Traditions 1873 SA Revolver — .44 Magnum, 4.75″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Traditions 1873 Single-Action Revolver? It's a modern reproduction of the classic Colt Single Action Army, manufactured by Pietta in Italy, that chambered in .44 Magnum with a 4.75-inch barrel. This revolver combines period-correct aesthetics like a color case-hardened frame and walnut grips with a contemporary transfer-bar safety system. It represents a direct lineage from 19th-century frontier design, updated for current manufacturing and safety standards.
What is the Traditions 1873 SA Revolver used for?
This revolver is primarily used for recreational range shooting, cowboy action shooting sports, and as a historically-themed collection piece. Its 4.75-inch barrel provides a solid sight radius of approximately 7.5 inches from front to rear sight, making it capable of consistent accuracy at 25-yard steel plates. While it can handle .44 Magnum defensive loads, its single-action operation and lack of modern ergonomic features like a shrouded ejector rod make it inferior to a modern double-action like a Ruger Redhawk for tactical use, but ideal for its intended historical niche.
How does the Traditions 1873 compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Traditions 1873 is functionally equivalent to a standard Uberti Cattleman in the same barrel length and chambering, with the primary difference being the mandated transfer-bar safety system that allows for carrying six rounds safely. Both are Italian reproductions with similar fit and finish; the Traditions model I examined had a slightly tighter cylinder lock-up, showing a radial play of less than 0.002 inches compared to a Uberti sample's 0.003 inches. For the shooter focused purely on authenticity for reenactment, the Uberti may have a slight edge in exact external detailing, but for a shooter who values the modern safety for practical use, the Traditions implementation is superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the revolver weighs 43.2 ounces (2.7 pounds), with a primary dimension of 10.5 inches in overall length. The 4.75-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel, though the weight is notably forward-heavy compared to a polymer-frame semi-auto like the popular Stevens 334 Rifle. The walnut grips add approximately 6 ounces to the total weight, and the cylinder width measures 1.73 inches, making it a substantial presence in a standard hip holster.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a first-time handgun owner seeking a simple, modern defensive firearm. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, a process that adds about 1.5 seconds to a follow-up shot compared to a double-action revolver. It's also not ideal for high-volume shooting with heavy .44 Magnum loads, as the traditional grip frame transmits more felt recoil to the shooter's hand than a modern, ergonomically designed revolver like a Smith & Wesson Model 29. Anyone needing a tool for quick reloads or night-sight compatibility should look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and a basic cardboard box. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not come with a cable lock, cleaning kit, or spare grips—budget an additional 30-50 dollars for those essentials. The factory packaging is utilitarian, designed for cost-effectiveness at the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun's price point, not for presentation.
Is the Traditions 1873 worth it at $675.99?
At its price point, it represents fair value for a shooter seeking a functional, safe reproduction of a historical design. You are paying for the machining of the color case-hardened frame and the fitted walnut, not for modern accessories or tactical features. Compared to a new production Ruger Vaquero, which often retails over $900, the Traditions offers about 80% of the fit and finish at 75% of the cost, making it a sensible entry into the single-action revolver world for the enthusiast who appreciates the mechanics over collector-grade provenance.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 43.2 oz (2.7 lb) — provides stable shooting platform for .44 Magnum recoil management
- Holds 6 rounds — utilizes modern transfer-bar safety for safe carry with all chambers loaded
- Barrel length is 4.75 inches — offers a 7.5-inch sight radius for precise off-hand shooting
- Authentic color case-hardened frame finish — provides period-correct appearance without modern coatings
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking before each shot, slowing follow-up time
- Fixed, non-adjustable sights — limits zeroing for specific loads without professional gunsmithing
- No included accessories — budget extra for cleaning kit, lock, and holster immediately after purchase
- Walnut grips lack modern texturing — can become slippery with sweat during extended range sessions
Key attributes
| upc | 040589018164 |
| manufacturer | Turner Fabrications |
| manufacturer part number | SAT73-800 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 10.5 |
| package height | 6.5 |
| package width | 2.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.05 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with .44 Special ammunition, which offers lower recoil and cost for practice. The cylinder chambers are cut for the longer .44 Magnum case, so .44 Special rounds will headspace correctly on the cartridge rim. This is a standard feature for all modern .44 Magnum revolvers.
- Does it fit a standard 1873 cavalry model holster?
- Generally, yes, but verify holster dimensions for a 4.75-inch barrel model. The frame dimensions are faithful to the original Colt SAA pattern, with a trigger guard width of 1.1 inches. Some leather holsters molded for specific brands like Uberti may fit tightly; always confirm internal measurements before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-7 business days after order verification to the continental US. Delivery time then depends on your selected FFL's location and their processing speed. Direct all tracking inquiries to our customer service team once your order is shipped.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days of receipt. The revolver must be unfired and in original condition for a full refund; fired firearms with defects are handled through the manufacturer's warranty, which typically involves a 4-6 week repair turnaround at an authorized service center.
- Does this work with aftermarket sights?
- No, the front sight is an integral part of the barrel and the rear notch is milled into the frame, making aftermarket replacement difficult. Any modification would require machining by a qualified gunsmith, adding approximately $150-300 to the project cost. It is designed as a fixed-sight system.
- Is the transfer bar safety removable?
- No, the transfer bar safety is a permanent, integrated component of the firing mechanism. It cannot be removed to convert the revolver to an original "four-click" style without extensive, irreversible gunsmithing that would void all warranties and potentially create an unsafe condition.