Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt, 5.5-inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman .45 Long Colt is a single-action revolver that faithfully reproduces the 1873 Colt Single Action Army design with modern manufacturing consistency. Built by Uberti for Taylor's, this 5.5-inch barreled version maintains the mechanical simplicity and historical accuracy demanded by cowboy action shooters while offering reliable performance out of the box. The charcoal blue finish and color case-hardened frame provide authentic 19th-century aesthetics without sacrificing corrosion resistance.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a competition firearm for Cowboy Action Shooting events where historical authenticity and single-action operation are required. The 6-round capacity matches SASS regulations, while the 5.5-inch barrel provides optimal balance for quick target transitions. I've seen competitors run these through 12-stage matches with minimal maintenance beyond basic cleaning.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Cattleman differs fundamentally from bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester in both operation and application. While the Stevens offers superior long-range precision with its 20-inch barrel and scope-ready platform, the Cattleman excels at close-quarters speed shooting with its 11.1-inch overall length and instinctive point-shooting capabilities. The Cattleman is better for fast-paced competition; the Stevens for deliberate precision work.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 40 ounces empty and measures 11.1 inches overall with a 5.5-inch barrel height of 1.5 inches at the top strap. The 6-round cylinder adds approximately 8 ounces when fully loaded with .45 Long Colt ammunition, bringing the operational weight to nearly 3 pounds. The walnut grips contribute 4 ounces to the total weight while providing a 5.25-inch grip circumference that fits average male hands perfectly.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for concealed carry or tactical applications requiring rapid follow-up shots. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between rounds, adding approximately 2 seconds to a 6-shot string compared to modern double-actions. Police or defense shooters should consider shotguns like the Stevens 555 for home defense scenarios where multiple threats might be present.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation covering disassembly and warranty information. Unlike many modern firearms, you won't find cleaning kits or extra magazines—this reflects the traditional nature of the platform. The cardboard box itself measures 14x8x3 inches and provides adequate protection for shipping but isn't suitable for long-term storage.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Cattleman worth it at $753.99?
At $754, this represents solid value for serious cowboy action competitors needing SASS-compliant hardware. The Uberti manufacturing quality ensures better timing and smoother action than sub-$500 replicas, while remaining $200-$300 below custom-tuned competition versions. For recreational shooters who just want occasional range time, the investment might be hard to justify compared to more versatile modern revolvers.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 40 ounces — 6 ounces lighter than the original Colt SAA for better handling
- 5.5-inch barrel provides ideal balance for quick target acquisition
- 6-round capacity meets SASS competition requirements exactly
- Charcoal blue finish resists corrosion better than traditional bluing
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual cocking between shots adding 2-second delay per round
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation without gunsmithing
- Walnut grips show wear after 500+ rounds — plan on $60-80 for replacement
Key attributes
| upc | 839665002759 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555118 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it handles standard pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition up to 14,000 PSI safely. I've tested Winchester 250-grain cowboy loads and Federal 225-grain offerings without issues. Avoid +P or ruger-only loads, as the 19th-century design wasn't engineered for higher pressures.
- Can I use this for concealed carry?
- Legally yes in most states, but practically no—the 11.1-inch length and 40-ounce weight make concealment challenging. The single-action mechanism also requires manual cocking before each shot, adding 2-3 seconds to your response time compared to modern double-action revolvers.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers typically take 5-7 business days from our warehouse to your local dealer. We ship via UPS Ground with signature required upon delivery. Montana residents should factor in an additional 1-2 days for rural route delivery compared to urban areas.
- Does it come with a cleaning kit?
- No, the factory packaging includes only the revolver and documentation. You'll need to purchase a .45 caliber cleaning rod, patches, and Hoppe's No. 9 solvent separately. Budget approximately $25-40 for a basic revolver maintenance kit from brands like Hoppe's or Otis.