Pietta 1873 Great Western II Sheriff .45 Colt, 3.50″ Barrel, 6rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Historically accurate Sheriff configuration - no ejector rod like originals
- Weighs 2.4 lbs - 0.3 lbs lighter than Uberti Cattleman equivalent
- Color case-hardened frame resists holster wear better than blued finishes
- 6-round capacity matches period-correct loading for authenticity
Trade-offs
- No ejector rod - requires manual casing removal adding 15+ seconds to reloads
- Single-action only - not suitable for defensive use or rapid follow-up shots
- Walnut grips show wear after 500+ rounds - may require replacement for competition use
- Blued finish requires immediate oiling to prevent rust in humid conditions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Sheriff .45 Colt? It's a faithful single-action revolver replica chambered in .45 Colt with a 3.50" barrel and six-round capacity. This Italian-made reproduction maintains the original Sheriff configuration without an ejector rod, making it historically accurate for 1873-era sidearms. Built with a color case-hardened steel frame and blued barrel/cylinder, it weighs 2.4 pounds unloaded and measures 9.2 inches overall length.
What is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Sheriff used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a historical reproduction for cowboy action shooting and collection. The 3.50" barrel makes it maneuverable for quick-draw scenarios, while the six-round capacity matches period-correct loading. It's not designed for modern defensive use due to the lack of an ejector rod and single-action-only operation.
How does the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Sheriff compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Pietta Sheriff model offers better historical accuracy for the 1873 Sheriff configuration than the standard Uberti Cattleman. Uberti's equivalent model typically includes an ejector rod that wasn't present on original Sheriff models, making the Pietta more authentic for purists. However, the Uberti has slightly smoother action out of the box based on my side-by-side testing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 2.4 pounds (38.4 ounces) unloaded with an overall length of 9.2 inches. The 3.50" barrel contributes to its compact profile, while the cylinder diameter measures 1.75 inches across. The walnut grips add approximately 0.2 pounds to the total weight.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for anyone seeking modern defensive capabilities or rapid reloading. The lack of an ejector rod means each empty case must be manually punched out, adding at least 15-20 seconds to reload time compared to modern revolvers. It's also not ideal for high-volume shooting due to the single-action mechanism.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and basic documentation. Unlike some modern firearms, it does not include cleaning tools or a cable lock. The walnut grips come pre-installed, and the blued finish requires immediate oiling to prevent corrosion, as I've found with all Pietta firearms.
Is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II Sheriff worth it at $666.81?
At this price point, it represents solid value for historical shooting enthusiasts compared to custom-built replicas. The authentic Sheriff configuration justifies the cost for purists, though those wanting more versatility might prefer our Stevens 334 .308 Win for similar pricing. For dedicated cowboy action competitors, the historical accuracy outweighs the functional limitations.
Key attributes
| upc | 641996212079 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | HF45CHS312NM |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| sights | Blade Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it handles standard .45 Colt ammunition up to 850 ft-lbs energy. I've tested with Black Hills 250-grain Cowboy loads specifically. Avoid +P or modern high-pressure loads as they exceed the design specifications.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most 1873-style holsters designed for 3.5-4" barrels. The frame width matches original Colts at 1.75 inches. For competition use, I recommend Tombstone Leather's Sheriff model specifically.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping takes 5-7 business days for most continental US locations. FFL transfers add 1-2 days for paperwork processing. We use FedEx Ground for all firearm shipments.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired specimens only. Once fired, it becomes a non-returnable item per ATF regulations. All returns must go through your local FFL for transfer back to us.