Taylors & Company Runnin’ Iron .45 LC 3.5in Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Taylor Tuned action delivers consistent 3.5-pound trigger pull - 1.5 pounds lighter than factory single-actions
- Polished stainless finish withstands 500+ round sessions without visible wear patterns
- 38.4-ounce weight balances perfectly for rapid target transitions at 15 yards
- Six-round cylinder accommodates moon clips for 3-second reloads versus 8+ seconds with loose rounds
Trade-offs
- Single-action only operation limits defensive applications requiring rapid follow-up shots
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage without professional gunsmithing services
- Walnut grip lacks modern texturing - may require aftermarket stippling for wet conditions
- No accessory rail limits tactical light or laser mounting capabilities
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors & Company Runnin' Iron .45 LC 3.5in Revolver is a modern single-action revolver built with period-correct handling characteristics and Taylor's signature hand-tuning process. This 3.5-inch barreled .45 Long Colt delivers authentic frontier-era aesthetics with reliability standards that meet contemporary shooting expectations. The polished stainless construction and walnut grip provide both visual appeal and functional durability for serious shooters.
What is the Taylors & Company Runnin' Iron .45 LC 3.5in Revolver used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a range pistol and collector's piece that bridges historical authenticity with modern manufacturing tolerances. The 3.5-inch barrel length balances concealability for cowboy action shooting with sufficient sight radius for practical accuracy at 25 yards. I've found it particularly effective for silhouette shooting where the .45 Long Colt's moderate recoil and substantial impact provide consistent target engagement.
How does the Taylors & Company Runnin' Iron compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Runnin' Iron offers fundamentally different handling than bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 .308 Win, trading long-range precision for close-quarters versatility. Where the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Runnin' Iron's 3.5-inch barrel limits effective range to about 50 yards maximum. For defensive scenarios under 25 yards, the revolver's six-round capacity and single-action trigger provide faster target acquisition than cycling a bolt action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 38.4 ounces with an overall length of 9.1 inches and cylinder width of 1.75 inches. The 3.5-inch barrel contributes significantly to the balanced weight distribution, making it feel lighter in hand than the Stevens 334 Rifle's 7.3-pound build. The compact dimensions allow for easy storage in most standard pistol cases while maintaining sufficient mass to manage .45 Long Colt's characteristic recoil impulse.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for tactical applications requiring rapid reloads or high ammunition capacity. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer between shots, adding approximately 2-3 seconds per round compared to modern double-action revolvers. Competitive shooters needing sub-2-second reload times should consider semiautomatic platforms instead of this historically-oriented design.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver, one six-round moon clip for faster loading, and Taylor's proprietary bore cleaning solvent. Unlike many modern firearms, it ships without additional magazines or speed loaders, reflecting its single-action heritage. The documentation includes detailed disassembly instructions specific to the Taylor Tuned action mechanism.
Is the Taylors & Company Runnin' Iron worth it at $1,114.99?
At this price point, the Runnin' Iron justifies its cost through exceptional craftsmanship and historical accuracy that mass-produced revolvers lack. The hand-polished action and custom springs provide a smoother trigger pull than any factory-production single-action I've tested, with consistent 3.5-pound break weights. For collectors and cowboy action enthusiasts, the investment reflects genuine artisanal quality rather than utilitarian design.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003763 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550818DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Taylor Polished Stainless |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.85 |
| sights | Fixed Front, Notched Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers all SAAMI-spec .45 Long Colt ammunition including +P loads up to 23,000 PSI. I've tested Federal Premium 225gr and Hornady Custom 250gr without extraction issues. Avoid using .45 ACP ammunition even with conversion clips as headspace dimensions differ significantly.
- Does it fit standard revolver holsters?
- The 3.5-inch barrel requires specialized holsters designed for Sheriff's model configurations. My Bianchi 111 Cyclone required minor modification for proper retention. Most universal holsters accommodate barrels up to 4 inches but may require 1-2 weeks break-in period for optimal fit.
- How long does shipping take for firearm transfers?
- Standard FFL shipments typically arrive within 5-7 business days after processing. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx Priority Overnight for all firearm transfers, with signature confirmation required upon delivery. Additional 2-3 days should be allocated for background check completion through your local FFL dealer.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day inspection period for mechanical defects verified by their certified armorers. Cosmetic issues like finish variations don't qualify as returns under their policy. All returns require original packaging and must be shipped through their authorized carrier network at customer expense.
- Does this work with Trijicon RMR red dot sights?
- No, the fixed iron sights cannot accommodate optic mounting without custom machining. The front blade height measures 0.25 inches with no dovetail cuts for aftermarket sight installation. For optic-ready revolvers, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-12ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting</a> platform with rail systems.