TAYLOR’S & COMPANY HOWDAH VINTAGE 45LC/410
About this product
What is the TAYLOR'S & COMPANY HOWDAH VINTAGE 45LC/410? It's a specialty side-by-side handgun with dual .45 Colt and .410 bore chambering built to modern fit standards on classic Victorian-era Howdah pistol lines. This isn't a reproduction but a functional interpretation of the officer's backup firearm used in colonial India, now manufactured with modern steel and heat-treating processes. The specific 10.25-inch octagonal barrel length falls neatly within standard handgun classifications but delivers the signature profile that defines the platform.
What is the TAYLOR'S & COMPANY HOWDAH VINTAGE used for?
This Howdah is primarily a collector's conversation piece with functional range capability, not a defensive or hunting primary. Its practical use centers on low-volume recreational shooting of two specific cartridges from a historically unique platform at distances under 25 yards. The .410 bore capability allows use of 2.5-inch shells for novelty pattern testing, while the .45 Colt chambering provides traditional centerfire pistol experience from an unconventional format. It serves as a tangible connection to firearms history with the reliability of modern metallurgy.
How does the TAYLOR'S & COMPANY HOWDAH VINTAGE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Howdah is fundamentally different in classification, handling, and purpose from a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. The Stevens 555 is a dedicated shotgun with a 28-inch barrel designed for clay target sports, weighing approximately 6.2 pounds and requiring shouldered firing. The Howdah, at 4.19 pounds with a 10.25-inch barrel, is fired one-handed and better serves as a historical artifact with occasional range use. For actual .410 shotgun performance on clays or small game, the Stevens is objectively superior; for niche collecting and novelty shooting, the Howdah has no direct competitor.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Howdah weighs 4.19 pounds (67.04 ounces) unloaded and measures 16.63 inches in overall length. The critical barrel dimension is its 10.25-inch octagonal profile with a muzzle diameter of approximately 1.1 inches tapering to the breech. The grip circumference measures roughly 5.5 inches, accommodating medium to large hands, while the distance between the two trigger centers is precisely 0.75 inches for selective firing. These dimensions create a front-heavy balance point 4 inches forward of the trigger guard, requiring deliberate wrist management during firing.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is unsuitable for anyone seeking a practical defensive weapon, a primary hunting tool, or an introductory firearm. The dual-trigger operation, lack of modern sights, and specific caliber restrictions make it a poor choice for new shooters or those unfamiliar with NFA regulations regarding short-barreled shotguns. If your needs involve regular clay shooting, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead. The Howdah demands specialized knowledge of both its mechanical operation and the legal distinction between pistol and AOW configurations with .410 shells.
What's in the box?
The firearm ships with a single 7-round plastic cartridge block sized for .45 Colt, a basic cable lock, and the required manufacturer's manual and warranty card. Notably absent are any .410 bore snap caps or chamber flags, which I recommend purchasing separately for safe dry-fire practice with the shotgun configuration. The packaging consists of a standard cardboard box with foam insert, not a display case, so collectors seeking presentation-grade storage will need to source an aftermarket solution. All necessary paperwork for transfer through an FFL is included, but expect no accessories beyond absolute minimum compliance items.
Is the TAYLOR'S & COMPANY HOWDAH VINTAGE worth it at $2,348.99?
At this price point, the Howdah represents value only for the specific collector prioritizing historical aesthetics and dual-caliber novelty over practical performance. You're paying approximately $1,200 for the authentic color case-hardening and charcoal bluing processes alone, with the remaining cost covering the complex machining of the octagonal barrel and double-trigger mechanism. Compared to a modern production revolver like a Ruger Blackhawk at one-third the price, the Howdah offers negligible shooting utility—but for the niche it occupies, there are few alternatives that execute the concept with this level of finish fidelity.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic color case-hardened receiver and charcoal bluing - processes adding approximately $1,200 to production cost
- Dual .45 Colt and .410 bore chambering in one platform - eliminates need for separate firearms for novelty shooting
- Precise 10.25-inch octagonal barrel - maintains handgun classification while delivering historical profile
- 4.19 lb weight (67.04 oz) - manageable for one-handed firing with proper wrist technique
Trade-offs
- Double triggers spaced 0.75 inches apart - requires finger repositioning between shots, slowing follow-up
- No optics mounting capability - fixed traditional sights limit practical accuracy beyond 25 yards
- Front-heavy balance point 4 inches forward of trigger guard - induces muzzle dip during recoil management
- .410 restriction to 2.5-inch shells only - eliminates common 3-inch defensive or hunting load options
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012511070 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210247 |
| sights | FS: Bead RS: Flip Up |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| capacity | 2 |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore | .45 Colt |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 10.25" |
| action | Side By Side |
| shipping weight | 7.15 |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with all .410 bore ammunition?
- No, it is specifically chambered only for 2.5-inch .410 bore shells. Attempting to fire 3-inch magnum shells will create a hazardous chamber obstruction and potential catastrophic failure. Always verify shell length before loading; I recommend Federal Premium 2.5-inch #9 shot or equivalent for pattern testing.
- Is it compatible with standard .45 Colt reloading data?
- Yes, but only with standard-pressure loads not exceeding 14,000 PSI. Do not use +P .45 Colt ammunition or Ruger/Thompson Contender-specific loads, as the Howdah's locking mechanism isn't designed for those pressure levels. Stick to factory loads marked 'Cowboy Action' or equivalent, typically around 850 fps with a 250-grain bullet.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically require 3-5 business days from order verification to carrier pickup, plus transit time. Shipments to FFLs in continental US usually arrive within 7-10 total business days via FedEx or UPS. International orders or shipments to Alaska/Hawaii may add 5-7 additional business days for transport and customs.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my collection needs?
- Returns are only accepted within 21 days for un-fired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Once the firearm has been transferred through your FFL and the 4473 form is completed, it cannot be returned unless a verifiable manufacturing defect exists. Contact Ironclad Armory support before initiating any transfer if uncertain.
- Does this accept standard pistol optics mounts?
- No, the Howdah's color case-hardened receiver isn't drilled or tapped for optics mounting, and the octagonal barrel profile prevents standard clamp-on solutions. The traditional notch-and-blade sights are fixed and non-adjustable. Any modification for optics would require custom gunsmithing, potentially compromising the historical aesthetic and finish.