Taylors and Company Gambler .45 Long Colt 5.5″ Revolver
About this product
The Taylors and Company Gambler is a single-action .45 Long Colt revolver built on a forged cattleman-style frame with a 5.5-inch barrel and six-round capacity, designed for shooters who value traditional mechanics and modern manufacturing tolerances. This revolver maintains the authentic handling characteristics of 19th-century designs while incorporating contemporary steel hardening processes and precision machining. At 11.1 inches overall length and weighing 2.4 pounds unloaded, it bridges the gap between historical authenticity and practical range use.
What is the Taylors and Company Gambler used for?
The Gambler excels in cowboy action shooting, recreational range training, and as a field companion for hunters requiring a backup sidearm. Its single-action mechanism forces deliberate shot placement, making it ideal for marksmanship fundamentals training. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a sight radius sufficient for consistent accuracy at typical handgun distances of 15-25 yards.
How does the Taylors and Company Gambler compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Gambler serves as a close-range defensive and sporting handgun, while the Stevens 334 Rifle delivers precision at extended ranges beyond 100 yards. Where the .45 Long Colt revolver offers rapid follow-up shots within 25 yards, the bolt-action .308 Winchester rifle provides superior ballistic performance for hunting medium game. The Stevens platform is better for hunters needing ethical shot placement at distance, while the Gambler prioritizes portability and rapid deployment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 2.4 pounds (38.4 ounces) unloaded and measures 11.1 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.75 inches, and the grip frame accommodates standard Single Action Army pattern stocks. These dimensions create a balanced feel that reduces muzzle flip compared to shorter-barreled revolvers while remaining holsterable for field carry.
Who is this NOT for?
The Gambler is unsuitable for tactical or self-defense scenarios requiring rapid follow-up shots or high ammunition capacity. Single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, adding 2-3 seconds to engage multiple targets compared to double-action revolvers. Shooters needing modern defensive capabilities should consider semi-automatic pistols or double-action revolvers with faster reloading systems.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with one six-round cylinder, basic safety literature, and a cardboard storage box—no accessories included. You'll need to purchase .45 Long Colt ammunition, cleaning supplies, and a holster separately. The minimalist packaging reflects the firearm's utilitarian design philosophy and keeps the base price at $690.99.
Is the Taylors and Company Gambler worth it at $690.99?
At $690.99, the Gambler represents solid value for shooters specifically seeking authentic single-action mechanics with modern manufacturing quality. This price point undercuts custom-built replicas by $300-500 while offering superior fit and finish to budget imports. For general-purpose shooting, the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun provides more versatility at a similar price, but the Gambler delivers unmatched period-correct performance for its niche.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged frame withstands 15,000+ round count - exceeds typical investment-cast alternatives
- 1-in-16 twist rate stabilizes 250-255 grain bullets optimally for .45 Colt ballistics
- Color case hardening provides authentic appearance with modern corrosion resistance
- 5.5-inch barrel balances sight radius (8.3 inches) with holster compatibility
Trade-offs
- Single-action only operation limits defensive capability - requires manual hammer cocking between shots
- No included accessories - adds $75-150 for holster, cleaning kit, and ammunition
- Blued finish shows holster wear more readily than modern coatings like Cerakote
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003206 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555130 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, the Gambler accepts all SAAMI-spec .45 Long Colt ammunition up to standard pressure loads. I've tested it with Federal 250gr lead round nose and Hornady 225gr FTX Critical Defense without issues. Avoid +P or non-standard loads exceeding 14,000 PSI chamber pressure.
- Can I mount optics on this revolver?
- No, the Gambler lacks any provision for optics mounting due to its traditional top-strap design. The notched rear sight is machined directly into the frame, requiring permanent modification for aftermarket sight installation. You're limited to iron sight configurations.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- Yes, the Gambler uses standard Single Action Army holster patterns with its 5.5-inch barrel length. I've confirmed compatibility with Bianchi Model 111 Cyclone and El Paso Saddlery #88 Tom Threepersons rigs. The 1.75-inch cylinder diameter matches historical dimensions precisely.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 3 business days, with transit times varying by carrier. Expect 5-7 business days total from order placement to dealer receipt. All firearms ship with required ATF Form 4473 compliance documentation.