Taylors & Company Drifter 357 Mag 5.5in Single-Action Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Case-hardened steel frame provides authentic 1873 durability - won't crack like pot metal clones.
- 5.5-inch barrel offers a practical 8.75-inch sight radius for improved accuracy over snub-nose models.
- Weighs 40 oz (2.5 lbs) - provides stable shooting platform that dampens .357 Magnum recoil.
- "Taylor Tuned" action from factory yields a consistent 3.5–4 lb hammer pull, better than out-of-the-box Italian imports.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only - requires manual hammer cocking for every shot, unsuitable for modern defensive use.
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable for windage or elevation - zeroing requires filing or replacement.
- Six-round cylinder capacity is low compared to modern 7 or 8-shot .357 Magnum revolvers.
- No transfer bar safety as standard - must keep an empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors & Company Drifter 357 Mag 5.5in Single-Action Revolver is a faithfully manufactured, six-shot single-action revolver designed for shooters who require traditional manual-of-arms combined with modern .357 Magnum capability. This isn't a museum piece or a film prop; it's a working firearm built on the 1873 pattern with a genuine case-hardened steel frame and a 5.5-inch barrel that provides a practical balance between sight radius and holsterability. The design prioritizes mechanical reliability and straightforward ergonomics over modern tactical features, making it a deliberate choice for a specific type of user.
What is the Taylors & Company Drifter 357 Mag used for?
The Drifter excels as a dedicated field gun for hunting, a training tool for mastering single-action fundamentals, and a centerpiece for SASS-style competition. Its 5.5-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for hunting varmints or medium game with appropriate .357 Magnum loads, while the fixed sights and 2.5-pound heft make it stable for deliberate, aimed fire. I consistently recommend it to students who need to learn trigger discipline and sight alignment without the crutch of a light, polymer-frame handgun.
How does the Taylors & Company Drifter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Drifter is a close-quarters revolver for deliberate shooting, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a bolt-action platform for precise engagement at distance. For putting meat in the freezer, the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers superior terminal ballistics and effective range beyond 200 yards. However, for a packable, multi-role firearm under 50 yards or for training raw marksmanship fundamentals, the Drifter's manual-of-arms forces a slower, more disciplined shot process that builds better habits.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 40 ounces (2.5 pounds) unloaded and measures 11.10 inches in overall length. The cylinder diameter is 1.70 inches, and the height from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the grip is 5.25 inches. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a sight radius of approximately 8.75 inches between the fixed front blade and the rear notch, which is sufficient for consistent hits on a 6-inch steel plate at 25 yards from a rested position.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a modern defensive sidearm for concealed carry or high-speed use. The single-action requirement of manually cocking the hammer for each shot makes it unsuitable for defensive scenarios against multiple threats. If your primary use case is home defense or everyday carry, a modern double-action revolver or a semiautomatic pistol like those built on the prevalent Glock pattern will serve you far better with higher capacity and faster follow-up shots.
What’s in the box?
You receive the revolver, a generic plastic hard case, and a basic owner's manual. Do not expect additional accessories like speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or a premium holster. The "Taylor Tuned" action work is performed at the factory; the packaging is utilitarian. For your first range trip, plan to purchase .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition, a bore brush in .35 caliber, and a appropriate revolver cleaning rod separately.
Is the Taylors & Company Drifter worth it at $778.99?
At $778.99, the Drifter is priced for the shooter who values authentic construction and wants a reliable, no-frills single-action that works. You are paying for the solid steel construction, the case-hardening process, and the hand-fitted nature of a traditional revolver, not for CNC-milled precision or polymer frames. Compared to a budget Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun, you are investing in a different type of craftsmanship. If your goal is historical shooting sports or mastering a fundamental platform, the price is justified. If you simply want a .357 Magnum handgun, more versatile modern options exist for less.
Key attributes
| upc | 858944006783 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 556105DE |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.4 |
| sights | Fixed Blade | Notch Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Drifter is fully chambered for .38 Special, which allows for lower-recoil, less expensive practice. The cylinder will accept and fire any standard pressure or +P .38 Special round, as the .357 Magnum chamber is dimensioned to accommodate the shorter cartridge. I recommend a thorough cleaning after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup in the longer .357 chamber.
- Does this fit standard SASS competition holsters?
- Yes, the Drifter's 5.5-inch barrel and traditional SAA profile are designed to fit standard Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) leather. Most holsters built for a Colt-style 1873 Single Action Army or clone with a 5.5-inch barrel will accommodate it. For a precise fit, verify the specific holster model is listed for "Colt SAA 5.5" or "Uberti Cattleman 5.5."
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3–5 business days from order verification to carrier pickup. Transit time to your chosen FFL dealer depends on location, usually adding another 2–7 business days via ground shipping. Your FFL must have their license on file with us before the firearm ships; you should contact them to initiate that process immediately after purchase.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Returns for defective workmanship or material are handled directly through Taylors & Company's warranty service, not through the retailer. The manufacturer provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. You must contact Taylors & Company directly for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number; the process for repair or replacement typically takes 4–6 weeks from receipt at their facility.
- Does this work with a quick-draw leather holster?
- It will physically fit, but the 40-ounce weight and 11.10-inch length make it suboptimal for genuine fast-draw competition compared to dedicated, lighter models. The heft affects the smoothness of the draw from a buscadero rig. For casual use or SASS-style stages with deliberate shooting, it's fine; for focused fast-draw events, competitors often use specifically tuned, lighter revolvers.