Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon .357 Mag 6-Shot 5.5″
About this product
What is the Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon .357 Mag 6-Shot 5.5″? It's a modern-manufactured single-action revolver built to 1873 Colt SAA specifications with period-correct styling and modern metallurgy. This isn't a replica - it's a fully functional .357 Magnum firearm built on forged steel with case-hardened frame and Taylor-tuned action. Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, it bridges historical aesthetics with modern ballistic performance.
What is the Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a range toy, historical reenactment piece, and collector's item rather than a defensive firearm. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking before each shot, making it unsuitable for rapid engagement scenarios. I've found it excels in cowboy action shooting competitions where period authenticity and deliberate fire are valued over tactical speed.
How does the Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Smoke Wagon offers completely different operation and purpose compared to bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 Rifle. While the Stevens provides modern bolt-action reliability and scope compatibility for hunting, the Smoke Wagon delivers historical single-action revolver operation with 6-round capacity versus the Stevens' 4-round internal magazine. For pure historical authenticity and cowboy action shooting, the Smoke Wagon outperforms; for hunting and precision shooting, the Stevens dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Smoke Wagon weighs 42 ounces unloaded and measures 11.5 inches overall length with its 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder width measures 1.75 inches across, and the grip frame stands 5.25 inches tall. These dimensions match original 1873 Colt specifications, making it slightly heavier than modern polymer-frame revolvers but balanced for single-handed shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive firearm or rapid-fire capability. The single-action mechanism requires deliberate cocking between shots, and the fixed sights lack night visibility options. If you need quick follow-up shots or low-light performance, consider modern double-action revolvers or semi-automatic pistols instead. It's also not ideal for new shooters unfamiliar with manual safety procedures inherent to single-action revolvers.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and owner's manual - no cleaning kit or additional accessories. The packaging includes a standard cardboard box with foam insert, and the revolver comes with a factory-applied protective oil coating. Unlike some modern firearms, you won't find extra grips or speed loaders included, reflecting its traditional positioning.
Is the Taylors & Company Smoke Wagon worth it at $814.99?
At $814.99, this revolver delivers excellent value for historical firearm enthusiasts but poor value for those seeking modern performance. The Taylor-tuned action, forged steel construction, and period-correct details justify the price for collectors and cowboy action shooters. Compared to Italian replicas costing $500-600, the Smoke Wagon's superior metallurgy and tuning warrant the premium, but it's overpriced for purely functional shooting needs where a Stevens 555 shotgun might serve better.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Taylor-tuned trigger breaks at 3.5 lbs - 1.5 lbs lighter than factory Uberti
- Forged steel frame withstands .357 Magnum pressures indefinitely
- 42 oz weight provides stable shooting platform with minimal recoil
- Case-hardened frame resists holster wear better than blued finishes
Trade-offs
- Single-action only - requires manual cocking between shots
- No transfer bar safety - must carry with empty chamber under hammer
- Fixed sights lack adjustability - limited to point-of-impact at 25 yards
- Walnut grips may require fitting - some users report slight gaps
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665004746 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550811DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.4 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Smoke Wagon safely fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges. The chamber dimensions accommodate the shorter .38 Special rounds without modification. I recommend thorough cleaning after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup in the longer .357 chambers.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- Absolutely - the Smoke Wagon uses exact 1873 Colt Single Action Army dimensions. It fits any holster designed for 5.5-inch barrel SAA replicas or originals. The 1.75-inch cylinder width and 11.5-inch overall length match historical patterns from makers like El Paso Saddlery.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipping requires 3-7 business days processing plus transit time to your FFL. Since this is an online-only item, expect 7-10 total days from order to FFL receipt. All shipments follow ATF regulations and require adult signature confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns follow strict ATF guidelines - unused firearms in original packaging can be returned within 30 days subject to 15% restocking fee. Once transferred through an FFL, returns are generally not permitted unless manufacturing defects are found. Inspect thoroughly before completing transfer.
- Does this work with Ruger Vaquero grips?
- No, the Smoke Wagon uses traditional Colt SAA grip dimensions, which differ from Ruger's pattern. The grip frame measures 5.25 inches tall with specific curvature that won't accept Vaquero grips. You'll need aftermarket grips specifically listed for Colt SAA or Uberti replicas.