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Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 4.75″ Revolver

SKUTSW|121395 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.4 ★★★★ Based on 18 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$662.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I ran 500 rounds of mixed .38 Special 158-grain LRN and .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP through this Cattleman over three separate range days in Bozeman, focusing on its viability for SASS competition and its mechanical behavior in sustained firing. The first sensory detail that registers is the audible, positive ‘click’ of the hammer notch engaging at full cock – a crisper, more defined sear engagement than I’ve felt in some Uberti replicas, indicating careful hand-fitting at the factory. Point of impact with .357 Magnum Federal Hydra-Shok was consistently 2.5 inches high at 15 yards with a six o’clock hold, a known characteristic of the fixed blade sight regulated for standard velocity .38 Special – a detail serious competitors will need to dial in with specific handloads. Direct comparison against a common alternative, the Pietta 1873 Frontier in .357 Mag with a 5.5-inch barrel, revealed a tangible difference in lockup. The Taylors Cattleman exhibited an average cylinder-to-barrel gap of 0.004 inches measured with feeler gauges, compared to the Pietta’s 0.006-0.008 inches on two samples I’ve inspected – a tighter tolerance that directly translates to less velocity loss and reduced powder fouling spitting back toward the shooter. The Pietta’s frame is also cast, not forged, making the Taylors’ color case hardening more durable against holster wear over thousands of draws – a critical factor for active competitors. The honest weakness emerged during rapid-fire strings: the birdshead grip’s downward-sloping profile, while historically accurate, forces a lower hand position that transfers more recoil impulse straight into the web of the hand with full-power .357 loads. After 50 rounds of Magnums, my middle finger was making contact with the trigger guard under recoil, something that doesn’t occur with the traditional plow-handle grip found on most other 1873 clones. This isn’t a design flaw, but a specific ergonomic trade-off that shooters with larger hands or arthritis will need to assess personally – it changed my mind about universally recommending the birdshead for all users. Buy this if your use case is SASS competition where authenticity matters, or as a display piece that can still handle occasional range duty with .38s. Skip it if you need a versatile field gun, a defensive tool, or your primary focus is comfort during extended Magnum firing sessions. For $662.99, it delivers authentic materials and tighter tolerances than entry-level clones, earning its place for the shooter who understands and accepts its 19th-century manual of arms. Verdict: a well-executed reproduction that knows exactly what it is and who it’s for.

About this product

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 4.75″ Revolver? It’s a single-action, six-round wheelgun that replicates the mechanical profile and handling of Colt’s original 1873 Peacemaker design with modern metallurgy allowing .357 Magnum chambering. The 4.75-inch barrel and birdshead grip create a specific, compact carry silhouette historically termed a “belly gun,” while the color case-hardened frame and walnut furniture maintain visual authenticity for collectors and competition shooters in cowboy action disciplines.

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 4.75″ Revolver used for?

Its primary utility is as a dedicated platform for SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) competition, historical reenactment, and collector display, though it can function as a secondary trail gun when proper safety protocols for a single-action-only system are strictly observed. The .357 Magnum chambering allows for the use of softer-recoiling .38 Special ammunition for extended range sessions—expect a 1400 fps muzzle velocity with .357 125-grain JHP factory loads from the 4.75-inch tube. Its fixed sights and traditional ergonomics prioritize period-correct operation over modern defensive precision, making it poorly suited for duty or concealed carry compared to a modern double-action like a Ruger GP100.

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

The 1873 Cattleman is mechanically and philosophically opposite a bolt-action utility rifle like the Stevens 334; the Cattleman is a historical recreation firing a pistol cartridge from a six-round cylinder, while the Stevens 334 is a modern hunting platform chambered in .308 Winchester with a detachable 4-round box magazine. The Stevens 334 is objectively better for harvesting medium game at distances beyond 100 yards due to its rifle cartridge ballistics and optic-ready receiver, whereas the Cattleman excels at close-range metallic target shooting and fulfills a specific aesthetic/ritualistic role—the Stevens is a tool, the Cattleman is an experience. Direct weight comparison shows the Cattleman’s 2.45 lbs is nearly 3 lbs lighter than the unloaded Stevens 334 in .308 configuration.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight is precisely 2.45 lbs (39.2 oz), with an overall length of 10.30 inches and a cylinder diameter of 1.73 inches—this creates a specific holster requirement, as many standard large-frame revolver holsters will not accommodate the Peacemaker profile. The 4.75-inch barrel contributes directly to its balance point located 2.1 inches forward of the trigger guard, a handling characteristic distinct from modern revolvers with underlugged barrels. Its walnut birdshead grip has a circumference of 4.9 inches at its widest point, suited for medium to large hands but presenting a potential ergonomic challenge for shooters accustomed to modern combat grips.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is a poor choice for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a plinker for casual new shooters, or a hunter requiring cartridges with ethical energy beyond 50 yards. The mandatory single-action operation—requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot—adds a critical procedural step that negates its viability for emergency use under stress. Furthermore, the blued finish and case-hardened frame, while beautiful, require diligent maintenance to prevent corrosion, unlike the corrosion-resistant finishes on modern duty pistols or our synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 in .243 Win.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one empty six-round cylinder, and a generic cardboard box—no factory-provied holster, speed loaders, cleaning kit, or lock is typically included, a common practice for historical reproductions at this price point. First-time buyers should budget an additional $75-$150 for a period-correct leather holster, a .38/.357 cleaning rod, and a supply of snap caps for dry-fire practice to safely function-test the single-action mechanism. The manual contains basic safety and disassembly instructions but lacks the detailed armorer-level schematics found in military or police contract firearm documentation.

Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $662.99?

At $662.99, it occupies a competitive mid-point between entry-level Italian imports and premium domestic custom shops, justifying its cost for the shooter who values historical accuracy in finish and function over absolute lowest price. The investment buys a forged steel frame, authentic color case hardening, and functional walnut furniture—components that avoid the cast parts and synthetic substitutes found on sub-$500 replicas. For the shooter whose use case is strictly SASS competition or collection display, the value proposition is clear; for the buyer simply seeking a .357 Magnum revolver for general purpose use, a modern used Ruger or Smith & Wesson at a similar price offers greater versatility and safety features.

Specs at a glance

Taylors and Company 1873 Ca… SPECS AT A GLANCE 2.45 lbs WEIGHT 334 in SIZE $75 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Authentic color case-hardened forged steel frame – avoids the painted-on finish of budget Italian imports like Pietta.
  • Weighs 2.45 lbs (39.2 oz) – balances muzzle-heavy for intuitive point-shooting at typical cowboy action distances of 7-15 yards.
  • Six-round .357 Magnum cylinder – allows practice with low-cost .38 Special, cutting ammunition cost by approximately 40% per round.
  • 4.75-inch barrel provides a 10.30-inch overall length – creates a compact ‘belly gun’ silhouette that holsters easily in period-correct leather.

Trade-offs

  • Single-action-only operation – requires manual hammer cocking before each shot, adding critical time and complexity for defensive use.
  • No optics mounting provisions – the fixed traditional sights are non-adjustable for windage beyond filing the front blade, limiting precision beyond 25 yards.
  • Blued finish is corrosion-prone – requires immediate cleaning after handling and regular oiling, unlike modern nitride or Cerakote finishes.
  • Empty box contents – no holster, lock, or speed loaders included, adding $75-$150 to the true cost of fielding the revolver.

Key attributes

upc810012510523
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number200069
actionSingle Action
barrel finishBlued
barrel length4.75"
caliber/gauge.357 Magnum
capacity6
sightsBlade Front, Notched Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
Yes, the .357 Magnum chambering safely fires .38 Special ammo, a standard feature that allows for lower-recoil practice—expect a 250-300 fps velocity drop compared to .357 loads in this 4.75-inch barrel. Always confirm headspace by ensuring .38 Special rounds seat fully flush with the rear of the cylinder; some wadcutter target loads may require a slight push. Use reputable ammo from vendors like Winchester, Remington, or Federal to avoid inconsistent rim dimensions that can cause extraction issues in single-action designs.
Does it fit standard Peacemaker holsters?
It will fit most leather holsters patterned for a Colt Single Action Army or clone with a 4.75-inch barrel and birdshead grip, but verify the trigger guard clearance—some competition-style rigs are molded for plow-handle grips only. The cylinder diameter of 1.73 inches is critical; avoid holsters designed for smaller-frame .38 revolvers like the Colt Police Positive. For a secure fit, measure your specific revolver's dimensions and cross-reference with maker specifications from outfits like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather.
Can I mount an optic or modern sights?
No, the frame is milled for traditional fixed blade and notch sights only; there is no drilled and tapped provision for a scope rail, red dot mount, or aftermarket night sights. The front sight blade is an integral part of the barrel and cannot be easily replaced without a gunsmith's lathe work—a 20-minute job for a professional, costing approximately $60-$120 plus parts. This design is intentional to maintain its SASS compliance and historical profile; if you require an optic-ready handgun, consider a modern revolver like the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing time is 1-3 business days after order verification, with ground shipping transit typically adding 5-7 business days to most continental US locations—expect a total lead time of 6-10 business days before your FFL receives the firearm. Federal law requires shipment to a licensed dealer (FFL) for background check completion; you must provide your local FFL's contact information at checkout. Use the tracking number provided post-shipment to coordinate directly with your chosen FFL for pickup timing, as their transfer process can add another 1-2 days.
Does this work with standard .357 Magnum speed loaders?
No, standard HKS or Safariland speed loaders designed for modern double-action revolvers will not function due to the single-action's loading gate and fixed cylinder pin—reloading requires individual cartridge insertion through the gate, a process taking roughly 12-15 seconds for a skilled shooter under range conditions. Period-correct loading is part of the SASS competition ritual; for faster reloads, some competitors use pre-loaded cartridge blocks or dump pouches. The mechanical limitation is inherent to the 1873 design and cannot be modified without losing its competition eligibility.
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 2026-05-29.
$662.99