Taylors & Co. 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 4.75in 6rd
About this product
The Taylors & Co. 1873 Cattleman .45 LC 4.75in 6rd is a single-action revolver built on a forged steel frame that replicates the mechanics and handling of classic frontier-issue sidearms. This model is chambered for .45 Long Colt, features a 4.75-inch barrel and six-shot cylinder, and arrives with the factory's proprietary 'Taylor Tuned' action refinement. It's designed for shooters who prioritize historical mechanical authenticity and refined single-action performance over modern features like double-action triggers or swing-out cylinders.
What is the Taylors & Co. 1873 Cattleman used for?
The Taylors & Co. 1873 Cattleman is engineered for dedicated single-action revolver applications like SASS-approved cowboy action shooting, historical reenactment, and precision-paced recreational target work. Its authentic 1873-pattern lockwork and fixed sights are not designed for defensive carry or rapid administrative reloads under stress. The 39.2-ounce weight and 4.75-inch barrel make it a stable, deliberate platform best suited for measured, deliberate shooting sequences under competition time limits or informal range sessions.
How does the Taylors & Co. Cattleman compare to a Ruger Vaquero?
The Taylors & Co. Cattleman is mechanically period-correct, while the Ruger Vaquero is a modernized interpretation built on a stronger transfer-bar safety frame. This Taylors model uses a traditional, non-rebounding hammer and firing pin setup, requiring an empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry, where the Ruger's transfer-bar system allows all six chambers to be safely loaded. The Ruger is objectively better for scenario-based use where maximum loaded capacity and drop-safety are priorities, whereas the Taylors offers superior historical authenticity and a lighter, more refined 2.75-pound trigger pull out of the box.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 39.2 ounces (2.45 pounds) and measures 10.5 inches in overall length with the 4.75-inch barrel. The frame width across the cylinder is 1.73 inches, and the grip circumference is 5.25 inches, fitting a standard medium-to-large hand. This profile is notably slimmer and 6 ounces lighter than a modern large-frame double-action revolver like the the Stevens 334 Rifle, prioritizing handling speed over all-day carry comfort.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive or duty sidearm, nor for a shooter unfamiliar with single-action safety protocols requiring a manually lowered hammer on an empty chamber. It's ill-suited for high-volume, rapid-fire sessions exceeding 200 rounds without cylinder-pin maintenance, and its fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage without gunsmith modification. If your needs involve home defense, concealed carry, or easily adjustable ballistic compensation, consider a modern semi-automatic or a double-action revolver instead.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with a single, plastic-strip keyed hard case, one factory test-fired brass casing, and basic compliance paperwork. It does not include a cleaning kit, loading gate tool, spare cylinder pin, or speed loaders, which are considered aftermarket accessories for this platform. You will need to source .45 Long Colt ammunition, a compatible holster, and a purpose-built single-action revolver cleaning rod separately, as none are provided.
Is the Taylors & Co. Cattleman worth it at $781.99?
At $781.99, this revolver justifies its price through genuine forged steel construction and factory-tuned action work that typically costs $150-$200 if performed aftermarket. You're paying for a ready-to-compete SASS-legal platform that needs no immediate gunsmithing, unlike many base-model replicas. The value diminishes if you don't require period authenticity or tuned performance, as a functional but rougher Italian import can be found for around $550, or a more versatile Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for similar money.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged steel frame construction - stronger and more durable than many investment-cast replicas.
- Taylor Tuned action delivers a consistent 2.75-pound trigger pull – 1.5 pounds lighter than most out-of-the-box Italian imports.
- 39.2-ounce total weight – 6 ounces lighter than a comparable Ruger Blackhawk, aiding in rapid target transitions.
- Period-correct color case hardening on frame – a functional finish that resists wear better than painted or cerakoted alternatives.
Trade-offs
- Traditional hammer safety protocol – requires carrying with 5 rounds loaded, hammer down on empty chamber, a potential liability for untrained users.
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable for windage – requires filing the front sight or milling the rear notch for precise zeroing.
- No transfer-bar safety system – lacks the drop-safety of modern Ruger or Smith & Wesson single actions.
- Loading gate and ejector rod are period-correct but slower to operate than a swing-out cylinder by 8-12 seconds per full reload.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665000960 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555149DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Taylor Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.15 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this revolver SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) legal?
- Yes, the 1873 Cattleman in this configuration is SASS-legal for all main-match categories requiring a single-action revolver. It meets the 4.75-inch minimum barrel length for most classes and uses the approved fixed-sight configuration. Always verify current SASS handbook rules, as regulations regarding specific tuning or sight modifications can change annually.
- Does the .45 Long Colt cylinder accept .45 ACP with moon clips?
- No, the cylinder is chambered and throated exclusively for .45 Long Colt rimmed cartridges. It does not have the recessed machining required to accept .45 ACP semi-rimless cases, nor is it cut for moon clips. Attempting to fire .45 ACP in this cylinder will result in unreliable ignition and potentially dangerous headspace issues.
- What type of holster fits the 4.75-inch Cattleman?
- It requires a single-action-specific holster designed for an '1873 Army' or 'Peacemaker' profile with a 4.75-inch barrel. The frame's color case-hardened finish is durable but can wear with repeated leather holster draw; consider a lined holster from makers like Kirkpatrick Leather or Diamond D Custom Leather to minimize finish abrasion over 500+ draws.
- Can the front sight be replaced for a fiber optic?
- Yes, but it requires a gunsmith. The 0.125-inch wide front sight blade is integral to the barrel and must be milled off and a new base silver-soldered or pinned on. Budget 2-3 hours of shop time and $80-$120 for the sight and labor, as this is not a drop-in modification like on a modern revolver.