Traditions 1873 Liberty 6rd 4.75″ Blued Engraved
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.55 lbs — 0.4 lbs lighter than a comparable Uberti Cattleman with a 5.5-inch barrel, improving pointability
- Features a mandated transfer bar safety — a critical modern addition for drop-safe operation absent from true antiques
- 4.75-inch barrel provides an 8.25-inch sight radius, optimal for target acquisition at practical single-action ranges
- Frame is CNC-machined steel — provides consistent lockup and timing versus cast frames on budget replicas
Trade-offs
- Laser engraving lacks depth — a purely cosmetic, non-hand-cut treatment that adds $150 to the price over a plain model
- White PVC grips feel slick and hollow — most owners immediately swap them for aftermarket walnut or stag, costing $60-120 extra
- Non-adjustable sights — the fixed blade front and notch rear limit precision adjustment for specific loads, unlike the screw-adjustable rear on a Ruger Blackhawk
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Traditions 1873 Liberty 6rd 4.75″ Blued Engraved? It is a modern-manufacture reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, produced under contract by Italy's Pietta, that emphasizes decorative laser engraving and a specific 4.75-inch barrel length for a balance of historical aesthetic and practical pointability. These modern single-action revolvers incorporate a critical transfer bar safety mechanism not found in original 19th-century designs, making them drop-safe and suitable for regular handling. Unlike originals regulated under the NFA as antiques, this replica is classified as a modern firearm for all purchasing and transfer purposes.
What is the Traditions 1873 Liberty used for?
This revolver is primarily a range toy and collection piece, designed for deliberate, low-volume plinking and casual cowboy action shooting where its historical styling is the main appeal. The 4.75-inch barrel provides sufficient sight radius (about 8.25 inches from rear notch to front blade) for accurate shooting on stationary targets at 25 yards or less. Its slow, six-round single-action mechanics and period-correct white PVC grips make it unsuitable for defensive use compared to modern double-action revolvers like those from Smith & Wesson.
How does the Traditions 1873 Liberty compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Traditions 1873 Liberty operates on fundamentally different mechanical principles; it is a manually-cocked, single-action revolver with a 6-round cylinder, whereas our Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a bolt-action repeating rifle with a 4-round internal magazine. The Stevens platform is demonstrably better for hunting or precision shooting at distance past 100 yards, offering a locked breech and higher-pressure cartridge capabilities. Choosing between them is deciding between a historical recreation for recreational nostalgia or a utilitarian tool for putting meat in the freezer.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 2.55 pounds (1.16 kg), and the overall length with the 4.75-inch barrel is 10.50 inches. The cylinder measures 1.65 inches in diameter, and the grip frame is approximately 5 inches from the trigger guard to the base, designed for a medium-large hand. At this weight and balance point just forward of the trigger guard, the revolver feels substantial but quick to point, unlike longer 7.5-inch barreled replicas that can feel muzzle-heavy.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary home defense or concealed carry firearm, due to its single-action mechanics requiring a manual cock of the hammer before each shot and its lengthy 10.5-inch overall length. It is also not ideal for novice shooters unfamiliar with strict single-action safety protocols like always loading only five of the six chambers to prevent an accidental discharge if the hammer is struck. For a beginner's first long gun, a Stevens 555 O/U shotgun is a far safer and more manageable introduction to shooting sports.
What's in the box?
You receive the unloaded revolver serialized on the frame, a generic plastic hard case, and a basic owner's manual from the importer. Expect no cleaning kit, speed loaders, spare grips, or any form of supplemental lock—you'll need to source aftermarket bore snakes and .45 Colt caliber-specific cleaning rods separately. The total package weight shipped is typically around 5.5 pounds including the case and minimal packaging materials.
Is the Traditions 1873 Liberty worth it at $743.99?
At $743.99, its value is tied almost exclusively to the aesthetic appeal of its laser engraving and the Pietta factory's fit and finish on the metalwork. For pure shooting functionality, a base-model Uberti Cattleman without engraving can be found for under $600, offering identical mechanical performance. You are paying a premium of roughly $150 for decorative scrolling that adds no mechanical benefit, which is worthwhile only if display and collectibility are your primary goals over raw utility.
Key attributes
| upc | 040589020389 |
| manufacturer | Turner Fabrications |
| manufacturer part number | SAT73-122LIB |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued Engraved |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 10.5 |
| package height | 6.5 |
| package width | 2.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.8 |
| sights | Fixed |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition using moon clips?
- No, the cylinder is chambered specifically for .45 Long Colt (also called .45 Colt) and will not accept .45 ACP cartridges. The cylinder lacks the recesses necessary for moon clips, and attempting to fire .45 ACP in this chamber is a dangerous mismatch leading to catastrophic headspace failure.
- Does this revolver fit a standard SAA-sized holster?
- Yes, the external dimensions closely replicate the original Colt SAA "Artillery Model" profile with a 4.75-inch barrel, ensuring compatibility with most generic 1873-style leather or kydex holsters. The exact fit may vary by holster maker due to minor differences in frame contours, but our testing confirms proper fit in models from El Paso Saddlery and Cimarron.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- From our warehouse, processing is 1-2 business days and transit via UPS Ground typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your FFL's location. The entire process from order to your dealer receiving the firearm averages 5-10 total business days, barring any state-specific compliance holds or FFL paperwork delays.
- Can I return it if the engraving quality is poor?
- Returns for cosmetic dissatisfaction are handled as manufacturer warranty claims, not direct retailer returns, due to federal firearms regulations. You must contact Traditions within their 1-year limited warranty period, and they will assess if the laser engraving constitutes a legitimate defect, a process that typically takes 4-6 weeks for evaluation and any potential repair or replacement.
- Does this work with aftermarket SAA-style walnut grips?
- Yes, the grip frame uses the standard two-screw SAA panel pattern, so most aftermarket grips designed for Pietta-manufactured 1873 replicas will fit directly. Installation requires a proper-fitting screwdriver bit to avoid marring the screw heads, a 5-minute process if you have the correct #10-32 thread screws on hand.