Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman Handgun .357 Mag 4.75″ 6rd
About this product
The Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman Handgun is a modern reproduction single-action revolver that faithfully mimics the mechanics and aesthetics of the Colt Peacemaker design, chambered for .357 Magnum with a 4.75-inch barrel and a six-round cylinder. This is a historically accurate firearm built with modern steel and manufacturing tolerances, offering a direct link to the classic operating system that defined the American West. It delivers traditional single-action revolver handling within a compact 'birdshead' grip profile.
What is the Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman used for?
This revolver is primarily a range toy and collection piece for enthusiasts of historical firearms, not a modern defensive tool. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, a significant operational delay compared to any double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol. Its practical use extends to cowboy action shooting matches, low-volume recreational plinking, and as a tangible piece of mechanical history that teaches the fundamental manual of arms predating modern safety features like transfer bars.
How does the Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman compare to a Ruger New Vaquero?
The Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman is a more period-correct but less mechanically safe design compared to the modern Ruger New Vaquero. The New Vaquero incorporates Ruger's patented transfer bar ignition system, allowing it to safely carry six rounds with the hammer down, while the traditional Cattleman design requires an empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry, effectively reducing its capacity from six to five rounds. The New Vaquero is the better choice for shooters prioritizing modern safety engineering, while the Cattleman wins for historical authenticity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver has an unloaded weight of approximately 37.5 ounces (2.34 pounds or 1063 grams), contributing to its stable feel with .357 Magnum loads. Its overall length is 10.30 inches, with the 4.75-inch barrel providing a compact, balanced profile that holsters easily. The birdshead grip has a circumference of roughly 4.5 inches, which suits medium to large hands but can feel crowded for shooters preferring a full-sized grip like those on our Stevens 334 rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive weapon or a first handgun. The mandatory 'load five, carry on an empty chamber' rule for safe operation, the lack of modern ergonomic texturing, and the fixed, rudimentary sights make it poorly suited for defensive use under stress. New shooters will find its manual of arms unnecessarily complex and slow compared to a modern double-action revolver, and budget-conscious buyers might find better value in a used Ruger Blackhawk for similar single-action shooting.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a single six-round cylinder, and typically no accessories beyond basic paperwork. Do not expect a case, lock, cleaning kit, or speed loaders—this is a bare-bones offering consistent with its role as a pure shooting implement. You will need to source a period-correct holster, .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition, and a cleaning rod sized for .357 caliber separately. This contrasts with more complete packages like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, which often includes choke tubes.
Is the Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $639.99?
At $639.99, it occupies a competitive mid-tier price point for a faithful replica of this iconic design. You are paying for authentic aesthetics and mechanical feel, not for modern features or accessory compatibility. For a shooter who values historical reenactment or the specific manual-of-arms practice, this price is justifiable for the quality of fit and finish. However, if your goal is simply to shoot .357 Magnum, a used Ruger GP100 at a similar price offers vastly superior durability, safety features, and practical utility, making the Cattleman a niche purchase.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic period-correct mechanics and aesthetics for historical shooting enthusiasts.
- Solid weight of 37.5 oz (1063g) helps manage .357 Magnum recoil effectively.
- Versatile chambering handles both .357 Magnum and lighter-recoiling .38 Special.
- Compact 4.75-inch barrel and 10.30-inch overall length for straightforward carry in a period holster.
Trade-offs
- Lacks a modern transfer bar safety, mandating a 'load five, carry on empty' procedure that reduces functional capacity.
- Fixed, rudimentary blade-and-notch iron sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation.
- Birdshead grip provides minimal purchase for control during rapid firing strings.
- Blued and case-hardened finishes, while attractive, require more diligent maintenance than modern nitride or cerakote to prevent rust.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665001141 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550918 |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this revolver compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers and fires .38 Special rounds safely, which is standard for any .357 Magnum revolver. Firing the lower-pressure .38 Special results in significantly reduced recoil and muzzle blast, making it ideal for extended range sessions or introducing new shooters to the platform. You must still observe the standard single-action safety procedure of loading only five rounds and carrying the hammer on an empty chamber.
- Does it come with a transfer bar safety?
- No, it does not. The Taylor & Company 1873 Cattleman uses the original period-correct hammer-block safety, not a modern transfer bar. This means for safe carry, you must load only five rounds and leave the hammer resting on the empty sixth chamber. Attempting to carry it with all six chambers loaded and the hammer down risks a negligent discharge if the hammer is struck, a critical distinction from modern designs like those from Ruger.
- Will a standard universal revolver holster fit it?
- Likely not without modification. The 4.75-inch barrel and birdshead grip profile require a holster specifically molded for the 'Peacemaker' or 'Single Action Army' shape with a similar barrel length. A generic nylon or leather holster for a modern double-action revolver will not secure it properly. Expect to purchase a dedicated holster from a maker like Simply Rugged or El Paso Saddlery, which typically adds $80-$150 to your total outfitting cost.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification, followed by ground transit time to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. The total timeline from order to ready for pickup at your FFL is usually 7-10 business days, barring any local or state-specific compliance holds. You must contact your FFL for their transfer fee and procedures before completing your purchase online.