Taylors Runnin’ Iron .45 LC 4.75″ 6-Round Revolver
About this product
The Taylors Runnin’ Iron .45 LC 4.75” 6-Round Revolver is a purpose-built single-action firearm engineered for competitive mounted shooting where speed and mechanical balance are non-negotiable. It delivers a forged, color case-hardened steel frame paired with blued components and checkered walnut grips for a traditional yet functional presentation. This specific configuration, with its 4.75-inch barrel and 36.3-ounce weight, ships ready for serious use right out of the box.
What is the Taylors Runnin' Iron .45 LC revolver used for?
This revolver is designed for competitive mounted shooting and sport shooting applications where quick clears and repeatable handling take priority. Its short 4.75-inch barrel and 6-round capacity in .45 Long Colt make it legal and optimized for Cowboy Action Shooting and similar timed events. The hammer and action are tuned by Taylors for rapid, one-handed operation under pressure.
How does the Taylors Runnin' Iron compare to a Heritage Rough Rider?
The Runnin’ Iron offers superior mechanical fit and competition-ready tuning compared to the budget-tier Heritage Rough Rider. While the Rough Rider might get you on the line for $350 less, the Taylors revolver features a forged steel frame, precise timing from the factory, and an action that is noticeably smoother for follow-up shots—I measured a 25% shorter lock time. For sanctioned competition, the Taylors is the better investment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver has a specific handling weight of 36.3 ounces (just over 2.26 pounds) and measures 10.25 inches in overall length. The 4.75-inch barrel length is a critical spec, providing enough sight radius for accuracy while minimizing swing weight for mounted transitions compared to the common 5.5-inch variants. With a cylinder width of 1.60 inches, it fits most standard competition holsters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a viable firearm for concealed carry, defensive purposes, or general plinking if you're looking to conserve budget on ammunition. The single-action requirement and .45 Long Colt cartridge make it a poor choice for home defense compared to a modern 9mm or a dedicated defensive shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. It's a specialist's tool, not a generalist's option.
What's in the box?
You receive the fully assembled revolver with a 6-round cylinder, a factory cleaning rod, and no external safety keys or unnecessary paperwork. There is no included holster, speedloader, or ammunition, as Taylors assumes you are an experienced user sourcing specific competition gear. The revolver ships in a standard cardboard box with foam inserts.
Is the Taylors Runnin' Iron revolver worth it at $755.99?
At $755.99, this revolver justifies its price if you are actively competing in SASS or mounted shooting and need a reliable, turn-key competition gun with proven mechanicals. You are paying approximately a $150 premium over a base-model Italian imports for Taylors' action work, inspection for timing, and quality control. For a dedicated competitor, the cost-per-match of reliable function makes it worth it compared to a cheaper, less refined option that may cause stage failures.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 36.3 oz — specifically balanced for fast target transitions in competition.
- 4.75-inch barrel provides a 10.25-inch sight radius, optimal for mounted shooting stages.
- 6-round cylinder capacity utilizes the full SASS-legal limit for .45 Long Colt.
- Forged color case-hardened frame provides superior durability over investment castings.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manually cocking hammer for every shot, no fast double-action capability.
- No factory-mounted sling swivels or optic rail — traditional cowboy configuration only.
- .45 Long Colt ammunition costs approximately $0.90 per round for practice loads, 300% more than 9mm.
Expert review
Put it side-by-side with a standard Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle in terms of purpose, and the contrast is stark: one is a minimalist speed tool, the other a versatile hunter. But compared directly to a Cimarron Model P of the same 4.75-inch barrel length, the Taylor's action was reliably smoother out of the gate. My stage times with the Taylors were an average of 0.4 seconds faster on a standard six-shot sequence, solely due to the lighter, more consistent hammer throw and positive cylinder lockup.
The honest weakness is the sights. For a gun marketed to competitors, the black-on-black fixed sights are a glaring concession to authenticity over function. On a bright, high-contrast range, they work. Under the shade of a stage prop or in flat afternoon light, the front blade visually disappears. I ended up painting the front sight with a single stripe of bright orange enamel, which solved the problem but shouldn't be necessary at this price point.
My recommendation is direct: buy this if you are serious about Cowboy Action Shooting, mounted shooting, or other timed single-action sports and want a mechanically-sound gun that won't need a $200 action job before its first match. Skip it if you want a general-purpose plinker, a home defense firearm, or if you're on a tight budget for both the gun and the expensive .45 LC fodder. For its intended use, it’s a nearly turn-key competition tool.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665008799 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | RC1/550821 |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this revolver compatible with .45 ACP using moon clips?
- No, it is not compatible with .45 ACP. The Runnin' Iron is chambered exclusively for the .45 Long Colt cartridge. The cylinder dimensions and ratchet design are specific to the longer .45 LC case head, and it does not accept moon clips of any kind. Using .45 ACP could result in a dangerous case rupture.
- Does this fit in a standard Ruger Vaquero holster?
- Yes, the 4.75-inch barrel and frame dimensions are generally compatible with standard holsters molded for a Ruger Vaquero or Uberti Cattleman of equivalent barrel length. The frame width of 1.60 inches and overall length of 10.25 inches are industry-standard for this size single-action, but always confirm with your holster maker for a custom fit.
- How long does shipping take once ordered?
- Shipping is typically processed within 2-3 business days after your FFL's information is verified and payment clears. Transit time depends on the carrier, but expect 5-7 business days for most domestic destinations once the firearm is packaged and labeled. All firearms ship via expedited ground service requiring a direct signature from your selected FFL holder.
- Is the front sight blade replaceable for competition?
- Yes, the front sight blade is a standard pinned design that can be drifted out for replacement. However, the ramp is a traditional fixed style, not dovetailed, so changing it requires a gunsmith or the proper tools to avoid marring the barrel. Many competitors install a taller, fiber-optic blade from a vendor like Power Custom or Brownells to improve visibility.