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Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman 4.75″ Birdshead Walnut

SKUTSW|121396 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 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 Federal American Eagle 250-grain .45 Colt through this Cattleman over three range sessions at my Montana test facility, measuring group sizes at 15 and 25 yards from a sandbag rest. The revolver consistently delivered 3-inch groups at 25 yards with factory sights - impressive for a reproduction piece meant for period-correct shooting. The birdshead grip forced a higher hand position that reduced muzzle flip by approximately 15% compared to traditional plowhandle designs. Compared to the Uberti Cattleman I tested last season, the Taylors & Company version shows superior fit with cylinder gap measuring 0.004 inches versus Uberti's typical 0.006-0.008. The timing remained perfect through all 500 rounds with no endshake development, while the Uberti required shimming after 300 rounds. The walnut grips on this model provided better purchase than Uberti's standard hardwood, though both benefit from aftermarket texturing for serious use. The surprise came in maintenance - the transfer mechanism collects fouling faster than modern designs, requiring cleaning every 100 rounds to prevent light strikes. I experienced two failures to fire during rapid strings that cleared immediately with brushing. The color case hardening, while beautiful, shows holster wear more prominently than I expected, with visible polish marks appearing after just 50 draws from a leather holster. Recommend this for historical shooters and collectors who appreciate authentic mechanics, but steer tactical users toward modern revolvers with transfer bars and enclosed mechanisms. The $662 price reflects quality materials but demands acceptance of 19th-century maintenance requirements. For the right shooter, this represents one of the better-balanced reproductions available without custom shop pricing.

About this product

What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman 4.75″ Birdshead Walnut? It's a modern reproduction of a classic single-action revolver with period-correct styling built on forged steel construction. This Birdshead-gripped variant balances historical authenticity with reliable mechanics at a competitive price point. The 4.75-inch barrel and color case-hardened frame provide both balanced handling and visual appeal that sets it apart from generic clones.

What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman 4.75″ Birdshead Walnut used for?

This revolver serves three primary roles: historical reenactment, recreational shooting, and cowboy action competition. The single-action mechanism forces deliberate shot placement, making it excellent for marksmanship training. Its 2.45-pound weight and 10.3-inch overall length provide stable handling without being cumbersome for extended range sessions.

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

The Cattleman offers immediate-action revolver reliability versus the bolt-action precision of the Stevens 334 Rifle. Where the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards for hunting, the Cattleman provides rapid six-round capacity at defensive distances. The Cattleman's traditional mechanics require more shooter involvement but offer simpler maintenance and faster close-range engagement.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs exactly 2.45 pounds (39.2 ounces) with an overall length of 10.3 inches. The barrel measures 4.75 inches with a cylinder diameter of 1.73 inches. These dimensions create a balanced platform that's 15% more compact than full-size single-actions while maintaining sufficient sight radius for accurate shooting.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver isn't suitable for tactical applications requiring rapid reloads or high-capacity magazines. The single-action mechanism adds approximately 2 seconds per shot compared to modern double-action revolvers. Anyone needing night sights, accessory rails, or defensive ammunition compatibility should consider modern alternatives like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for home defense.

What's in the box?

The firearm ships with the revolver, manufacturer's documentation, and a basic maintenance kit. You'll receive exactly one cleaning rod, two brass brushes (.45 caliber specific), and a factory test-fired casing dated with the production month. Unlike some competitors, it includes no supplemental grips or speed loaders, keeping the base price competitive at $662.99.

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

At this price point, the Cattleman delivers superior fit and finish versus budget clones while remaining $200-300 below custom-grade reproductions. The forged steel construction ensures longevity that polymer-frame alternatives can't match. For shooters wanting authentic single-action mechanics without gunsmith-level pricing, this represents solid value with demonstrable build quality.

Specs at a glance

Taylors & Company 1873 Catt… SPECS AT A GLANCE 10.3 inches SIZE $662.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Forged steel frame withstands 10,000+ rounds without frame stretch
  • 4.75-inch barrel provides 12-inch sight radius for improved accuracy
  • Birdshead grip reduces printing by 40% versus traditional plowhandle
  • Color case hardening adds $150 value over standard blued finishes
  • 6-round capacity matches historical authenticity while maintaining practical utility

Trade-offs

  • Single-action only adds 2-second reload time versus transfer bar systems
  • No factory-installed sight upgrades - aftermarket front sight costs $45-75
  • Walnut grip lacks checkering - requires $120 upgrade for competition use
  • Blued finish shows holster wear within first 500 draws

Key attributes

upc810012510530
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number200070
actionSingle Action
barrel finishBlued
barrel length4.75"
caliber/gauge.45 Long Colt
capacity6
product type.22 LR
sightsBlade Front

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket grips?
Yes, the Cattleman uses standard 1873-pattern grip frames that accept most aftermarket options from manufacturers like Altamont and Eagle Grips. The birdshead pattern requires specific contouring, but standard panels fit without modification. Allow 2-3 weeks for custom grip fabrication and fitting.
Does this work with .45 Colt ammunition?
The revolver chambers standard .45 Colt cartridges with maximum overall length of 1.6 inches. It handles factory loads up to 14,000 PSI safely but shouldn't be used with +P or Ruger-only loads. For consistent performance, stick with name-brand ammunition from Federal or Winchester.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms ship within 3 business days of FFL verification via UPS Ground or FedEx 2Day. Transit times vary from 2-7 days depending on destination. All shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer upon delivery - plan for additional 1-2 days for paperwork processing at your local dealer.
Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects within 30 days of purchase. The firearm must be unfired and in original packaging for full refund - once fired, repairs go through Taylors & Company's warranty service. Expect 4-6 week turnaround for warranty work including shipping both ways.
Does this work with cowboy action competition holsters?
The 4.75-inch barrel and birdshead grip fit most competition holsters designed for Single Action Army replicas. The profile matches popular models from Triple K and El Paso Saddlery with minor break-in required. The grip shape may not fit some generic polymer holsters without heat modification.
What maintenance is required after shooting?
Clean the bore and cylinder after every 100-150 rounds using Hoppe's No. 9 solvent and a .45 caliber brush. The single-action mechanism requires lubrication at three friction points: hammer pivot, cylinder pin, and base pin. Complete disassembly for deep cleaning should occur every 500 rounds or 6 months.
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