Taylors and Company Smoke Wagon .357 Magnum 4.75in Revolver
About this product
The Taylors and Company Smoke Wagon .357 Magnum 4.75in Revolver is a single-action reproduction revolver built with modern manufacturing precision while maintaining authentic 19th-century cowboy pistol aesthetics. This Italian-made Uberti derivative features precise machining and metallurgy improvements over original designs while retaining the manual safety protocols required for single-action operation. It bridges historical authenticity with reliable range performance for enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical nostalgia but demand consistent ignition and durability.
What is the Smoke Wagon .357 Magnum used for?
The Smoke Wagon excels in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions, range plinking, and as a collector's piece for historical firearms enthusiasts. Its single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, enforcing disciplined firing rhythm while the 4.75-inch barrel provides a balance between sight radius accuracy and holster carry convenience. The .357 Magnum chambering allows use of milder .38 Special rounds for reduced recoil training or full-power magnum loads for competition scoring.
How does the Smoke Wagon compare to the Ruger Blackhawk?
The Smoke Wagon prioritizes historical authenticity while the Ruger Blackhawk emphasizes modern safety engineering with its transfer bar system. Ruger's design allows safe carry with six rounds chambered while the Smoke Wagon requires an empty chamber under the hammer for safety, adhering to original 1873 Colt patterns. The Blackhawk's frame is 0.2 lbs heavier at 2.65 lbs due to its reinforced internal mechanism, making it more durable for sustained magnum use but less period-correct in handling characteristics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Smoke Wagon weighs 2.45 lbs (1110 grams) with an overall length of 10.35 inches and cylinder width of 1.73 inches. The 4.75-inch barrel provides a 7.5-inch sight radius from front blade to rear notch, while the walnut grip measures 4.25 inches in circumference at its widest point. These dimensions create a balanced feel that minimizes muzzle rise during rapid single-action firing sequences common in timed competition stages.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is unsuitable for tactical or defensive use due to its single-action mechanism requiring manual cocking before each shot. Seekers of modern polymer-frame concealed carry weapons should consider the Stevens 334 Rifle series for home defense or the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun for clay target applications where faster follow-up shots are critical. The mandatory empty chamber carry protocol makes it impractical for emergency response scenarios requiring immediate first-shot capability.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 6-round capacity cylinder, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and cleaning procedures. Unlike modern firearms, it does not include a cable lock or hard case—expect simple cardboard packaging with foam inserts. Purchase separately a quality leather holster like the Kirkpatrick Single-Action rig and a loading tool for efficient cylinder management during range sessions.
Is the Smoke Wagon worth it at $689.99?
At $689.99, the Smoke Wagon delivers authentic single-action mechanics with improved metallurgy over vintage originals costing $2000+ in comparable condition. The investment justifies itself for CAS competitors needing period-correct equipment or collectors appreciating the color case-hardening process that creates unique surface patterns on each frame. Budget-conscious shooters might prefer the Stevens 334 Rifle platform at $450-550 for higher practical accuracy, but sacrifice the historical appeal and mechanical elegance of true single-action revolver operation.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic color case-hardening - each frame shows unique 19th-century style temper colors
- 2.45 lb weight balances perfectly for rapid single-action shooting sequences
- Precision machined parts with 0.003-inch cylinder gap consistency across production runs
Trade-offs
- No transfer bar safety - requires carrying with empty chamber under hammer per original design
- Walnut grips lack modern texture - may require aftermarket checkering for sweaty hands
- Fixed sights require filing for zeroing - adds gunsmithing cost for precision shooters
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665004715 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550810 |
| 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 Smoke Wagon safely fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges due to identical cartridge dimensions. The .38 Special cycles at lower pressures averaging 17,000 PSI versus 35,000 PSI for magnum loads, reducing recoil by approximately 40%. Always verify ammunition meets SAAMI specifications before firing.
- Does it fit standard SAA holsters?
- The Smoke Wagon uses dimensions matching Colt Single Action Army patterns, fitting most leather holsters designed for 4.75-inch barrel models. The cylinder width of 1.73 inches requires open-top designs rather than thumb-break retention systems. Popular options include El Paso Saddlery #88 rigs or Kirkpatrick Longhunter models for competition use.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically require 3-5 business days processing plus 2-3 days transit via FedEx or UPS to Montana addresses. The transfer process at your local FFL adds 1-2 business days for background check completion. Expect total delivery time of 6-10 business days from order placement to pickup.
- Can I return it if I dislike the single-action mechanism?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, unless manufacturing defects are found within 30 days. We recommend renting a similar single-action revolver at a local range like [Bozeman Trap Club](/blog/bozeman-range-guide/) before purchase if uncertain about the manual cocking requirement.