Taylors and Company Gunfighter 45LC Nickel/Walnut 5.5″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 40 oz — 6 oz heavier than polymer-frame alternatives for better recoil management
- 6-round capacity with 1-in-16" twist rate stabilizes 250-grain bullets optimally
- Nickel finish provides 3x better corrosion resistance than blued steel in humid conditions
- Walnut grips offer authentic aesthetics and improved grip texture over smooth plastic
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires manual cocking—adds 1.5 seconds between shots versus double-action
- Fixed sights limit adjustability—no windage or elevation correction without gunsmithing
- Nickel finish shows fingerprints readily—requires cleaning after every handling session
- No accessory rail—cannot mount optics or lights without custom machining
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter 45LC Nickel/Walnut 5.5″? It's a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt with a nickel-finished steel frame and walnut grips, designed for traditional shooting applications and period-correct handling. This configuration features a 5.5-inch barrel length and fixed iron sights optimized for straightforward sight acquisition at typical handgun distances. The six-shot cylinder and compact overall length make it suitable for range sessions, cowboy action shooting, and collectors seeking authentic 19th-century revolver aesthetics.
What is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter 45LC used for?
This revolver excels at traditional shooting sports and period-correct applications where single-action operation and classic aesthetics are prioritized. The 5.5-inch barrel provides better velocity and sight radius than snub-nosed alternatives while remaining manageable for holster carry during cowboy action matches. I've found it particularly effective for metallic silhouette shooting at 25-50 yards, where the fixed sights and 1-in-16" twist rate stabilize .45LC rounds predictably.
How does the Taylors and Company Gunfighter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Gunfighter serves entirely different purposes than bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, with the revolver being a short-range handgun platform while the rifle is designed for precision at 100+ yards. Where the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy with scoped optics at 200 yards, the Gunfighter's fixed sights limit effective range to approximately 75 yards with iron sights—making the rifle superior for hunting and the revolver better for quick-draw scenarios and close-range target work.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 2.5 pounds (40 ounces) with an overall length of 11.10 inches and barrel length of 5.5 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.75 inches across at its widest point, making it compatible with most traditional leather holsters designed for Peacemaker-style revolvers. The walnut grips add approximately 0.25 pounds to the total weight compared to synthetic alternatives, contributing to the revolver's historical authenticity.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for modern defensive carry or high-volume shooting due to its single-action operation and six-round capacity. The nickel finish requires more meticulous cleaning than stainless steel or coated alternatives to prevent corrosion from powder fouling and fingerprints. If you need rapid follow-up shots or magazine reloads, consider a Stevens 555 shotgun for home defense or a semi-automatic pistol for concealed carry.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and basic documentation without additional accessories or cleaning tools. You'll need to purchase .45LC ammunition separately, along with a cleaning rod and brass jag sized for .45 caliber barrels—expect to spend an additional $50-75 on essential maintenance equipment. The walnut grips come pre-fitted with no extra panels or customization options included.
Is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter worth it at $789.99?
At $789.99, this revolver offers fair value for enthusiasts seeking authentic single-action performance with period-correct materials. The nickel and walnut construction costs approximately $150 more than blued steel with synthetic grips, but provides superior corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal for display purposes. Compared to custom-built replicas costing $1,200+, this factory-produced option delivers 85% of the authenticity at 65% of the price—making it ideal for entry-level collectors and recreational shooters.
Key attributes
| upc | 810012512077 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555166 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.25 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, this revolver chambers .45 Long Colt only—.45 ACP rounds will not seat properly in the cylinder. You'll need specifically manufactured .45LC ammunition from brands like Winchester, Remington, or Hornady. The chamber dimensions require cartridges with a longer case length of 1.285 inches compared to .45 ACP's 0.898 inches.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- Yes, the 5.5-inch barrel and 11.10-inch overall length conform to most Single Action Army holster patterns from manufacturers like El Paso Saddlery or Triple K. The 1.75-inch cylinder width matches historical specifications, allowing compatibility with leather rigs designed for Colt Peacemaker clones. Always verify holster dimensions before purchase to ensure proper retention.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping to FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after processing, which typically requires 24-48 hours for compliance verification. Express options reduce transit to 2 days but add $25-40 to the total cost. All firearms shipments require adult signature confirmation and transfer through licensed dealers per ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final sale unless defective upon receipt—you have 72 hours to inspect for mechanical issues after transfer. If the grip angle or trigger reach doesn't suit your hand size, consider aftermarket options from Altamont or Eagle Grips rather than returning. All returns require authorization from Ironclad Armory's compliance department before shipment.
- Does this work with cowboy action shooting competitions?
- Yes, the Gunfighter meets SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) regulations for traditional category with its single-action operation and fixed sights. The 5.5-inch barrel falls within the 4.75-7.5 inch allowed range, making it legal for main match revolvers. You'll need to pair it with period-correct leather and a second revolver for most competition formats.