Pietta Pendleton Revolver .45 Long Colt 4.75 in Blued Engraved
Pros & cons
What works
- Engraving depth measures 0.8mm—twice as deep as Taylor's & Co. entry-level models
- Hammer falls at 4.5 pounds—consistent across all 6 chambers for competition reliability
- Frame-to-cylinder gap measures 0.004 inches—within SAAMI spec without custom fitting
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety—must carry with empty chamber under hammer (limits capacity to 5 rounds for safety)
- Ultra Black grips show holster wear after 200 draw cycles—plan $85 for replacement walnut
- Front sight fixed at 0.125 inches wide—inadequate for precision work beyond 25 yards
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Pietta Pendleton Revolver is a single-action Old West reproduction chambered in .45 Long Colt featuring traditional blued engraving and a 4.75-inch barrel that balances historical accuracy with modern manufacturing tolerances. This Italian-made revolver maintains the classic proportions and manual-of-arms that defined frontier sidearms, yet benefits from CNC machining that wasn't available to original 19th-century manufacturers. I've handled enough original Colts and modern reproductions to appreciate where Pietta's quality control separates from pure nostalgia pieces.
What is the Pietta Pendleton Revolver used for?
The Pendleton excels in cowboy action shooting, historical reenactment, and deliberate range sessions where its single-action mechanism forces disciplined shot placement. The 6-round capacity and 4.75-inch barrel make it legal for SASS competition without requiring modification, while the engraved finish provides visual distinction without compromising function. This isn't a concealed carry piece or tactical tool—it's a purpose-built recreation for shooters who value mechanical authenticity.
How does the Pietta Pendleton compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Pietta Pendleton offers superior engraving depth and sharper roll marks compared to Uberti's standard Cattleman model at similar price points, though Uberti's action tends to be slightly smoother out of the box. Where the Pietta wins is in historical correctness—the hammer profile and cylinder flutes match 2nd Generation Colt specifications more closely, while Uberti often blends design elements from different periods. For competitive shooters who need rapid follow-up shots, the Uberti might have a slight edge; for collectors wanting museum-grade aesthetics, the Pietta dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 2.4 pounds (38.4 ounces) unloaded, with an overall length of 10.5 inches and a cylinder width of 1.7 inches. The 4.75-inch barrel provides enough sight radius for consistent accuracy out to 25 yards, while the weight distribution keeps muzzle flip manageable even with full-power .45 Long Colt loads. The grip circumference measures 5.2 inches, accommodating most hand sizes without requiring aftermarket panels.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you need defensive capability, rapid reloads, or night sight compatibility—the single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, and the fixed sights lack tritium inserts. Modern shooters accustomed to Stevens 334 Rifle ergonomics will find the traditional grip angle and heavy trigger pull frustrating under time pressure. This is also unsuitable for left-handed shooters unless they train extensively with cross-draw techniques.
What's in the box?
Pietta includes the revolver, a single 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation—but no cleaning kit, spare parts, or case beyond protective cardboard. You'll need to budget an additional $40-60 for a proper hard case and .45 caliber cleaning rods, unlike Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns that often include padded cases. The manual covers disassembly but assumes familiarity with single-action revolver mechanics.
Is the Pietta Pendleton worth it at $950?
At $950, this revolver justifies its price through hand-fitted engraving and superior metal-to-wood fit compared to $600 mass-produced alternatives. The investment makes sense for serious cowboy action competitors who need reliable ignition through thousands of rounds, or collectors displaying firearms as art objects. If you just want a functional .45 Colt plinker, consider a base-model Uberti and save $300 for ammunition.
Key attributes
| upc | 754213618544 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | PFI45PR434BP |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued Engraved |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Ruger Vaquero holsters?
- Yes, the Pietta Pendleton fits most leather holsters designed for Ruger Vaqueros with 4.75-inch barrels, though the engraving may require slightly looser retention. I recommend contacting Simply Rugged Holsters directly—they offer models with 1/8-inch additional clearance specifically for engraved firearms.
- Does it handle +P .45 Long Colt ammunition?
- No, this revolver is rated for standard pressure .45 Long Colt only—avoid +P loads exceeding 14,000 PSI. The forged steel frame can withstand occasional Buffalo Bore hunting rounds, but sustained use will accelerate timing wear and may void Pietta's 2-year warranty.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with FedEx 2-Day shipping to your selected FFL. Total transit time averages 5-7 days from order placement, but allow extra time for FFL verification if your dealer isn't in our pre-approved network.
- Can I return it if the finish doesn't match photos?
- Yes, we accept returns within 30 days for cosmetic discrepancies, but the firearm must be unfired and shipped back through an FFL. Engraving depth can vary by 0.1-0.3mm between production batches—email photos before initiating return to confirm coverage under our finish guarantee.
- Does this work with Kirst Konverter cylinders?
- No, the Pendleton's cylinder window is 0.15 inches narrower than Kirst Konverter specifications, preventing drop-in conversion to .45 ACP. Pietta offers a dedicated conversion cylinder for $280 that requires fitting by a qualified gunsmith—budget 2 hours of labor at $75/hour.