Traditions 1873 Single Action Revolver .357 Magnum 5.5″
About this product
The Ironclad Armory Traditions 1873 is a .357 Magnum single-action revolver that delivers classic 19th-century design with modern construction tolerances for range use and historical shooting events. Built with a 5.5-inch steel barrel and color case-hardened frame, this six-shot wheelgun weighs 2.55 pounds and handles like the 150-year-old original it emulates. Its fixed sights and walnut grips cater specifically to shooters who prioritize authenticity over modern tactical features.
What is the Traditions 1873 used for?
This revolver serves three specific applications: range training, historical reenactment events, and as a collector's piece for Western firearms enthusiasts. The single-action mechanism forces deliberate shooting at 1-2 second intervals between shots, improving trigger discipline. It's not designed for rapid defense scenarios but excels in controlled environments where shot placement matters more than speed.
How does the Traditions 1873 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Traditions revolver offers faster follow-up shots than the bolt-action Stevens 334 but sacrifices long-range precision and ammunition capacity. While the .357 Magnum delivers 500-600 foot-pounds at the muzzle, the .308 Winchester from a Stevens 334 generates over 2,600 foot-pounds at 100 yards. Choose the revolver for close-range authenticity; choose the Stevens 334 for hunting or precision beyond 50 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 11.75 inches overall with a 5.5-inch barrel and weighs exactly 2.55 pounds unloaded. The cylinder diameter is 1.75 inches across, accommodating six .357 Magnum cartridges with .125-inch clearance between chambers. These dimensions mirror the original 1873 Colt Peacemaker within 0.1-inch tolerances, maintaining historical accuracy while using modern steel alloys.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is unsuitable for concealed carry, home defense, or competitive shooting where speed matters. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, adding 2-3 seconds to a six-round string compared to modern double-action revolvers. If you need rapid accessibility, consider a modern striker-fired pistol instead of this historical replica.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and typically a basic cleaning rod—no case or additional accessories included. The factory packaging provides minimal protection, so plan to invest $40-60 in a proper hard case for transport. Some distributors include a cable lock, but don't expect extra magazines or sight adjustment tools with this budget-conscious offering.
Is the Traditions 1873 worth it at $632.99?
At this price point, it represents fair value for historical accuracy but exceeds entry-level .357 alternatives by nearly $200. The Italian manufacturing maintains tighter tolerances than Brazilian or Turkish competitors, justifying the premium for serious collectors. If you specifically want a period-correct single-action with case hardening, it's priced competitively; if you just want a .357 revolver, consider used Ruger options at $450-550.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 5.5-inch barrel provides 1,250 fps velocity with 125gr .357 loads
- Color case hardening resists holster wear 3x better than blued finishes
- 2.55-pound weight balances perfectly at the trigger guard for steady off-hand shooting
- Six-round capacity matches original 1873 design while accommodating modern .357 Magnum pressures
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit adjustment—requires filing for windage/elevation correction
- Single-action only mechanism adds 2-3 seconds to full cylinder discharge
- Italian manufacturing means 4-6 week warranty repair turnaround versus domestic brands
- Walnut grips swell in humidity—add $35-50 for aftermarket synthetic if shooting in wet conditions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 040589018133 |
| manufacturer | Turner Fabrications |
| manufacturer part number | SAT73-007 |
| length | 11 |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights | Fixed |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| atf type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the .357 Magnum chamber safely fires .38 Special rounds due to identical cartridge dimensions. You'll experience reduced recoil and about 200 fps lower velocity compared to full-power magnum loads. However, .38 Special may require more frequent cylinder cleaning due to carbon buildup in the longer chambers.
- Can I mount a scope or red dot sight?
- No, the fixed sights are machined directly into the frame with no Picatinny rail or mounting options. The front sight blade measures 0.125 inches wide and cannot be easily replaced without gunsmith modification. This revolver maintains strict historical configuration without modern optic compatibility.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms ship via FedEx 2Day to FFL dealers, typically arriving within 3-5 business days from order processing. Your local FFL will then conduct the mandatory background check, adding 1-2 days before transfer. Expedited shipping isn't available due to ATF shipping regulations for handguns.
- Does it fit standard holsters for Colt Peacemakers?
- Yes, the dimensions replicate the Colt 1873 closely enough for most leather holsters designed for 5.5-inch Peacemakers. The trigger guard measures 2.25 inches front-to-back, matching vintage patterns within 0.05-inch tolerance. Test fit with your specific holster, but historical reproduction models should work without modification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. The walnut grips measure 4.75 inches in circumference—consider handling a similar model at a local range before purchasing. We recommend trying a rental Single Action Army replica to assess ergonomics prior to buying.