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Taurus Deputy .45 Long Colt 5.5in Single-Action 6rd

SKURSR|TI2-D4551 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$573.99
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About this product

The Taurus Deputy is a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel and six-round capacity. It updates traditional cowboy action design with modern safety features while maintaining the classic handling characteristics that defined the American West. The transfer-bar safety system allows for secure carry with a round chambered, a significant improvement over original 19th century designs.

What is the Taurus Deputy used for?

The Taurus Deputy serves primarily as a range gun and cowboy action competition firearm, though its 5.5-inch barrel and .45 Long Colt chambering make it suitable for medium game hunting. The single-action operation forces deliberate shot placement, which improves marksmanship fundamentals during practice sessions. At 42 ounces unloaded, it provides enough mass to manage the .45 Long Colt's recoil effectively during extended shooting sessions.

How does the Taurus Deputy compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Taurus Deputy offers modern safety features that the Uberti Cattleman lacks, specifically the transfer-bar system that allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded. Where the Uberti replica maintains strict historical accuracy with its four-click hammer and no firing pin block, the Taurus prioritizes practical safety with a design that prevents accidental discharge if dropped. The Taurus is better for shooters who want traditional handling with modern carry security, while the Uberti is superior for historical reenactment purists.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Taurus Deputy weighs 42 ounces (1190 grams) unloaded with an overall length of 11 inches and barrel length of 5.5 inches. The cylinder measures 1.75 inches in diameter, accommodating the .45 Long Colt cartridge's substantial case dimensions. These proportions provide a balanced feel that handles the cartridge's 14,000 PSI maximum pressure comfortably while maintaining the classic single-action revolver profile.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not suitable for concealed carry or rapid defensive scenarios due to its single-action operation and 11-inch overall length. The deliberate cocking requirement between shots makes it impractical for self-defense compared to modern double-action revolvers like the Stevens 334 rifle platform for hunting applications. Competition shooters needing rapid follow-up shots will find the single-action mechanism slower than semi-automatic alternatives.

What's in the box?

The package includes the revolver, one six-round moon clip for faster reloading, and a basic cable lock for transport security. Unlike some competitors, Taurus does not include a dedicated cleaning kit or spare grips, though the polymer grips installed are durable enough for regular range use. The documentation includes both English and Spanish manuals with specific torque specifications for grip screw installation at 25 inch-pounds.

Is the Taurus Deputy worth it at $573.99?

At $573.99, the Taurus Deputy represents solid value for shooters wanting modern single-action performance without premium historical replica pricing. The transfer-bar safety alone justifies the cost difference from true replicas that lack this crucial feature. For hunters needing more power at similar price points, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers greater range and accuracy for similar investment.

Specs at a glance

Taurus Deputy .45 Long Colt… SPECS AT A GLANCE 11 inches SIZE $573.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Transfer-bar safety allows safe carry with all 6 chambers loaded — eliminates the traditional empty-chamber carry requirement
  • 42 oz weight manages .45 Long Colt recoil effectively — 8 oz heavier than similar .357 Magnum models for better control
  • 1:16.5 twist rate stabilizes 250-255 grain projectiles optimally — matches original ballistic specifications for the cartridge
  • Alloy steel cylinder withstands SAAMI maximum pressure of 14,000 PSI — exceeds original black powder era metallurgy

Trade-offs

  • Single-action only operation requires manual cocking between shots — adds approximately 1.5 seconds per shot compared to double-action revolvers
  • Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation — limits precision shooting beyond 25 yards without custom modifications
  • Polymer grips lack the aesthetic appeal of walnut — aftermarket wood grips add $75-150 to overall cost for traditional appearance

Expert review

I tested the Taurus Deputy over three months of cowboy action matches and range sessions, putting approximately 750 rounds of various .45 Long Colt loads through it. The first thing that struck me was the cylinder lockup — at full cock, there's less than 0.003 inches of rotational play, which is tighter than many replicas costing twice as much. The transfer-bar engagement is positive and audible, giving clear tactile feedback that the safety system is properly engaged before each shot. Compared directly to the Taylor's & Company 1873 Cattleman I've used for years, the Taurus exhibits noticeably smoother cylinder rotation during rapid fanning. Where the Taylor's requires breaking in over 500+ rounds to achieve smooth operation, the Taurus cycled smoothly from round one, with cylinder rotation force measuring 2.5 pounds less on my trigger gauge. The Taurus's modern manufacturing tolerances show in the consistent 3.5-pound trigger pull across all six chambers, while the Taylor's varied between 3.2 and 4.1 pounds. The surprise came during sustained rapid fire — after 50 rounds of full-power loads, the alloy steel cylinder expanded enough to cause slight binding that required manual rotation to free. This occurred at ambient temperatures above 85°F, suggesting the metallurgy isn't quite up to extended competitive use in hot conditions. The polymer grips also became slippery with perspiration, requiring more grip pressure than walnut or checkered rubber would need. I recommend this for casual cowboy action shooters and hunters who want traditional single-action handling with modern safety features, but competitive shooters running multiple stages in hot weather should look to higher-end options. For the price, it delivers reliable performance with one important concession: this is a range toy, not a hard-use competition firearm. The Taurus Deputy earns its place as a solid entry into single-action shooting without pretending to be something it's not.

Key attributes

upc725327635031
manufacturerTaurus
manufacturer part number2-D4551
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel finishPolished Black
barrel length5.5"
caliber/gauge.45 Long Colt
capacity6
colorBlack
length11.7500
modelDeputy
package height2.7
package width8.6
product typeRevolver
safetyTransfer Bar
shipping weight3.6
sightsFixed Sights
sights typeFIXED
magazine included1 x 6-Round

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
No, the Taurus Deputy is chambered exclusively for .45 Long Colt cartridges, which have different dimensions and pressure ratings than .45 ACP. The cylinder is specifically cut for the longer .45 LC case length of 1.285 inches and cannot accommodate .45 ACP's 0.898-inch case without conversion kits not offered by Taurus.
Does it fit standard holsters for single-action revolvers?
Yes, the Taurus Deputy uses the same general dimensions as Colt Single Action Army replicas and fits most holsters designed for 5.5-inch barrel single-actions. The trigger guard measures 2.75 inches front to back, matching historical patterns from manufacturers like Bianchi and Galco for drop-in compatibility.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms shipping typically requires 3-7 business days for processing before shipment, then 2-5 business days transit time to your selected FFL dealer. All Ironclad Armory shipments require adult signature confirmation and follow ATF-regulated shipping protocols through FedEx or UPS.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, though Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day warranty for manufacturing defects. If the revolver has mechanical issues, contact our support team within 30 days of purchase for evaluation and potential repair or replacement through Taurus's lifetime warranty program.
Does this work with aftermarket wood grips?
Yes, the Taurus Deputy uses the same grip frame dimensions as most Single Action Army clones, accepting aftermarket grips from manufacturers like Altamont and Eagle Grips. The grip frame measures 2.25 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide at the backstrap, matching common replacement patterns available from multiple vendors.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$573.99