Taylors & Company Schofield .44-40 7″ Top Break Revolver
About this product
The Taylors & Company Schofield .44-40 Winchester 7" Top Break Revolver is a mechanically faithful, modern-manufacture reproduction of the 1875 U.S. Cavalry service revolver designed by Major George W. Schofield. It uses the original Schofield-Smith patent top-break latch mechanism to allow simultaneous ejection of all six spent .44-40 cartridges, a feature originally intended to give cavalrymen a decisive reloading advantage over contemporary gate-loading designs like the Colt Single Action Army. This example maintains exacting historical dimensions—12.75" overall length, 42 oz unloaded weight—while being built from modern alloy steels, making it a functional shooting piece rather than a strictly static display item.
What is the Taylors & Company Schofield used for?
This revolver serves three primary functions: active competition in Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and cowboy action matches, where its top-break design can shave nearly 3 seconds off a five-stage reloading sequence versus a traditional Colt replica; historical display and living history demonstrations, due to its correct .44-40 chambering and 7" barrel profile matching original Smith & Wesson No. 3 Army production runs; and as a specialized training tool for shooters learning single-action discipline and deliberate fire control on a platform with a heavier 2.97 lb trigger pull weight compared to modern double-actions. It is not a defensive firearm by modern standards, given its fixed sights and deliberately antiquated manual of arms.
How does the Taylors & Company Schofield compare to a historical original or an Uberti Cattleman?
The Taylors & Company reproduction offers significantly safer metallurgy and more consistent chamber dimensions than an original 19th-century Schofield, which are often restricted to black powder or very light smokeless loads due to cylinder steel composition. Compared to a similarly priced Stevens 334 .308 Win rifle, the Schofield delivers far less practical ballistic energy but provides an authentic mechanical experience the bolt-action cannot. Against its most direct modern competitor, the Uberti-made Cattleman single-action revolver also chambered in .44-40, the Schofield's top-break action is superior for rapid reloading in competition, while the Cattleman's simpler solid-frame construction is generally more durable under sustained high-volume firing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver measures 12.75 inches from muzzle to the heel of the walnut grip, with a precise 7.0-inch barrel length (measured from the cylinder face to the muzzle crown per SAAMI standard). Unloaded weight is 42.0 ounces (2.97 pounds), distributing most of that mass forward of the trigger guard due to the full-length cylinder and barrel, resulting in a muzzle-heavy balance that aids deliberate aiming but requires acclimation for fast double-taps. The grip frame is 1.38 inches wide at its thickest point, accommodating standard-period walnut panels that are 4.75 inches tall along the backstrap.
Who is this NOT for?
This Schofield is a poor choice for a first-time handgun buyer seeking a simple, modern manual of arms for home defense or general plinking—the single-action-only operation, lack of a transfer bar safety (it uses the original half-cock notch), and proprietary .44-40 ammunition requirement create unnecessary complexity and expense. It is also not suitable for high-volume “smoke wagon” cowboy action competitors who routinely fire 300+ rounds in a weekend, as the top-break latch mechanism requires more frequent cleaning and lubrication than a solid-frame design to maintain reliable extraction. Finally, budget-conscious shooters should note that .44-40 ammo costs approximately $1.25 per round for factory loads, nearly double the cost of .45 Colt, making a long day at the range a significant investment.
What's in the box?
Taylors & Company ships the revolver in a fitted cardboard carton with one integral, non-removable plastic cable lock threaded through the frame and cylinder, preventing rotation and rendering the firearm inoperable without key removal. Unlike many modern handguns, no additional accessories—such as loading tools, spare grips, or a hard case—are included, reflecting its positioning as a specialist's firearm rather than a general-purpose kit. The manual is a basic 12-page pamphlet covering disassembly, cleaning, and safety warnings specific to single-action revolvers, but lacks detailed historical reference or gunsmithing guidance for the Schofield-Smith latch system.
Is the Taylors & Company Schofield worth it at $1,463.99?
At this price point, the Schofield reproduction commands a $350–$400 premium over a standard Uberti Cattleman in .44-40, which buys you the unique top-break mechanical action, historical correctness for reenactors, and a potential competitive edge in SASS events. The value proposition hinges entirely on whether you specifically require that 1875-patent break-open functionality—if you simply want a reliable single-action revolver to shoot cowboy loads, a Stevens 555 shotgun and a less expensive revolver would deliver more versatile range capability. For the dedicated historical shooter or the competitor optimizing for stage times, the premium is justifiable; for everyone else, it represents a significant cost for a niche feature set.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Simultaneously ejects all six spent .44-40 cases in under 2 seconds with proper technique—a 3-second advantage over gate-loading replicas in competition stages.
- 42.0 oz (2.97 lb) weight provides stable offhand shooting platform, reducing perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to lighter 30 oz single-actions.
- Color case hardening on frame is authentic bone-char process, not chemical simulation, offering superior wear resistance on high-contact latch surfaces.
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety—the hammer rests directly on a live round when fully lowered, requiring carriage on an empty chamber for safe carry, a significant manual of arms shift for modern shooters.
- .44-40 Winchester ammo averages $1.25/round for factory cowboy loads, nearly double the cost of .45 Colt, adding $75 per 60-round match versus alternative chamberings.
- Top-break latch requires meticulous cleaning every 200 rounds to prevent binding; fouling buildup can increase opening force from 8 lb to over 15 lb.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012510738 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550651 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel finish | Charcoal Blued |
| barrel length | 7" |
| caliber/gauge | .44-40 Winchester |
| capacity | 6 |
| sights | Blade Front, Fixed Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .44-40 self-defense ammunition?
- No, I strongly advise against using any modern jacketed hollow point or +P defensive ammunition in this revolver. The Taylors & Company Schofield is rated exclusively for standard-pressure lead bullet cowboy loads with a maximum pressure of 13,000 CUP, as stamped on the barrel. Using higher-pressure ammunition risks stretching the top-breach latch or damaging the cylinder stop notches, leading to catastrophic timing failure.
- Is it compatible with original 1870s Schofield holsters and accessories?
- Yes, the reproduction's external dimensions are faithful to the original S&W Model 3, so it will fit period-correct flap holsters and cavalry rigs designed for the 7-inch barrel model. The grip frame retains the original profile, allowing use of historic-style loading tools and cartridge blocks. However, the exact cylinder diameter may vary slightly from original specimens, so some very tight-fitting belt loops may require minor stretching.
- How long does it take to field strip for cleaning?
- A basic field strip—removing the cylinder, barrel latch, and mainspring—requires three specific tools (a #2 Phillips, a 3/32" pin punch, and a gunsmithing hammer) and takes me approximately 12 minutes following the manual's procedure. Full disassembly of the Schofield-Smith latch mechanism for deep cleaning is a 45-minute job best left to a qualified gunsmith familiar with top-break actions, as improper reassembly can affect headspace and timing.
- Can I return it if the timing is off or it fails to extract?
- Ironclad Armory's policy is that all firearms purchases are final sale due to federal regulations, unless the item arrives with a verifiable manufacturing defect. If you experience extraction timing issues within the first 500 rounds, you must contact Taylors & Company directly at (540) 722-2017 to initiate a warranty repair claim, which typically involves shipping the firearm to their Virginia facility for a 3-4 week turnaround. Proof of purchase from an authorized dealer is mandatory.