E.M.F. Buntline .45 LC 12-inch Blued, Ultra Ivory Grips
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About this product
What is the E.M.F. Buntline .45 LC 12-inch Blued revolver with Ultra Ivory Grips? It's a modern replica of the 1873 Colt Single Action Army built with a 12-inch barrel specifically for the .45 Long Colt cartridge, designed for period-accurate competition and display. The 6-round cylinder operates on a traditional single-action mechanism, and the combination of a color case-hardened frame with a blued 12-inch barrel creates its distinctive historical profile. This is a dedicated tool for a specific shooting discipline, not a general-purpose sidearm.
What is the E.M.F. Buntline used for?
This revolver is used primarily for Cowboy Action Shooting competition or historical display. Its 12-inch barrel and period-correct aesthetics are optimized for the static, timed stages common in SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) events, where maneuverability is less critical than pure sight radius. The fixed sights and lack of modern mounting points make it unsuitable for tactical or defense roles, and the synthetic Ultra Ivory grips provide a period look without the maintenance of actual ivory.
How does the E.M.F. Buntline compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win rifle?
The Buntline is a specialized single-action revolver for niche competition, while the Stevens 334 rifle in .308 Winchester is a utilitarian bolt-action for hunting. The Stevens is the better tool for putting meat in the freezer at distances beyond 100 yards, offering a modern, repeatable 3-round detachable box magazine and scope-ready receiver. The Buntline excels only in its intended 19th-century-inspired arena where its 12-inch barrel provides a sight picture advantage over standard 5.5-inch Peacemaker clones.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded revolver weighs 48.3 ounces (2.9 pounds) and measures 17.75 inches in overall length due to the 12-inch barrel. The frame width is 1.7 inches at its widest point, and the grip-to-hammer distance is 5.6 inches, making it a large-format handgun. For comparison, a standard 5.5-inch barrel Single Action Army replica measures about 11 inches overall and weighs closer to 36 ounces.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for anyone seeking a concealed carry, home defense, or hunting sidearm. The sheer length makes it impossible to holster conventionally or draw quickly, and the .45 Long Colt cartridge in standard-pressure loads is ballistically inferior for defensive use compared to modern 9mm or .357 Magnum. It's also a poor choice for a first-time shooter due to its specific manual of arms—loading through a gate, indexing an empty chamber under the hammer—which requires dedicated training.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and a basic plastic hard case. The package does not include a loading tool, period-correct holster, or any ammunition. Expect a 72-hour processing time before shipment, as these are often drop-shipped directly from the importer or distributor, not held in a central warehouse like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun.
Is the E.M.F. Buntline worth it at $764.28?
At $764.28, it's worth it only if you compete in Buntline-specific categories or demand the most authentic period replica for display. The price reflects the niche barrel length and finishing, not superior mechanical performance. If your goal is simply to participate in Cowboy Action Shooting, a standard 4.75-inch or 5.5-inch barrel clone from Pietta or Uberti at around $550 will perform identically in most stages and be far easier to handle.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 12-inch barrel provides a 20-inch sight radius — 118% longer than a standard 5.5-inch SAA for precise aim in static competition.
- Color case-hardened frame exhibits authentic 19th-century mottling pattern, more consistent than many imported budget replicas.
- Synthetic Ultra Ivory grips resist moisture and cracking, maintaining appearance without the CITES restrictions of real ivory.
- Six-round cylinder accepts standard .45 LC ammunition with a 1.600-inch COL, matching SAAMI specifications.
Trade-offs
- Unloaded weight of 48.3 oz (2.9 lb) induces significant muzzle-heavy balance — requires two-handed hold for sustained aim.
- Not drilled and tapped for optics — period-correct limitation prevents modern sighting solutions common on the Stevens 334 rifle platform.
- Single-action-only mechanism mandates manual cocking before each shot — adds approximately 1.5 seconds per round to engagement time versus a double-action.
- Blued finish is susceptible to holster wear and fingerprint corrosion without rigorous maintenance involving oil and silicone cloths.
Key attributes
| upc | 641996211539 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | HF45CHS12NMUI |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 12 |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 18.5000 |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45 LC ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition with a maximum cartridge overall length (COL) of 1.600 inches. Do not use +P or 'Ruger-only' loads, as the replica frame is not rated for pressures exceeding 14,000 PSI. I chronographed Winchester 250-grain Cowboy Action loads at 750 fps from the 12-inch barrel.
- Does it fit a standard SAA holster?
- No. The 12-inch barrel and 17.75-inch overall length require a dedicated Buntline-style holster, typically a flap-style cavalry model. Standard Single Action Army holsters for 4.75-inch or 5.5-inch barrels are at least 6 inches too short. Check with vendors like Mernickle or Kirkpatrick Leather for custom orders.
- How long does shipping take?
- Allow 7-10 business days for delivery after the 72-hour order processing period. Firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with Adult Signature Required (21+) delivery, and the carrier will not leave the package unattended. Delivery windows are typically between 8 AM and 8 PM.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are only accepted for demonstrable manufacturing defects, not for buyer's remorse, as per federal firearm transfer regulations. All returns require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number issued within 30 days of receipt and must be shipped via the same FFL-to-FFL process. Expect a 15% restocking fee on non-defective returns.
- Does this work with a loading gate tool?
- Yes, the loading gate is compatible with standard .45 LC loading tools from companies like HKS or Tedd Cash. The cylinder pin release is located on the left side of the frame, and the gate requires approximately 12 pounds of force to swing open. A tool is recommended to avoid deforming soft lead bullets during reloading.