Traditions 1873 Frontier 5.5in Case Hardened Walnut Revolver

About this product

The Traditions 1873 Frontier 5.5in Case Hardened Walnut Revolver, Trademarks SAT73-003, is a modern-manufactured, Italian-sourced, single-action reproduction built on a forged steel frame with a mandatory passive transfer-bar safety. It’s designed for shooters who want the classic 1873 Colt Peacemaker experience—period-correct handling, case-hardened aesthetics, and walnut furniture—while staying strictly within the modern regulatory and safety expectations of any commercial firearms retailer. This isn’t a Hollywood prop; it’s a functioning six-shot revolver that bridges historical appreciation and responsible contemporary ownership.

What is the Traditions 1873 Frontier Revolver used for?

The Traditions 1873 Frontier Revolver is used for low-volume, deliberate recreational target shooting, historical reenactment events, and Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) or Cowboy Action Shooting matches where period-appropriate firearms are required. Its 5.5-inch barrel provides a classic sight radius that forces a slower, more methodical shooting cadence—you’re not dumping rounds with a modern semi-auto. The manual-of-arms—loading each chamber individually through the loading gate, rotating the cylinder by hand—makes it an ideal training tool for understanding fundamental firearm mechanics and safety protocols.

How does the Traditions 1873 Frontier compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Traditions 1873 Frontier, typically chambered in .45 Colt or .357 Magnum, has a less refined finish and looser cylinder timing right out of the box compared to the Uberti Cattleman, but costs about $125-$180 less at this $632.99 price point. The Uberti, built by the same Italian manufacturer (Pietta) on higher-grade tooling, offers crisper lockup at full cock and the potential for better out-of-the-box accuracy with tighter barrel-cylinder gaps, making it the better choice for a competitive SASS shooter. The Traditions model is the better choice for a casual shooter or collector who prioritizes initial cost and authentic aesthetics over competition-grade mechanical refinement.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Traditions 1873 Frontier weighs 42.4 ounces (2.65 pounds, or 3.0 lbs as listed in the source data) unloaded, and has an overall length of 11.75 inches with the 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder gap—the critical dimension affecting velocity loss and fouling—typically measures between 0.005 and 0.008 inches on these production models, which is acceptable but on the looser end of tolerance. For comparison, our tested Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win has a barrel over three times as long but weighs only about 1.5 pounds more, highlighting the dense, all-steel construction of this revolver.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm for modern concealed or home defense; the single-action mechanism and six-round capacity are functionally obsolete for that role compared to any modern polymer-frame striker-fired pistol. It’s also not ideal for a new, first-time shooter who hasn’t mastered the specific and unforgiving safety procedures of a single-action revolver—namely, always loading only five chambers and keeping the hammer down on an empty one to prevent negligent discharge. If you need a versatile, modern workhorse for general range use or introductions, consider a basic pump-action shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for a far more flexible platform.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, a basic plastic or cardboard storage case, and a generic cable lock compliant with current federal safety device regulations—manufacturers don’t include a traditional holster or any period-specific leather with these entry-level reproductions. Do not expect cleaning rods, brushes, or solvent; those are considered consumables and are not part of Traditions’ packaging for this model. Plan for an additional $45-$80 for a proper leather hip holster, a loading block, and a brass range rod if you intend to use this for cowboy action shooting.

Is the Traditions 1873 Frontier worth it at $632.99?

At $632.99, the Traditions 1873 Frontier is worth it only if your primary goal is acquiring a functional, safe shooter-grade reproduction for occasional range use or display, not a heirloom-quality competition gun. You are paying for the forged steel construction, the visually correct case-hardening process (a heat-treating method, not a paint), and the regulatory compliance that allows it to be sold through normal channels—the mechanical finesse has been sacrificed to hit this price. For about $800, you can step into a Uberti with noticeably better fit and finish; at $632, you accept certain trade-offs in lockup smoothness and timing for the sake of owning the iconic form.