Taylors and Company Gunfighter .45 Long Colt 4.75″ Revolver
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter .45 Long Colt 4.75″ Revolver?
The Taylors and Company Gunfighter .45 Long Colt 4.75″ Revolver is a modern-production single-action revolver built to the original Colt Single Action Army pattern with period-correct dimensions and materials. It uses a forged steel frame, six-round cylinder, and fixed sights that adhere to the 1873 design specifications. Taylors adds their factory "Taylor Tuning" process, which includes smoothing internals and verifying timing, giving this revolver an operational edge over basic Italian imports.
What is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter revolver used for?
The Gunfighter is used for Cowboy Action Shooting (SASS), range recreation, and as a historically accurate single-action platform. Its 4.75-inch barrel and overall length of 10.35 inches make it legal for most historic competition categories, while the .45 Long Colt cartridge is authentic and readily reloadable. This is not a duty or concealed carry firearm; its single-action-only operation and lack of a transfer bar safety make it unsuitable for defensive roles outside of structured competition.
How does the Taylors and Company Gunfighter compare to a Ruger Vaquero?
The Taylors Gunfighter is more historically correct than a Ruger Vaquero, but the Vaquero has stronger modern safety features. The Vaquero uses a transfer bar safety system (allowing safe carry of six rounds) and a more robust coil-spring action, while the Gunfighter follows the original 19th-century design with a half-cock notch and leaf springs. For pure historical authenticity, the Gunfighter is better; for durability and safety in high-volume shooting, the Ruger Vaquero is the superior choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 2.45 lbs (39.2 ounces) unloaded and measures 10.35 inches in overall length with a 4.75-inch barrel. Its cylinder diameter is a classic 1.73 inches—larger than a .357 Magnum revolver’s—due to the .45 Long Colt round’s case diameter. These dimensions produce a balanced feel with a center of gravity directly under the frame, unlike front-heavy modern revolvers, aiding in quick target acquisition for Cowboy Action stages.
Who is this NOT for?
The Gunfighter is NOT for first-time revolver buyers, defensive use, or anyone seeking a multi-caliber or optics-ready platform. The traditional single-action design requires manual cocking for each shot, and the fixed sights offer no adjustment for windage (drift-adjustable rear notch only). Loading involves rotating the cylinder to each chamber individually at the loading gate, a process requiring practice. New shooters should look at a modern double-action like the the Stevens 334 Rifle.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a standard 6-round cylinder, and minimal documentation; a hard case is not typically included. Expect the firearm packaged in a foam-lined cardboard container with a single cable lock and an owner's manual that covers basic function and safety. Taylors does not include spare grips, a cleaning kit, or any ammunition; plan to source your own .45 Long Colt cartridges and historically appropriate leather immediately.
Is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter worth it at $821.99?
Yes, at $821.99 the Taylors Gunfighter is worth it for buyers who need a period-correct, SASS-legal single-action revolver with factory tuning already performed. The "Taylor Tuning" process typically adds $150-$200 over a standard Italian-made replica, saving you significant gunsmithing time. For non-competitive shooters who just want a range toy, a basic Uberti Cattleman at around $650 may be a better value, as you can allocate savings to ammunition and accessories.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Features authentic casehardened frame and blued steel—materials correct for 1873 reproduction.
- Weighs 2.45 lbs (39.2 oz)—balances better than heavier 7.5-inch barrel models for quick-draw stages.
- Taylor Tuned action from factory saves $150-$200 in gunsmithing costs over a base Uberti Cattleman.
- Cylinder locks up with less than 0.002 inches endshake—tight for an out-of-the-box replica.
- 6-round capacity matches SASS requirements without modification.
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety—requires loading only 5 rounds for safe carry, reducing capacity.
- Fixed sights are not adjustable for elevation; point of impact may be off with specific loads.
- Walnut grips are smooth and offer minimal texture—may slip during rapid firing strings.
- Loading gate requires 8-10 lbs of force to open—stiffer than a well-worn original Colt.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012510097 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555151DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP using moon clips?
- No, the Gunfighter is not compatible with .45 ACP or moon clips. The cylinder is chambered specifically for the slightly longer .45 Long Colt case (1.285 inches vs 0.898 inches for .45 ACP) and lacks the recesses required for moon clips. Only .45 Long Colt ammunition should be used. Attempting to fire .45 ACP will cause case head separation and potentially damage the gun.
- Does it fit standard Colt SAA holsters?
- Yes, the Gunfighter's dimensions match the original Colt Single Action Army, so it fits any standard leather holster designed for a 4.75-inch barrel Colt SAA. The frame is casehardened steel, the same thickness as a Colt, ensuring compatibility. Holsters from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Simply Rugged will provide an exact fit with no modifications needed.
- How long does shipping take?
- Expect shipping to your selected FFL to take 5-10 business days from order confirmation. Ironclad Armory processes firearms orders within 48 hours and uses FedEx 2Day for most shipments. Delays can occur during peak seasons or if additional verification is required. Always contact your receiving FFL prior to ordering to confirm they are accepting transfers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. Ironclad Armory's policy only allows returns for manufacturer defects, which must be reported within 14 days of FFL pickup. Before transfer, inspect the firearm thoroughly for any cosmetic or mechanical issues. If a defect is found, we will facilitate a repair or replacement through Taylors and Company directly.
- Does this work with a holster-mounted Quickdraw laser?
- No, the Gunfighter does not work with any electronic sighting systems due to its fixed-sight, traditional design. There is no Picatinny rail, mounting system, or internal battery compartment. Period-correct shooting requires using the fixed blade front and notch rear sight only. If you need a laser, consider a modern tactical revolver like a Smith & Wesson TRR8 instead.