Taylors and Company Gunfighter Defender .45 Colt, 5.5″ Barrel
About this product
The Taylors and Company Gunfighter Defender .45 Colt is a modern single-action revolver that pairs period-correct styling with reliable big-bore performance. Built on a forged steel frame with a 5.5-inch barrel and six-shot cylinder, this revolver maintains the classic handling characteristics of Frontier-era designs while incorporating subtle ergonomic improvements. For shooters who appreciate the mechanical simplicity of single-action operation but want modern manufacturing consistency, the Gunfighter Defender delivers authentic aesthetics without the maintenance headaches of actual antique firearms.
What is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter Defender used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated range toy and historical shooting platform, not a defensive or hunting sidearm. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, making it unsuitable for rapid engagement scenarios. With its 5.5-inch barrel and 6-round capacity, it's optimized for deliberate target shooting at distances under 25 yards where the .45 Colt cartridge delivers manageable recoil and satisfying impact.
How does the Gunfighter Defender compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Gunfighter Defender offers entirely different ballistic capabilities than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, with the revolver generating approximately 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy versus the rifle's 2,600 foot-pounds. While the Stevens provides practical hunting performance at 200+ yards, the Taylors revolver delivers historical authenticity at close range. The rifle is objectively more versatile for practical applications, but the revolver provides superior nostalgic value for Western shooting enthusiasts.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 2 pounds 8 ounces with an overall length of 11 inches from muzzle to grip frame. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 7.25 inches, while the Army-size walnut grips measure 1.5 inches wide at their thickest point. These dimensions create a well-balanced revolver that points naturally while maintaining the substantial feel characteristic of Frontier-era sidearms.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is inappropriate for concealed carry, home defense, or any scenario requiring rapid follow-up shots. The single-action mechanism adds approximately 2 seconds to each shot sequence compared to modern double-action revolvers. First-time handgun owners should consider a Stevens 555 shotgun for more forgiving operation, while tactical shooters will find the manual cocking requirement compromises defensive readiness.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round moon clip for faster loading, and a basic silicone cleaning cloth. Unlike many modern firearms, it ships without a hard case or lock—expect simple cardboard packaging with foam inserts. The absence of accessories reflects the no-frills approach traditional revolver buyers typically prefer.
Is the Taylors and Company Gunfighter Defender worth it at $851.99?
At $852, this revolver delivers fair value for collectors and Western shooting enthusiasts seeking authentic handling characteristics. The case-hardened frame and walnut grips represent approximately $150-200 in premium finishes over basic blued models. For comparison, custom-tuned single-actions from smaller shops typically start around $1,200, making the Taylors offering a reasonable entry point into quality historical firearms.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 5.5-inch barrel provides 7.25-inch sight radius for precise aiming
- Army-size walnut grip measures 1.5 inches wide for superior control
- Forged steel frame withstands 14,000 PSI .45 Colt pressure safely
- Six-shot capacity matches historical single-action revolver standards
Trade-offs
- Single-action mechanism requires manual cocking adding 2 seconds per shot
- No accessory rail or sight options without custom machining
- Army-size grip may be too large for shooters with hand sizes under 7.5 inches
- Blued finish shows wear more readily than modern coatings after 500+ rounds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012512169 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | RC1/555170DE |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, the Gunfighter Defender handles standard pressure .45 Colt loads up to 14,000 PSI safely. Avoid +P ammunition, as the forged steel frame isn't rated for pressures exceeding 20,000 PSI like modern revolvers. Stick with factory loads from Federal, Winchester, or Hornady for optimal performance.
- Does it fit standard single-action holsters?
- The 5.5-inch barrel and Army-size grip require holsters specifically designed for 1860 Army replicas. Standard Ruger Vaquero holsters will be too tight by approximately 0.25 inches. We recommend Taylor's own leather rigs or custom options from El Paso Saddlery for proper fit.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 additional days depending on your location. We coordinate directly with your chosen FFL holder to ensure all ATF Form 4473 requirements are completed before release.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day inspection period for manufacturing defects, with Taylor's Company backing the revolver with a 1-year warranty on the firing mechanism. Returns require documentation of the specific issue and must be shipped through our authorized carrier network at our expense.
- Does this work with aftermarket sight options?
- The front sight is integral to the barrel and cannot be easily replaced, while the rear notch is machined into the frame. Aftermarket options are limited to custom machining services starting around $150. For adjustable sights, consider Taylor's Ultimate Defender model instead.