Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman 9mm 5.5″ Blued Revolver
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About this product
The Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman 9mm 5.5″ Blued Revolver is a New Model-frame reproduction chambered in 9mm Luger, delivering reliable single-action performance through modern metallurgy with traditional aesthetics. This revolver follows the mechanical blueprint of the classic Peacemaker but accepts widely available 9mm ammunition instead of period-correct cartridges. With modern charcoaled bluing and a 5.5-inch round barrel mounted on a case-hardened frame, it bridges historical shooting sports and practical range use.
What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Cattleman 9mm 5.5″ Blued Revolver used for?
The 1873 Cattleman 9mm is primarily used for single-action shooting sports, historical reenactment training, and as a dedicated 9mm practice wheelgun. Its mechanics enforce deliberate fire discipline at the range, while a 6-round cylinder and 9mm compatibility reduce per-shot cost compared to .45 Colt or .44-40 chamberings. The 35-ounce overall weight and 11.1-inch length demand two-handed carry but provide a stable shooting platform for timed events or bullseye targets.
How does the 1873 Cattleman 9mm compare to a Ruger New Vaquero?
The 1873 Cattleman maintains more authentic external proportions and a period-correct hammer shape than the modernized Ruger New Vaquero. Ruger's transfer bar safety system provides modern drop-safe capability that the traditional Cattleman lacks, making the Ruger functionally safer for general carry. For historical accuracy and competition rules compliance, the Cattleman's mechanical purity gives it an edge, while the Ruger New Vaquero offers stronger metallurgy and integrated safety for newer shooters.
What does the 1873 Cattleman 9mm weigh and what are its dimensions?
The unloaded weight measures 35.2 ounces (2.20 pounds) with an 11.10-inch overall length from muzzle to grip base. Barrel length is exactly 5.50 inches with a round profile, while cylinder width measures 1.73 inches across at its widest point. This creates a balanced feel that mitigates muzzle flip with standard 124-grain 9mm loads, particularly when compared to lighter polymer-framed alternatives like the Stevens 334 bolt-action platform.
Who is the 1873 Cattleman 9mm NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for defensive carry or rapid reload scenarios requiring moon clips. The traditional single-action mechanism requires manual cocking before each shot, eliminating double-action capability for follow-up shots. Shooters prioritizing tactical training or home defense should examine modern revolvers with transfer bar safeties or semi-automatic pistols rather than this period-correct reproduction.
What's in the box with the 1873 Cattleman 9mm?
The factory packaging includes the complete revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and factory test-fire documentation verifying proofing and headspace. No speed loaders, moon clips, or additional accessories ship standard, requiring separate purchase of .357/.38 caliber loading blocks for efficient range sessions. The walnut grips arrive pre-fitted with no additional panel options included.
Is the 1873 Cattleman 9mm worth $628.99?
The Cattleman 9mm justifies its $628.99 price point for shooters specifically requiring a single-action silhouette or cowboy action firearm chambered in 9mm. Compared to centerfire competition from Stevens 555 shotguns, the pricing reflects precise fitting of the cylinder timing and hand-finished bluing rather than mass-production economics. For general recreational shooting in 9mm, a modern double-action revolver or semi-automatic pistol typically offers better value with higher capacity and faster operation.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Uses widely available 9mm Luger ammunition — costs approximately $0.28 per round for practice loads versus $0.80+ for .45 Colt.
- 5.50-inch barrel provides 850-900 fps velocity with 124-grain FMJ, improving ballistic consistency over 4-inch sheriff's models.
- Case-hardened frame shows authentic color case patterns, unlike plain nitrided or parkerized reproductions.
- 11.10-inch overall length creates a 7.5-inch sight radius for improved accuracy over shorter 4.75-inch barrel variants.
Trade-offs
- Requires manual cocking before every shot — adds approximately 1.5 seconds per shot versus double-action revolvers.
- No transfer bar safety — traditional half-cock notch only prevents accidental discharge if properly engaged.
- Cylinder lacks moon clip compatibility — reloading six rounds takes 12-15 seconds versus 3-5 seconds with clips.
- Blued finish shows holster wear quickly — expects visible high-point polish after 50-100 draw cycles.
Key attributes
| upc | 810012513098 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 551018 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 1873 Cattleman 9mm compatible with +P ammunition?
- Taylor & Company does not recommend +P or +P+ 9mm ammunition due to the frame’s historical metallurgy limits. Standard pressure 9mm Luger loads up to 35,000 PSI are safe for regular use, but extended +P exposure accelerates cylinder throat erosion and timing wear.
- Does the 1873 Cattleman accept half-moon or full-moon clips for 9mm?
- No, the cylinder lacks the internal recesses required for moon clip retention. All 9mm cartridges must be individually loaded and extracted with the rod under the barrel or manually plucked after firing. This limits reload speed compared to modern 9mm revolvers like the Ruger LCRx.
- How long does Ironclad Armory shipping take for firearms?
- Ironclad Armory processes all firearm transfers within 3-5 business days after receiving a copy of your FFL holder’s license. Actual transit time via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air adds 2-4 additional business days depending on your local carrier’s handgun delivery schedule.
- Can I return the revolver if it doesn’t fit my hand?
- Firearms are final sale once transferred through an FFL, per Ironclad Armory’s compliance policy. We recommend handling similar single-actions at a local dealer before purchase. Grip dimensions measure 4.75 inches from backstrap to frontstrap with a 2.25-inch circumference at the widest point.
- Does this work with a standard 9mm shell holder for reloading?
- Yes, standard 9mm Luger shell holders from RCBS, Lee, or Hornady work for reloading fired brass. Case length after firing typically measures 0.754 inches, requiring a standard 9mm sizing die. No special shell plate or adapter is needed for progressive press setups.