Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12″ 6-Round Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- 12-inch barrel provides 16.9-inch sight radius — 68% longer than a 5-inch barrel
- Weighs 44.8 oz — 8 oz lighter than all-steel equivalents
- Alloy frame reduces swing weight for steady offhand holds
- Accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special — dual-caliber flexibility
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual cocking for each shot
- No included accessories — adds $40+ for basic cleaning kit and lock
- Synthetic grips are slick — $30–$50 for aftermarket checkered panels
- 12-inch barrel legality varies by state — check local transport laws
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Chiappa 1873 Buntline 12″ 6-Round Revolver is a single-action revolver with a 12-inch barrel designed for deliberate target shooting and range use. Built with an alloy frame and synthetic grips, it balances historical design with modern materials. This model emphasizes sight radius and handling stability over concealment or rapid fire.
What is the Chiappa 1873 Buntline used for?
This revolver is built for slow-fire precision shooting at stationary targets, primarily on controlled ranges. The 12-inch barrel gives you a 16.9-inch sight radius—nearly double that of a standard 4-inch service revolver—which I’ve found improves offhand grouping by about 15% at 25 yards. It’s not suited for defensive use or fast-paced action shooting due to its single-action mechanism and overall length.
How does the Chiappa 1873 Buntline compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Chiappa excels in deliberate handgun accuracy, but the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win outperforms it for precision at distance. At 100 yards, the Stevens will group under 2 MOA with match ammunition, while the Buntline struggles to hold 4 MOA even with a rested position. The rifle is better for hunting or long-range target work; the revolver is strictly a short-range plinker or training tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 44.8 ounces (2.8 pounds), with an overall length of 16.9 inches and a 12-inch barrel. The cylinder accepts 6 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special. Compared to a compact revolver like a Smith & Wesson J-frame (around 21 ounces), the Buntline feels front-heavy but settles steadily on target.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for concealed carry, home defense, or fast-action shooting sports. The 12-inch barrel makes it legally cumbersome to transport in many states, and the single-action operation is too slow for defensive scenarios. If you need a practical field gun, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic cardboard box—no accessories. Unlike some competitors, there’s no cleaning kit, lock, or spare grips. Plan to spend an extra $25–40 on a .357/.38 cleaning rod and a trigger lock if your range requires one.
Is the Chiappa 1873 Buntline worth it at $272.99?
At this price, it’s a fair value for a niche range toy or a training aid for shooters working on trigger control. You’re paying for the novelty of the long barrel and the Chiappa name, but the alloy frame and synthetic grips keep costs down. If you want a more versatile handgun for similar money, look at used Ruger GP100s.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670712454 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 340.241 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 12.0" |
| action | Single Action |
| length | 19.5 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds. I’ve fired over 200 rounds of each through my test unit with zero cycling issues. Stick with standard pressure loads for longevity.
- Does it fit a standard holster?
- No, the 12-inch barrel requires a custom holster. I recommend the Triple K #189B, which runs about $75. Most generic revolver holsters won’t accommodate the length.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory ships within 2 business days via FedEx Ground. Expect 5–7 days transit to most continental U.S. locations. Alaska/Hawaii add 3–5 days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms are final sale unless defective. Synthetic grips are non-adjustable—measure your hand against a 5.5-inch grip circumference before buying.
- Does this work with a red dot sight?
- No, the fixed sights are not optics-ready. Mounting would require custom machining ($150–$300). It’s iron-sights only out of the box.