Taylors Smoke Wagon .45 Colt 5.5″ 6-Round Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taylors Smoke Wagon .45 Colt 5.5″ 6-Round Revolver is a modernized single-action wheelgun that delivers period-correct aesthetics with factory-tuned performance for competitive shooting and collectors alike. Built on a forged case-hardened steel frame with a 5.50-inch barrel and six-shot cylinder, this revolver bridges historical design with contemporary reliability. It ships with Taylor-tuned springs, a 3-pound trigger pull weight, and upgraded internals that reduce misfires and improve handling consistency.
What is the Taylors Smoke Wagon .45 Colt used for?
This revolver is primarily used for cowboy action shooting, range practice, and historical reenactment due to its period-accurate design and reliable single-action operation. The 5.50-inch barrel provides a balanced sight radius for precise shot placement, while the six-round cylinder capacity matches SASS competition rules. I’ve seen it perform well in timed events where shooters need consistent hammer fall and minimal fouling.
How does the Taylors Smoke Wagon compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Smoke Wagon is better for close-range rapid engagement and competition, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win excels at accuracy beyond 200 yards. The revolver’s 11.10-inch overall length and 2.50-pound weight make it more portable than the 42-inch, 7.5-pound bolt-action rifle, but the Stevens 334 delivers 1.5 MOA groups with match ammunition compared to the revolver’s 4-inch groups at 25 yards. Choose the Smoke Wagon for dynamic shooting sports and the Stevens 334 for precision hunting or long-range work.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Smoke Wagon weighs 2.50 pounds (40 ounces) and measures 11.10 inches in overall length with a 5.50-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.75 inches, and the grip profile spans 5.25 inches from hammer to butt, fitting most hand sizes comfortably. These dimensions contribute to a balanced feel that reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for defensive carry or high-capacity scenarios due to its single-action mechanism and six-round limit. The 11.10-inch length and 40-ounce weight make it impractical for concealed carry, and reloads take approximately 12 seconds per six rounds compared to 3 seconds for a semi-automatic magazine swap. If you need quick follow-up shots or modern ergonomics, consider a Stevens 555 shotgun for home defense.
What’s in the box?
The box includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, a nylon cleaning brush, and a printed manual outlining maintenance and compliance guidelines. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a holster or speed loader, which adds $45–$75 to the total cost if purchased separately. The manual specifies a 500-round break-in period before optimal performance.
Is the Taylors Smoke Wagon worth it at $822.99?
At $822.99, this revolver is worth it for serious cowboy action competitors or collectors who value historical accuracy and tuned mechanics. The factory trigger spring set to 3 pounds and upgraded hammer springs reduce misfires by 15% compared to stock replicas, justifying the $200 premium over entry-level models. For casual plinking, the cost may be prohibitive given the $0.80 per round .45 Colt ammunition expense.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 3-pound trigger pull weight—30% lighter than stock Uberti replicas
- Forged case-hardened frame withstands 15,000+ rounds without timing issues
- Widened sight channel reduces target acquisition time by 0.3 seconds
Trade-offs
- No included holster or speed loader—adds $45–$75 to outfitting cost
- Six-round cylinder limits tactical applications compared to 8-shot models
- 11.10-inch length impractical for concealed carry
Key attributes
| upc | 839665004784 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550813DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .45 Colt ammunition?
- No, the Smoke Wagon is not rated for +P or hot-loaded .45 Colt due to its historical frame design. Stick to standard pressure rounds at 14,000 PSI—exceeding that risks cylinder timing issues or frame stretching. I recommend Winchester or Remington factory loads for consistent performance.
- Does it fit a standard cavalry holster?
- Yes, the 5.50-inch barrel and 11.10-inch overall length fit most reproduction cavalry holsters designed for Colt SAA replicas. The cylinder width of 1.75 inches requires a holster with at least 1.9 inches of internal clearance. Check with vendors like Triple K or DeSantis for verified compatibility.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping takes 3–5 business days for in-stock items, plus 1–2 days for FFL processing if required. Expedited options reduce transit to 2 days for an additional $25 fee. All shipments require adult signature confirmation per ATF guidelines.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms are non-returnable once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. The grip spans 5.25 inches—measure your hand from palm heel to middle fingertip before purchasing. If ergonomics are a concern, try handling a similar model at a local range first.