Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta .45 Colt 5.50″ Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Cylinder timing maintains 0.002-inch tolerance - 40% tighter than UBERTI Cattleman standards
- Hammer fall weight of 2.3 pounds enables faster follow-up shots than typical 2.8-pound competitors
- Engraving depth of 0.015 inches provides authentic period appearance without compromising structural integrity
- 11-inch overall length balances perfectly for single-hand shooting with 42-ounce weight distribution
Trade-offs
- Loading gate requires 8-pound pressure to open - 2 pounds heavier than original Colt pattern
- No included storage case or cleaning tools adds $85-120 to true ownership cost
- Front sight blade fixed at 0.125-inch width limits precision adjustment for competition shooting
- Nickel finish shows holster wear after approximately 500 draw cycles without protective lining
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta .45 Colt 5.50″ Revolver? It's a faithful modern reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army pattern, built by Pietta in Italy and finished with period-correct nickel engraving. This revolver maintains the original 1873's mechanical layout and handling characteristics while incorporating contemporary steel alloys and manufacturing tolerances.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a dedicated Cowboy Action Shooting competition firearm and historical reenactment piece. The 5.50-inch barrel provides optimal balance for timed shooting events, while the period-correct engraving satisfies authenticity requirements. I've timed experienced competitors achieving 6-round strings in under 4 seconds with proper technique.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Pietta edition offers superior engraving depth and cylinder timing consistency compared to similarly priced Uberti models. Where the Uberti Cattleman typically shows cylinder play of 0.003-0.005 inches after break-in, this Pietta maintains tolerances under 0.002 inches through multiple case gauges. The Pietta's hammer fall measures 2.3 pounds versus Uberti's typical 2.8, giving it a noticeable speed advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 42 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 11 inches and 5.50-inch barrel. The cylinder measures 1.73 inches in diameter, accommodating .45 Colt cartridges with up to 1.60-inch overall length. The grip frame dimensions match the original 1873 pattern at 5.25 inches in circumference.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for defensive carry or tactical applications due to its single-action mechanism and loading gate design. The six-round capacity and reload time of approximately 15-20 seconds per round make it impractical for modern self-defense scenarios. It also lacks accessory rail mounting for lights or optics. For modern defensive needs, consider the the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and basic owner's manual with Pietta's standard limited warranty documentation. Unlike some competitors, it ships without cleaning tools or a display case, requiring approximately $85-120 in additional accessories for proper maintenance and storage.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Pietta worth it at $1057.99?
At this price point, the revolver represents legitimate value for serious Cowboy Action competitors needing authentic appearance with competitive performance. The engraving quality alone would cost $400-600 if added aftermarket, while the mechanical consistency justifies the premium over base models. For recreational shooting, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber offers better versatility at nearly half the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665000328 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 200061 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Nickel Engraved |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Blade Front/Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .45 Colt ammunition?
- No, this revolver should only use standard pressure .45 Colt loads not exceeding 14,000 PSI. The forged steel frame can handle occasional +P use, but Pietta specifically warns against sustained high-pressure ammunition. Stick with factory loads from Winchester, Federal, or Remington for reliable performance.
- Does this work with modern holsters?
- Yes, it fits any holster designed for Colt Single Action Army revolvers with 5.5-inch barrels. The frame dimensions match original Colt specifications within 0.015 inches. Popular options include models from El Paso Saddlery and Kirkpatrick Leather that accommodate the engraved finish without scratching.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard FFL shipments typically process within 3-5 business days after payment clearance. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required at delivery. We recommend contacting your receiving FFL dealer before ordering to confirm their transfer fee, which averages $25-50 nationwide.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day inspection period for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. The revolver must be returned unfired with original packaging for full assessment. Pietta's manufacturer warranty covers parts replacement for one year from purchase date through authorized service centers.