Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Gunfighter .45 LC 5.50″
About this product
The Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Gunfighter .45 LC 5.50” is a modern-manufactured, faithful reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, built on a forged frame and maintaining the original’s mechanical timing and six-round capacity. This revolver is engineered for shooters who require authentic single-action function for competition, reenactment, or as a collector-grade working piece. With a 5.50-inch barrel and an overall weight of 40 ounces, its handling characteristics are distinctly different from modern double-action or polymer-frame handguns. Every aspect of its construction, from the color case-hardened frame to the blued steel barrel and cylinder, is executed to provide a period-correct experience without the cost and wear of an antique.
What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Gunfighter .45 LC 5.50” used for?
This revolver is engineered for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) competition, historical reenactment, and as a dedicated single-action training platform, where its authentic mechanical timing and fixed sight configuration are functional requirements. It is a purpose-built tool, with a 6-round cylinder capacity that adheres to SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) rules for the Gunfighter category, and its 5.50-inch barrel provides the sight radius needed for consistent hits on steel at 15-25 yard competition distances. It is not intended for defensive carry, nor is it suitable for high-volume, casual plinking without an understanding of its manual-of-arms and cleaning requirements, a point we also make about our selection of tactical rifles like the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win.
How does the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Gunfighter compare to a Ruger Vaquero?
The Taylors & Company Cattleman is a closer mechanical replica of the original 1873 Colt, while the Ruger Vaquero incorporates a modern transfer-bar safety system, making the Vaquero inherently safer for carrying with all six chambers loaded. The Taylors model uses a traditional four-click hammer with a half-cock notch for loading, identical to the 19th-century design, which demands the user load only five rounds and leave an empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry. The Vaquero is arguably the more practical choice for a general-use single-action, but the Gunfighter model exists for the shooter who prioritizes historical authenticity over modern safety features in a controlled environment like a range.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 40 ounces (1.13 kg) and has an overall barrel length of 5.50 inches, resulting in an approximate overall length of 11 inches when measured from the forcing cone to the rear of the grip frame. The Army-size walnut grip has a circumference of approximately 5.5 inches, designed to fill a larger hand, and the cylinder width measures 1.75 inches across its widest point. These dimensions create a specific balance point about 1.5 inches forward of the trigger guard, giving it a classic muzzle-forward feel distinct from modern revolvers.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a first-time gun buyer or anyone seeking a modern defensive firearm or a high-volume plinker. Its single-action-only operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a process that takes a practiced shooter about 2-3 seconds for an aimed follow-up shot, and it lacks any form of modern passive safety. Furthermore, individuals primarily interested in clay targets should look at a dedicated platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge instead of trying to adapt a historic revolver design to an unsuitable task.
What’s in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round blued steel cylinder, and a basic plastic hard case; there are no speed loaders, additional grips, or cleaning tools included from the factory. The cylinder is fitted and timed to this specific frame at the factory, a process that takes a trained gunsmith approximately 30-45 minutes to execute properly, which is why the cylinder is not a user-swappable part. You will need to supply your own .45 Long Colt ammunition, a cleaning rod of the appropriate caliber, and CLP for proper maintenance after firing.
Is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Gunfighter worth it at $709.99?
At $709.99, it represents a fair market value for a forged-frame, historically accurate replica from a reputable importer, positioned between entry-level Italian imports and custom-built ‘smokewagons.’ Its value is predicated entirely on the shooter’s need for authenticity; if you require the precise hammer throw, sight picture, and grip feel of an 1873 Colt for competition or collection, this is a cost-effective way to get it. If your need is simply for a reliable single-action revolver for general use, a used Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero at a similar price point offers greater durability and modern safety features.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged color case-hardened frame – more durable than investment-cast competitors like some Heritage models
- Authentic 4-click hammer and half-cock loading – correct for SASS Gunfighter category competition
- 40 oz weight provides a stable, traditional shooting platform, reducing perceived recoil of .45 LC
- Uses authentic Army-size walnut grip (5.5" circumference) for control with large hands
Trade-offs
- No transfer-bar safety – requires manual loading of only 5 rounds for safe carry, a non-negotiable operational rule
- Fixed black-powder style sights – not adjustable for windage or elevation without gunsmith modification
- Italian proof marks visible on barrel – a minor aesthetic issue for some purists seeking a 'clean' replica
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665004968 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555139 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Blade Front, Notched Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Uberti or Pietta parts?
- Yes, the Taylors & Company 1873 is built by Uberti in Italy, so most internal parts, springs, and grip panels are directly interchangeable with standard Uberti 1873 Cattleman models. However, fitted components like the hand and bolt may require minor fitting by a gunsmith, a process that typically takes 20-30 minutes with proper tools.
- Does it fit a standard holster for a Colt SAA?
- Absolutely. Its external dimensions are a faithful copy of the original Colt, so it will fit any holster made for a Colt Single Action Army or Uberti replica with a 5.5-inch barrel. I recommend a reinforced leather rig from a maker like Diamond D Custom Leathers for competition use.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2 business days via UPS Ground. Transit time varies by zone, but expect 3-7 business days from our warehouse to your chosen licensed dealer for the final transfer. We require a valid, emailed FFL copy prior to shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Due to federal regulations, all firearm transfers are final once the 4473 form is completed at your FFL. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer first. You can sell the firearm through a private party transfer in accordance with your state laws if the grip size, which is a 5.5-inch circumference, is not suitable.
- Does this work with .45 Colt +P ammunition?
- No, it is not rated for any +P or high-pressure .45 Colt loads. It is designed for standard-pressure ammunition per SAAMI specifications, approximately 14,000 PSI. Use only factory ammunition labeled for 'standard pressure' in revolvers of this type to avoid damaging the frame or cylinder.
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the 5.50-inch barrel is not threaded, and threading it would destroy the front sight and historical profile. Suppressors are not applicable to revolvers of this design due to cylinder gap escape. For a purpose-built, suppressor-ready platform, look at a modern centerfire rifle.