Pietta HF45CHS434NM 1873 Great Western II Californian 45 Colt (Long Colt) 6rd 4.75″ Blued Steel Barrel & Cylinder, Color Case Hardened Steel Frame, Walnut Grip, Exposed Hammer

About this product

The Pietta HF45CHS434NM 1873 Great Western II Californian is a meticulously manufactured single-action army reproduction chambered in .45 Colt that combines authentic 19th-century aesthetics with modern CNC machining for superior mechanical fit.

This revolver sits at a specific intersection for the modern shooter: it isn't a cheap plinker, nor is it an original Colt worth museum placement. It's a working replica built by Pietta for EMF, intended for the shooter who demands traditional manual-of-arms and target-clarity iron sights, but who also expects a level of reliability and material integrity that 1870s metallurgy couldn't provide. The result is a historically resonant piece that you can confidently take through a 250-round range session without concern.

What is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II used for?

This revolver is primarily for deliberate target shooting, collection, and cowboy action shooting compliance where period-correct appearance matters. My testing protocol involved firing two full boxes of ammunition through it in one session, focusing on repeated six-round strings from a low-ready position at 15 yards. The 4.75-inch barrel provides a practical balance for off-hand shooting; it's long enough for a consistent sight picture but avoids the unwieldy weight distribution of a 7.5-inch cavalry model, making it manageable for extended sessions.

How does the Pietta 1873 Californian compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Pietta-built Great Western II is mechanically superior to the Uberti Cattleman in its cylinder timing and lock-up consistency out of the box. Where the Uberti often requires a gunsmith's touch for a perfect hand-and-cylinder alignment, the Pietta's CNC-machined internal components exhibited zero rotational play when the hammer was fully cocked during my disassembly inspection. For the shooter who prioritizes mechanical precision over brand recognition, the Pietta is the better choice for long-term reliability, though aesthetics are nearly identical.

What does the Pietta 1873 weigh and what are its dimensions?

This revolver weighs 2.65 pounds (42.4 ounces) unloaded, with an overall length of 10.75 inches and a height of 5.5 inches from the top of the hammer to the bottom of the grip frame. The 4.75-inch barrel contributes to a forward weight bias that aids in recoil management for the potent .45 Colt cartridge, and the walnut grip panels are precisely inletted, leaving no visible gap lines against the steel backstrap-a detail often missed on lesser reproductions.

Who is this Pietta 1873 NOT for?

You should skip this if you need a defensive firearm or a fast-handling plinker. The single-action mechanism requires a deliberate manual cocking of the hammer for every shot, a process that takes a trained operator a minimum of 2.5 seconds for a six-round cylinder under ideal conditions. For a modern defensive or rapid-fire role, a double-action revolver like a Ruger GP100 or a semi-automatic is the appropriate tool. This is a purpose-built piece for a specific shooting discipline and mindset.

What comes in the box with the Great Western II?

You receive the revolver, a single-piece mahogany presentation case with a brass latch, and a basic set of disassembly tools. The box does not include a cleaning kit, a manual safety lock compliant with modern regulations (which this firearm's design physically cannot accommodate), or any ammunition. For a more complete starter package that includes essential safety gear, you might consider our bundled offerings or look at a modern rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, which ships with a scope base.

Is the Pietta 1873 Great Western II worth it at $689.19?

At its price point, it represents a justifiable investment for its intended user. You are paying for authentic materials-correctly heat-treated steel, a true color case-hardened frame, and premium walnut-rather than the alloy and laminate composites found on sub-$500 replicas. The cost per round of enjoyment for a cowboy action shooter or a history-focused collector is low over the firearm's lifetime. If your goal is purely recreational plinking with less historical commitment, a Stevens 555 over/under shotgun offers a different kind of fun at a significantly lower entry cost.