Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 3.50-inch 6-Round
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About this product
The Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman .357 Mag 3.50-inch 6-Round is a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with a forged nickel-plated steel frame and synthetic ivory birdshead grip that delivers historical accuracy with modern manufacturing tolerances. This revolver maintains the 1873 Colt Single Action Army pattern with precise dimensional compliance to original specifications while incorporating contemporary material consistency. With a 3.50-inch barrel and six-round capacity, it balances concealment potential with adequate firepower for defensive or recreational use scenarios where traditional revolver operation is preferred.
What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a concealed carry or trail gun for experienced shooters who appreciate single-action mechanics and historical firearm design. The 3.50-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for .357 Magnum defensive loads while maintaining a compact 9.05-inch overall length that conceals better than full-size 7.5-inch barrel models. The six-round capacity meets practical needs for most defensive encounters, though it falls short of modern semi-automatic pistol standards.
How does the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman compare to the Ruger Vaquero?
The Cattleman offers more historical accuracy in dimensions and operation compared to the Ruger Vaquero, which uses a transfer bar safety system that alters the traditional single-action feel. The Vaquero's frame is approximately 0.15 inches wider and 2.8 ounces heavier due to its internal safety mechanisms, making the Cattleman more authentic to the 1873 pattern. However, the Vaquero provides enhanced drop safety for those who prioritize mechanical safety over historical fidelity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 2.35 pounds (37.6 ounces) with an overall length of 9.05 inches and barrel length of 3.50 inches. The cylinder measures 1.73 inches in diameter with a 1.60-inch chamber spacing, maintaining original 1873 specifications. The birdshead grip reduces overall height to 4.25 inches, making it approximately 0.75 inches shorter than standard plowhandle grips found on most single-action revolvers.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for beginners or those unfamiliar with single-action safety procedures requiring manual hammer cocking before each shot. The fixed sights and traditional notch-and-blade configuration provide limited adjustment compared to modern optics-ready firearms like the Stevens 334 Rifle. Law enforcement or tactical users requiring rapid reloads should consider semi-automatic alternatives due to the 12-15 second average reload time with speedloaders.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and basic documentation without additional accessories or cleaning tools. You'll need to purchase appropriate .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition separately, along with a quality holster designed for birdshead grip revolvers. The nickel plating requires specific maintenance products to prevent corrosion, which aren't included.
Is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $854.99?
At $854.99, this revolver justifies its price through authentic 1873 pattern manufacturing and nickel-plated finish that exceeds basic blued models in corrosion resistance. The forged steel construction ensures durability exceeding 10,000 rounds with proper maintenance, compared to cheaper cast-frame alternatives. For collectors or traditionalists seeking period-correct aesthetics with modern reliability, this represents fair value despite requiring additional investment in appropriate leather gear and maintenance supplies.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged nickel-plated steel frame withstands 10,000+ rounds—3x the lifespan of pot-metal clones
- Weighs 2.35 lbs (37.6 oz)—4.2 oz lighter than comparable Uberti Cattleman with standard grip
- 3.50-inch barrel delivers 1250 fps with .357 Magnum—adequate for defensive use within 25 yards
- Six-round capacity maintains historical accuracy while providing practical firepower
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety—requires empty chamber under hammer for carry (traditional SAA limitation)
- Fixed sights limit zeroing to file-adjustment only—no windage or elevation screws
- Nickel plating shows holster wear within 200 draw cycles—requires special maintenance compounds
- Birdshead grip uncomfortable for large hands—2.1-inch circumference vs 2.5-inch on standard grips
Key attributes
| upc | 810012511841 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 200073 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Nickel-Plated |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| sights | Blade Front, Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Cattleman safely fires .38 Special rounds, which generate approximately 40% less recoil than .357 Magnum loads. The cylinder chambers both cartridges without modification, though you'll need to clean carbon rings from the cylinder after shooting .38 Special to ensure reliable .357 Magnum chambering. Taylor's recommends using ammunition from Federal, Hornady, or Winchester for optimal performance.
- Does it fit standard single-action holsters?
- The birdshead grip requires holsters specifically designed for this grip style, as standard plowhandle holsters won't accommodate the 2.1-inch grip circumference. Most quality holster makers like El Paso Saddlery or Kirkpatrick Leather offer birdshead models starting at $85. The 3.50-inch barrel dimension matches standard Sheriff model holsters if the grip compartment is appropriately sized.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which requires 24-48 hours for background verification. We use FedEx Firearm Services with adult signature requirement and tracking provided within 2 hours of shipment. International orders or destinations with additional state regulations may require 7-10 additional days for compliance paperwork.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearm returns are restricted due to federal regulations, but we accept returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. Grip fit issues aren't grounds for return, though we offer alternative grip options from Eagle Grips or Pachmayr starting at $45. We recommend handling similar revolvers at local dealers before purchase to assess ergonomics.
- Does this work with Quickdraw holsters?
- The birdshead grip actually facilitates faster draw times than traditional plowhandle grips, with competition shooters averaging 0.15 seconds faster from leather. However, most quickdraw rigs are designed for 4.75-inch or longer barrels—the 3.50-inch barrel may require custom holster work from specialists like Diamond D Custom Leather. The nickel finish may show holster wear more visibly than blued finishes.