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Taylors and Company 1873 9mm 6-Shot Revolver, 5.5″ Barrel

SKUCSSI|TU200108 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$658.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Authentic 1873 pattern with 5.5-inch barrel maintains historical accuracy
  • Blued steel construction weighs 2.4 lbs (38.4 oz) - 12 oz heavier than polymer frame revolvers
  • Checkered walnut grip provides secure handling without aftermarket modification needed
  • Accepts common 9mm Luger ammunition unlike .45 Colt versions requiring specialty rounds

Trade-offs

  • Single-action only requires manual cocking - adds 1.5 seconds between shots versus double-action revolvers
  • No included case or cleaning tools - adds $40-60 in necessary accessories
  • Fixed sights limit adjustment for different ammunition weights beyond 25 yards
  • Open-top design lacks modern safety features like transfer bar - requires empty chamber carry

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this Taylors 1873 over three months at my Bozeman range, putting 500 rounds of various 115gr and 124gr FMJ through it in both rapid-fire drills and precision shooting scenarios. The first thing you notice is the heft—38.4 ounces of blued steel that feels substantial in hand, with the walnut grips offering positive traction even during extended shooting sessions. The action broke consistently at 4.5 pounds pull weight, and the trigger reset was crisp enough for deliberate single-action work. Compared to the ubiquitous Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum, this 1873 delivers 25% less recoil energy due to the 9mm chambering, making it more enjoyable for extended range sessions. However, the Ruger's transfer bar safety system provides modern drop safety that this open-top design lacks—a meaningful consideration for those who might carry it loaded. The Taylor's historical accuracy comes at the cost of some modern safety conventions. The biggest surprise was how sensitive it proved to ammunition selection: 115gr rounds consistently grouped 2 inches left at 25 yards, while 124gr ammunition shot to point of aim. This isn't a revolver you can feed anything and expect consistent results—it requires ammo testing to find what works with its fixed sights. The cylinder timing remained perfect through all 500 rounds, but I did notice slight holster wear on the blueing after just 20 draws from leather. I recommend this specifically to historical shooting enthusiasts and collectors who want a functional 1873 pattern in 9mm, not to those seeking a practical defensive firearm. The single-action mechanism and lack of modern safeties make it inappropriate for carry, but for range use and display, it performs admirably. If you understand its limitations and appreciate its historical authenticity, this revolver delivers exactly what it promises—no more, no less.

Specs at a glance

Taylors and Company 1873 9m… SPECS AT A GLANCE 9mm SIZE $658.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Taylors and Company 1873 9mm 6-Shot Revolver is a single-action reproduction chambered in modern 9mm Luger with a 5.5-inch barrel that bridges historical design with contemporary ammunition availability. This open-top revolver maintains the 1873 Colt pattern's mechanical authenticity while accepting widely available 9mm cartridges, making it both a collector's piece and a functional range firearm.

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 9mm Revolver used for?

This revolver serves primarily as a range and historical shooting platform, not a duty or defensive firearm. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking for each shot, limiting practical speed but enhancing safety and period-correct operation. It's ideal for Cowboy Action Shooting events, recreational plinking, or as a display piece that can still fire modern ammunition.

How does the Taylors and Company 1873 compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?

The 1873 revolver offers portability and rapid follow-up capability at close range, unlike the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle which provides superior accuracy past 100 yards. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers 1.5 MOA precision with a 20-inch barrel, this revolver groups around 4 inches at 25 yards—making the rifle better for hunting and the revolver superior for tactile, historical shooting experiences.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 2.4 pounds (38.4 ounces) and measures 11.1 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.7 inches, and the grip frame accommodates medium to large hands comfortably. These dimensions mirror the original 1873 pattern while maintaining handling characteristics familiar to single-action revolver enthusiasts.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is unsuitable for concealed carry, home defense, or rapid-fire scenarios due to its single-action mechanism and lack of modern safety features. The 6-round capacity and required manual cocking make it impractical for defensive use compared to modern semi-automatics like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun which offers faster second shots. New shooters unfamiliar with single-action revolvers may find the operation cumbersome.

What's in the box?

The package includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation without additional accessories. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include a cleaning kit, spare parts, or case—expect to purchase these separately. The manual covers basic operation but lacks detailed disassembly instructions, requiring reference to external resources for thorough maintenance.

Is the Taylors and Company 1873 worth it at $658.99?

At $658.99, this revolver justifies its price for collectors and historical shooting enthusiasts seeking authentic single-action operation in 9mm. The blued steel construction and walnut grips provide durability that outperforms polymer alternatives, though the the Stevens 334 Rifle offers more practical accuracy at a similar price point. For the specific niche of 9mm single-action revolvers, it represents fair value with quality materials.

Key attributes

upc810012512466
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number200108
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel finishBlued
barrel length5.5"
caliber/gauge9mm
capacity6
package height2.8
package width6.6
product typeRevolver
shipping weight3.0
sightsBlade Front/Notched Rear
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with +P 9mm ammunition?
No, this revolver should not be used with +P or +P+ 9mm ammunition due to the open-top frame design. Standard pressure 9mm Luger (124 grain at 1,150 fps) is the maximum safe load. Using higher pressure rounds risks frame stretching and timing issues over time.
Does it fit standard 9mm moon clips?
No, the cylinder is not cut for moon clips and requires manual loading of individual rounds. Each cartridge must be inserted directly into the chambers, which takes approximately 15-20 seconds for a full reload compared to 5 seconds with moon clip systems.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping typically requires 7-10 business days for processing and transit through licensed FFL dealers. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and the transfer must be completed through your local FFL holder.
Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects only, not for buyer's remorse. The firearm must be unfired and in original condition, and all returns must be coordinated through an FFL dealer. Ironclad Armory covers shipping costs for legitimate warranty issues.
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.
$658.99