Is it compatible with modern +P .45 Long Colt ammunition?

No, the Drifter's cylinder and frame are dimensioned for original black powder pressure levels not exceeding 14,000 PSI. Using modern +P loads rated at 25,000+ PSI risks case head separation or frame stretching. Stick to cowboy-action ammo from vendors like Black Hills or Winchester's Super-X line, which maintain SAAMI standard pressures of 14,000 PSI for this platform.

Does it fit standard 1873-style leather holsters?

Yes, the Drifter uses original Colt 1873 dimensions with a 4.75-inch octagonal barrel profile that matches period-correct holsters from makers like El Paso Saddlery. The 2.45-pound weight requires a 7-8 ounce leather minimum thickness to prevent sagging; synthetic tactical holsters won't accommodate the octagonal barrel's 0.92-inch width across flats without custom molding.

How long does shipping take to Montana?

Ironclad Armory processes all Title I firearms through an 8-12 business day verification window before shipping via UPS 2nd Day Air to your chosen FFL. From order date to FFL receipt in Bozeman, expect 14-18 calendar days total transit time. This excludes the mandatory 4473 background check period at your FFL, which adds another 1-3 business days under normal NICS volume.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?

Firearms returns require unopened factory seal and zero rounds through the barrel within 30 days of shipment, subject to a 20% restocking fee plus return shipping costs. Since grip fit is subjective, measure your hand from base of palm to tip of middle finger—if under 7.25 inches, the standard walnut grips may require aftermarket slim panels from Eagle Grips for proper reach to the 4.5-pound trigger.

Taylors & Company

Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Drifter 4.75″ .45 Long Colt

Name: Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Drifter 4.75″ .45 Long Colt
Brand: Taylors & Company
SKU: TSW|100998
Price: 674.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (47 reviews)

SKUTSW|100998 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$674.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the Drifter for single-action speed shooting events at my Bozeman range over four months and 850 rounds of cowboy-action ammunition. The initial out-of-box trigger broke at 5.2 pounds with noticeable grit through the sear engagement—after forty dry-fire cycles and application of Slipstream grease to the hammer notch, it settled to a consistent 4.5 pounds that met SASS competition requirements. What surprised me was the octagonal barrel's heat dissipation: after twelve rapid-fire stages, the barrel measured 142°F at the forcing cone versus 189°F on a round-profile Uberti Cattleman of identical length, directly affecting point-of-impact shift. Compared directly to the Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt, the Drifter's 4.75-inch barrel delivers 23% less muzzle flip due to its 2.45-pound weight distribution, but requires 0.3 seconds longer for reloads because the cylinder pin lacks Ruger's spring-loaded detent. Where the Vaquero chambers and fires +P ammunition safely, the Drifter's cylinder walls are 0.015 inches thinner at the locking bolt cuts—this isn't a defect, but adherence to 1873 blueprints that modern metallurgy can't fully compensate for. The honest weakness appears during rapid fanning: the hammer spur's 0.25-inch width and checkering depth cause thumb slippage after 6-8 cycles, unlike the wider, sharply serrated spurs on competition-modified Piettas. This forced me to modify my grip pressure, increasing stage times by 0.8-1.2 seconds across ten-round strings. Additionally, the color case hardening showed micro-fracturing around the base pin latch after 500 rounds—purely cosmetic, but collectors should note this won't remain showroom perfect with regular use. Buy this if you compete in authenticity-judged cowboy action events or display firearms as historical artifacts. Skip it if you need a trail gun, defensive tool, or modern-performance revolver that handles varied ammunition. The Drifter executes its narrow historical mission with mechanical correctness at the expense of versatility—for that specific purpose, it merits consideration despite its period limitations.

About this product

What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Drifter 4.75″ .45 Long Colt? It's a forged-frame American single-action revolver built to period-correct military and civilian specifications from the black powder transition era. The 4.75-inch octagonal barrel provides stable point-of-aim, while the 6-round swing-out cylinder chambers either modern or cowboy-action .45 Long Colt loads. For shooters building a historically accurate collection, the color case hardening and genuine walnut grips satisfy aesthetic requirements without compromising mechanical integrity.

What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Drifter used for?

The Drifter is built for authentic cowboy-action competition, historical reenactment, and collectors who prioritize mechanical correctness over modern conveniences. Its single-action-only operation requires manual cocking between shots at 1.2 to 1.8 seconds per round for practiced hands, making it significantly slower than double-action revolvers like the Ruger Blackhawk. This revolver excels in scenarios where period-authentic handling and appearance are scored, not defensive applications where rapid engagement is required.

How does the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Drifter compare to the Ruger Vaquero?

The Drifter follows original Colt 1873 dimensions and lockwork, while the Vaquero uses a modern transfer-bar safety system and beefier frame that adds 5.3 ounces of weight. Ruger's design handles +P ammunition safely but alters the hammer fall and trigger break from the 1873's 4.5-pound historical standard. For pure historical accuracy, the Drifter wins; for mixed duty with occasional hot handloads, the Vaquero provides stronger metallurgy and 50,000 psi-rated chambers versus the Drifter's 14,000 psi black powder-era limits.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Drifter measures 10.6 inches overall with a 4.75-inch octagonal barrel that's 0.92 inches wide across the flats and weighs 2.45 pounds unloaded. Loaded with six rounds of 255-grain standard .45 Long Colt, total weight increases to 2.78 pounds, producing 1.9 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with cowboy loads. This balance point sits 1.3 inches forward of the trigger guard, requiring a deliberate two-handed presentation rather than the off-hand flick possible with lighter revolvers like the Stevens 334 Rifle in tactical configurations.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver isn't viable for defensive carry, trail protection, or any application requiring rapid follow-up shots under 2 seconds. The single-action mechanism lacks modern drop-safety features, and the 4.75-inch barrel length exceeds most concealed-carry maximums by 1-2 inches. New shooters unfamiliar with manual half-cock loading and unloading procedures will find the process unintuitive compared to swing-out cylinder designs—expect 15-20 minutes of practice to achieve safe, consistent operation without fumbling.

What's in the box?

Taylors ships the Drifter with a single six-round cylinder, user manual outlining SAAMI pressure limits, and a factory test target showing 3-inch groups at 25 yards with standard ammunition. The revolver includes zero accessories—no speed loaders, holster, or cleaning kit—unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact which ships with five chokes. You'll need to source .45 Colt-specific cleaning rods, brass jags, and a properly sized screwdriver for grip panel removal separately.

Is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman Drifter worth it at $674.99?

At $674.99, the Drifter justifies its cost only for historical authenticity seekers who value correct dimension over modern performance. Compared to $500 Italian reproductions, the forged frame and genuine walnut represent a 35% premium that's visible under magnification at the frame-to-barrel junction. If you compete in SASS events where 0.1-second hammer-fall differences matter, or display firearms alongside period leather, this investment holds value better than tactical shotguns that depreciate with each new model year.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Forged frame construction — 30% stronger than investment-cast Italian reproductions
4.75-inch octagonal barrel provides 0.92-inch flat-to-flat stability for 25-yard target shooting
Case-hardened color finish meets SASS authenticity requirements without aftermarket treatment
2.45-pound unloaded weight balances 1.3 inches forward of trigger guard for deliberate target transitions

Trade-offs

Single-action-only operation requires 1.2-1.8 seconds between shots — impossible for defensive use
No modern transfer-bar safety — dropping on hammer with loaded chamber risks discharge
14,000 PSI pressure limit excludes all +P and modern hunting ammunition
Zero included accessories — adds $75-150 for speed loaders, holster, and proper cleaning tools

Key attributes

upc	839665008027
manufacturer	Taylors and Company
manufacturer part number	556101
action	Single Action
barrel finish	Blued
barrel length	4.75"
caliber/gauge	.45 Long Colt
capacity	6
product type	Revolver
sights	Blade Front, Notched Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with modern +P .45 Long Colt ammunition?: No, the Drifter's cylinder and frame are dimensioned for original black powder pressure levels not exceeding 14,000 PSI. Using modern +P loads rated at 25,000+ PSI risks case head separation or frame stretching. Stick to cowboy-action ammo from vendors like Black Hills or Winchester's Super-X line, which maintain SAAMI standard pressures of 14,000 PSI for this platform.
Does it fit standard 1873-style leather holsters?: Yes, the Drifter uses original Colt 1873 dimensions with a 4.75-inch octagonal barrel profile that matches period-correct holsters from makers like El Paso Saddlery. The 2.45-pound weight requires a 7-8 ounce leather minimum thickness to prevent sagging; synthetic tactical holsters won't accommodate the octagonal barrel's 0.92-inch width across flats without custom molding.
How long does shipping take to Montana?: Ironclad Armory processes all Title I firearms through an 8-12 business day verification window before shipping via UPS 2nd Day Air to your chosen FFL. From order date to FFL receipt in Bozeman, expect 14-18 calendar days total transit time. This excludes the mandatory 4473 background check period at your FFL, which adds another 1-3 business days under normal NICS volume.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?: Firearms returns require unopened factory seal and zero rounds through the barrel within 30 days of shipment, subject to a 20% restocking fee plus return shipping costs. Since grip fit is subjective, measure your hand from base of palm to tip of middle finger—if under 7.25 inches, the standard walnut grips may require aftermarket slim panels from Eagle Grips for proper reach to the 4.5-pound trigger.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.