabilities—the single-action mechanism and lack of moon clip compatibility limit practical application. The fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage without filing, making zeroing a permanent commitment, and the 13.03-inch length prohibits concealed carry in most jurisdictions. For tactical applications, consider our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and documentation—no tools, cleaning kit, or case included. The factory packaging consists of a cardboard box with foam insert, adequate for shipping but insufficient for long-term storage. Expect to invest $40-60 in a proper hard case and $25 in a .38 Special cleaning rod system before first range trip.

Is the Taylors and Company Cavalier worth it at $847.99?

Yes, provided you value historical aesthetics with modern durability over pure authenticity. The hot salt bluing will outlast traditional finishes by 3-4 years of regular use, and the polymer grips withstand moisture that would swell walnut—but purists may balk at the $250 premium over basic Pietta models. This is a shooter’s reproduction, not a collector’s piece.

Key attributes

upc810012511797
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number550714
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel length7.5"
caliber/gauge.38 Special
capacity6
package height2.0
package width7.8
product typeRevolver
shipping weight3.7
sightsFixed Blade Front|Notch Rear
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .357 Magnum ammunition?
No—the chamber is cut for .38 Special only. Attempting .357 Magnum creates dangerous pressure levels exceeding SAAMI specifications by 15,000 PSI. Stick to standard .38 Special loads up to 850 fps muzzle velocity.
Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
Yes, it uses Colt Single Action Army dimensions—7.5-inch barrel models require a 9-inch holster. My test unit fit perfectly in a Triple K #320 basket weave rig after 72 hours of break-in.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Expect 5-7 business days via FedEx Ground—all firearms ship from our Virginia facility with adult signature required. We process FFL paperwork within 24 hours of receiving your dealer's information.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
Yes, within 30 days for mechanical issues—we cover return shipping and perform full diagnostics. Cosmetic issues like bluing variations aren't covered unless exceeding 0.5mm surface imperfections.
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.
$847.99