Taylors and Company Schofield Second Model .45 LC 5-inch

About this product

The Taylors and Company Schofield Second Model .45 LC 5-inch is a faithful modern reproduction of the classic top-break cavalry revolver, built to current manufacturing tolerances but maintaining the original operating principle. This revolver operates through Smith & Wesson's patented top-break design rather than the more common side-swing or fixed-frame configurations seen in most modern wheelguns. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, it delivers the cartridge exactly as it was intended in the late 19th century, with a 6-round cylinder and a 5-inch barrel that balances historical accuracy with practical handling.

What is the Taylors Schofield Second Model used for?

The Schofield's primary use today is cowboy-action competition, where its fast extraction method provides a measurable advantage over traditional gate-loaded single-action revolvers. During a timed stage, the top-break action allows a shooter to eject all six spent cases at once with the simple flip of a latch, cutting 3-5 seconds off the average reload compared to punching out individual empties. It's also an excellent choice for historical firearms collectors who want a functioning replica they can actually shoot, or for marksmen interested in the mechanical evolution of repeating handguns before the advent of semi-automatics. For general-purpose home defense or concealed carry, however, this is not the tool.

How does the Schofield Second Model compare to a standard Uberti Cattleman?

The Schofield's top-break design offers faster tactical reloading than the traditional side-gate loading of a comparable Uberti Cattleman .45 LC revolver. Where the Cattleman requires the shooter to individually punch out each spent case and then load fresh cartridges one by one through a loading gate, the Schofield lets you break the action open and eject all six empties simultaneously, then drop six fresh rounds into the cylinder as a unit. For pure speed shooting in cowboy-action matches, the Schofield is objectively better; the Cattleman, however, is typically more mechanically robust and costs around $300-400 less for a comparable blued/walnut model, making it the better choice for budget-conscious historical shooters.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver has an unloaded weight of 41.8 ounces (2.61 pounds) and an overall length of 11.25 inches from the muzzle to the back of the grip frame. With its 5-inch barrel, the balance point sits just forward of the cylinder, giving it a distinct forward-heaviness compared to a the Stevens 334 .308 Win Rifle which balances at its action. The grip circumference is approximately 5.25 inches, which feels substantial in medium to large hands but can be challenging for shooters with smaller hands to achieve a proper high hold.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive or duty firearm, as its single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot. The .45 Long Colt cartridge, while powerful, is not as ballistically efficient from a 5-inch barrel as modern .45 ACP or 9mm defensive loads, and ammunition is significantly more expensive. It's also not the right choice for a first-time shooter looking for a simple, low-maintenance plinker, as the top-break mechanism has more moving parts and requires more detailed cleaning than a modern revolver or a straightforward semi-auto like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge — our editorial take.

What's in the box?

The revolver ships with a single, basic 6-round cylinder and one set of walnut grip panels secured by a single screw. Taylors and Company includes a generic plastic hard case with foam cutouts, which provides adequate protection for shipping and home storage but lacks the locking points or waterproof seals of a true field or transport case. You will not find additional speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or any complementary accessories—this is a bare-bones presentation suitable for enthusiasts who already own the necessary tools and supplies.

Is the Taylors Schofield Second Model worth it at $1,326.99?

At this price point, the value proposition hinges entirely on your specific interest in the top-break action and historical authenticity, not on obtaining the most versatile or cost-effective firearm. You are paying approximately a $400 premium over a standard reproduction single-action revolver for the unique ejection mechanism and the Second Model's specific historical details, like the rear sight notch integrated into the barrel latch. For a dedicated cowboy-action competitor aiming to shave seconds off reload times, that premium is justifiable; for a casual range shooter who just likes the look of Old West revolvers, a standard side-gate model at under $900 represents significantly better value.