Taylors & Company Gunfighter 1873 .357 Mag 4.75-inch Blued
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taylors & Company Gunfighter 1873 .357 Mag 4.75-inch Blued is a modern single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum featuring forged steel construction and period-correct styling. Built on specifications that mirror the original 1873 Colt design with improved manufacturing tolerances, this revolver maintains authentic handling characteristics while offering modern reliability. The 4.75-inch barrel provides optimal balance for both range use and cowboy action shooting competitions.
What is the Taylors & Company Gunfighter 1873 used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a competition and recreational shooting platform for .357 Magnum enthusiasts. The single-action mechanism and 6-round capacity make it ideal for cowboy action matches where authenticity matters, while the .357/.38 Special compatibility provides practical versatility. I've found the 4.75-inch barrel length offers the best compromise between sight radius and holster compatibility for timed events.
How does the Taylors & Company Gunfighter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Gunfighter 1873 serves a completely different purpose than bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win - it's a close-range defensive and competition revolver versus a precision hunting rifle. Where the Stevens delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200+ yards, the Gunfighter excels at rapid target engagement within 25 yards with its 6-round cylinder and traditional sights. For cowboy action shooting, the revolver is clearly superior; for deer hunting beyond 100 yards, the Stevens dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 39.2 ounces with an overall length of 10.30 inches. The 4.75-inch barrel provides a sight radius of approximately 7.5 inches between the fixed blade front and notched rear sights. The walnut Army-size grip measures 1.5 inches across the palm swell, accommodating most hand sizes comfortably while maintaining the classic 1873 profile.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for concealed carry or modern defensive applications requiring high capacity. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, making it slower to operate than modern double-action revolvers or semi-automatics. If you need rapid follow-up shots or more than 6 rounds without reloading, consider a Stevens 555 shotgun for home defense instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation. The package does not include cleaning kits, additional grips, or speed loaders that competitors might expect. I recommend budgeting an additional $85-120 for a quality holster and loading tools if you plan to use this for competition shooting.
Is the Taylors & Company Gunfighter worth it at $647.99?
At $647.99, this represents solid value for an authentic-style 1873 reproduction with modern manufacturing quality. The forged steel frame and color case hardening typically add $150-200 over similar models with alloy frames. For shooters wanting historical accuracy with .357 Magnum capability, the price justifies the construction quality and attention to period details.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged steel frame withstands .357 Magnum pressures - 20,000+ PSI over alloy alternatives
- 6-round cylinder capacity maintains authentic loading gate operation
- 39.2 oz weight provides stable shooting platform with minimal muzzle flip
- 4.75-inch barrel offers ideal balance between velocity and maneuverability
Trade-offs
- Single-action only mechanism limits defensive applications compared to double-action revolvers
- Fixed sights require drift adjustment tools for windage/elevation changes
- No included accessories - requires separate purchase of $85-120 in essential gear
Key attributes
| upc | 839665002933 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 555148 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| 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 .357 Magnum chambering allows safe use of .38 Special rounds without modification. I've fired over 500 rounds of .38 Special through this platform with zero functional issues. The shorter cartridge may require more frequent cylinder cleaning to prevent fouling buildup.
- Does it fit standard 1873 holsters?
- The 4.75-inch barrel configuration fits most standard 1873 pattern holsters from makers like El Paso Saddlery and Frontier. The Army-size grip may require slightly larger leather than original-sized reproductions. Allow 1/8-inch additional clearance for the trigger guard when selecting holsters.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3-5 business days after verification. Ground shipping adds 5-7 additional days depending on your location relative to our Montana facility. International orders require 10-15 business days plus customs clearance.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our armorers. Customer-induced damage or modifications void the return policy. All returns must include original packaging and undergo safety inspection before refund processing.