Pietta 1873 Alchimista II .45 Colt 6rd 5.5in Blued/Case-Hardened

About this product

What is the Pietta 1873 Alchimista II .45 Colt 6rd 5.5in blued/case-hardened? It's a modern-manufactured single-action revolver that faithfully replicates the weight, mechanics, and 1860 Army grip profile of an original 1870s-era design while using modern steels and precise CNC machining for repeatable lockup. This isn't a movie prop—it's a shootable, mechanically sound sidearm with traditional aesthetics, priced for the enthusiast who wants historical character without sourcing century-old parts.

What is the Pietta 1873 Alchimista II .45 Colt used for?

This 1873 Alchimista II is engineered for deliberate, single-action target work, historic firearms drills, and SASS/CAS competition in the Traditional category. Its 5.50-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 8.7 inches, aiding precision, while the 1860 Army grip frame transfers recoil in a straight line through the wrist, reducing muzzle flip. It's not a duty or concealment piece; it's a range tool that demands the shooter master the four-click hammer cycle and stage the 4.5 lb trigger pull for accuracy.

How does the Pietta 1873 Alchimista II compare to the Taylor's & Co. Cattleman?

The Pietta Alchimista II offers a more authentic 1860 Army grip frame and a wider hammer spur than the more common 1873-style grip found on the Taylor's & Co. Cattleman, creating a distinct feel the latter lacks. Pietta's cylinder locking notches are cut with CNC precision, resulting in cylinder-to-barrel gap consistency averaging 0.003-0.005 inches across six chambers. The Cattleman's hammer is better for rapid fanning, but the Alchimista II's lockwork provides a more historically accurate, deliberate cocking stroke—superior for building fundamentals.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Alchimista II weighs 42 ounces unloaded, with a center of gravity directly above the web of your hand. Its overall length is 11.25 inches, and the 1860 Army grip frame measures 5.75 inches from base to top strap—nearly 0.5 inches longer than a standard 1873 frame. The cylinder is 1.60 inches in diameter, and the width across the frame at its widest point is 1.45 inches, making it a substantial handful compared to a modern compact like the Stevens 334 rifle.

Who is this NOT for?

Avoid this revolver if you need rapid defensive capability, easy holster compatibility with modern rigs, or a lightweight carry piece. The mandatory single-action firing sequence—hammer must be manually cocked before each shot—adds 1.5-2 seconds per aimed round compared to a modern double-action. The historic grip angle won't fit shooters accustomed to 1911 or Glock ergonomics; it requires a dedicated high, palm-forward hold most modern polymer-frame shooters find unnatural.

What's in the box?

The revolver ships with a single, six-round blued cylinder, a set of Pietta-provided safety glasses, and a generic cable lock that meets California DOJ requirements. You will need to source your own .45 Colt ammunition, a period-correct leather holster, and a loading gate-compatible speedloader, as none are included. The manual covers basic disassembly and the critical warning about loading only five rounds for carry—leaving the hammer resting on an empty chamber.

Is the Pietta 1873 Alchimista II worth it at $746.17?

At $746.17, this Alchimista II bridges the gap between budget Italian clones and premium custom SAA reproductions, justifying its price with precise lockwork and correct steel composition. You're paying for Pietta's modern heat-treating on the frame and hammer, which extends service life beyond that of some 1970s-era imports. For pure historical recreation, it's a solid value; for modern competition where minor modifications are allowed, you might invest elsewhere.