Taylors and Company 1860 Brass Engraved .45 Long Colt 24.25″
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About this product
The Taylors and Company 1860 Brass Engraved .45 Long Colt 24.25″ is a lever-action rifle that combines historical reproduction with modern manufacturing standards for serious shooters who appreciate mechanical authenticity. Built around a brass-engraved receiver and 24.25-inch octagon barrel, this firearm delivers the authentic 1860 action feel with current production reliability. At 9 pounds and 43.3 inches overall, it's a substantial piece designed for deliberate shooting rather than quick handling.
What is the Taylors and Company 1860 Brass Engraved .45 Long Colt used for?
This rifle serves three specific purposes: cowboy action shooting, historical reenactment, and ranch utility work where longer-range pistol-caliber performance matters. The .45 Long Colt cartridge generates approximately 900 fps muzzle velocity from this barrel length, making it effective for targets up to 100 yards. The 13+1 capacity and ladder sights support both rapid fire scenarios and precision shooting with proper technique.
How does the Taylors and Company 1860 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Taylor's 1860 specializes in historical authenticity where the Stevens 334 focuses on modern hunting performance. For cowboy action competitions requiring period-correct firearms, the Taylor's platform dominates with its brass furniture and lever operation. However, for serious deer hunting beyond 150 yards, the Stevens 334's .308 Winchester cartridge delivers over 2,600 fps muzzle velocity and superior long-range energy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 9 pounds exactly and measures 43.3 inches in overall length with a 24.25-inch octagon barrel. The barrel's octagonal profile measures 1.125 inches across the flats, contributing significantly to the weight distribution that helps manage .45 Long Colt recoil. The walnut stock adds approximately 2.3 pounds to the total weight while providing a 13.5-inch length of pull.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you need quick follow-up shots or modern tactical features like optics mounting. The 9-pound weight and 43-inch length make it cumbersome for vehicle or tree stand use compared to compact options like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. Traditional sights require practice to master, and the brass receiver shows handling marks more readily than blued steel.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one cleaning rod segment, and manufacturer documentation including proof test certification. The rifle ships with protective grease coating the bore and action that requires thorough cleaning before first use. Expect to budget an additional $45-65 for appropriate cleaning supplies if you don't already own .45 caliber specific tools.
Is the Taylors and Company 1860 worth it at $2052.99?
At this price point, you're paying for hand-engraved brass and walnut construction that mass-produced firearms can't match. Compared to plain-finish lever actions at $800-1200, the engraving and historic authenticity justify the premium for serious collectors. For pure shooting functionality, consider whether a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun at half the price might better serve your practical needs.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 24.25-inch octagon barrel provides exceptional sight radius for iron sight accuracy
- 13+1 capacity exceeds most lever actions in .45 Long Colt by 2-3 rounds
- Brass engraving adds approximately $400 value over plain finished models
- Walnut stock with proper 13.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters
Trade-offs
- 9-pound weight makes off-hand shooting fatiguing beyond 20-30 rounds
- No optics mounting capability without significant gunsmith modification
- Brass receiver shows fingerprint marks and requires frequent polishing
- Lever action cycles slower than modern semi-automatic platforms
Key attributes
| upc | 839665002537 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550295 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 24.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| sights | Blade Front/Ladder Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .45 Long Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it handles standard pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition up to 14,000 PSI safely. Avoid +P loads as the 1860 action wasn't designed for modern high-pressure cartridges. Stick with brands like Winchester or Remington that maintain SAAMI specifications for this caliber.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- No, the receiver isn't drilled for scope mounts and the ladder rear sight occupies the traditional mounting area. The 24.25-inch barrel also lacks pre-drilled tap points for front sights or rails. You'd need gunsmith modification costing $150-300 to add optics capability.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Expect 7-10 business days for FFL processing and ground shipping to most Montana locations. The rifle ships from Virginia and requires signature confirmation at your designated FFL dealer. Expedited shipping adds $85 but cuts transit time to 3 business days.
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Taylors and Company provides a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects for the original owner. The warranty excludes finish wear, engraving damage, and issues caused by ammunition exceeding SAAMI specifications. Claims require returning the firearm to their Virginia facility at your expense.